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Home » Blog » 30 Uses for Epsom Salts

30 Uses for Epsom Salts

By Gabriela on March 30, 2020 * 33 Comments

Think It’s Just for Toenails – Think Again!

What are Epsom salts? Magnesium Sulfate, aka Epsom Salt, is one of the world’s hidden wonders! It gets its name from the place it was discovered, Epsom England, a small borough in Surrey, where the salt was produced from the springs that bubble up and meet non-porous London clay.

What Are Epsom Salts Made Of?

“Epsom salt is made of magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve health in numerous ways. A lack of magnesium—which helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body—can contribute to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues, doctors warn.

Sulfate is essential for many biological processes, helping to flush toxins and helping form proteins in joints, brain tissue, and mucin proteins.” Epsom Salt Council.

People consume Epsom salt by dissolving it in water, creating an Epsom salt solution, then drink it.

It is a different compound than table salt. While Epsom salt is made of magnesium and sulfate, table salt is composed of a mineral compound that is sodium chloride like kosher salt and sea salt.  However, sea salt also contains magnesium.

It is because of magnesium sulfate that Epsom salt is used in many at-home spa remedies. Magnesium and sulfate make the Epsom salt a natural skin exfoliant and anti-inflammatory.

Magnesium sulfate helps treat dry skin, aches and pains on the muscles, small wounds and even to fight illness especially stress-related illnesses.

How Does Epsom Salt Work in the Body?

When it is dissolved in water, Epsom salt releases sulfate and magnesium ions. The magnesium sulfate particles are then absorbed by the skin and/or muscles. These minerals work their magic by treating inflammation and sore muscles, getting rid of toxins, and more.

Think it’s just for bath salts and in-grown toenails – think again! This little sprinkle of natural goodness is as versatile as MacGyver.

Epsom Salt can be found at your local grocery store, pharmacy, and even your garden supply store.

It has a wide array of uses, and although each may be manufactured differently, they are all the same chemically. Usually, a two and a half pound container will run you $3 more or less.

Epsom Salt Uses and Benefits

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There are numerous uses for Epsom salts. Epsom salt has been used for many years now, and these Epsom salt uses are continually evolving through generations with the help of technology.

Epsom Salt for the Garden

Epsom salt does not only give health benefits to humans but to plants as well. These are the different Epsom salt uses for plants.

  1. Get Rid of Raccoons and Foxes –   If the masked marauders or foxes are poking around your trash can take a few tablespoons of Epsom salt and spread it around the cans. It will deter those pesky vermin; they don’t like the smell of the stuff. Remember to reapply after it rains.
  2. Deter Slugs –  Getting rid of garden slugs is made easier because one of the Epsom salt gardenings uses is to deter slugs and snails. Sprinkle Epsom salt where they glide and say goodbye!
  3. Make your grass greener – Epsom salt, which adds needed magnesium and iron to your soil, may be the answer to your green lawn. Add two tablespoons to 1 gallon to water. Spread on your lawn with a garden sprayer and make sure it soaks into the grass.
  4. Bigger, better, and more produce – Studies have shown Epsom salt increases production of peppers, tomatoes, and blooms. One teaspoon per a gallon of water sprayed on your plants every 1-2 weeks, can create show stoppers.
  5. Soil prep – 1 cup per 100 feet will help create the perfect gardening mix for this summer’s bounty. Use a fertilizer spreader and mix into soil. Find more information at Gardening Know How.

Epsom Salt For the Home

6. Clean bathroom tiles – Epsom salt will get rid of that grungy look. Mix it in equal parts with liquid dish soap, then dab it onto the offending areas and start scrubbing. Epsom salts work with the detergent to clean and dissolve the grime.

7. Remove burnt food from pots and pans – Scrub pan with about 1/4 tablespoon of Epsom salt and some warm water and rinse. Viola!

8. Regenerate a car battery – Give your battery a little more life with this potion – Dissolve an ounce of Epsom salt in warm water to make a paste and add it to each battery cell.

9. Frost your windows for Christmas – Mix 1 – 1/2 cups boiling water with 1 cup Epsom salt and 3 tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Apply the mixture to your windows with a sponge – for a realistic look, sweep the sponge in an arc at the bottom corners. When the mixture dries, the windows will look frosted.

10. Do some awesome winter crafting thanks to Epsom salt and modge podge.

11. Replace the chemical-laden fabric softener. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a load of laundry. If you want laundry to smell nice, you can add your favorite essential oil (25-50 drops) to the Epsom salt and keep everything in an air tight container; or just buy ready made scented Epsom salt.

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Epsom Salt for Your Pets

12. Give your fish a healing bath. Fish with bladder disorder, constipation, dropsy, and magnesium deficiency will benefit the most from an Epsom salt soak. Add one tablespoon of Epsom salt to one gallon of aquarium water in a bucket or other similar container. Stir to dissolve the salt and add the fish to the solution. Let them stay there 30 minutes, but if they show signs of distress move them back to the fish tank.

13. An Epsom salt bath for your dog. Fido will benefit from Epsom salt especially if it has dry, allergy-prone itchy skin or strained, sore muscles. A warm Epsom salt bath can also help with swelling and speed up wound healing. Add one cup of Espom salt to one gallon of warm water. Dissolve and pour or soak the affected area in the solution for around 10 minutes. Rinse off with tap water.

Personal Uses for Epsom Salt

[Tweet “Think it’s just for bath salts and in-grown toenails – think again! This little sprinkle of natural goodness is as versatile as MacGyver.”]

14. Face cleaner – Epsom salt bath uses include skin care! To clean your face at night, mix a half teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

15. Homemade skin mask – Puree 1 Egg white, 1/2 Teaspoon Pantothenic acid powder (Vitamin B5), 1  Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel, 1  Teaspoon Epsom salt, 1 Ripe Tomato, chopped, and 2 drops Thyme oil. Apply to face for 15 minutes then rinse off. This is especially good for acne problems.

16. Foot Soak – Soothe aches, remove odors and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as the water is warm. Rinse and dry. Also helps with toenail fungus, like athlete’s foot. I like to add marbles to the bottom of my pan for an added foot massage.

17. Skin exfoliate – Massage handfuls of Epsom salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face. Have a bath to rinse. This Epsom salt uses for feet up to the whole body can create a home luxury spa experience.

18. Remove excess oil from hair – Epsom salt soaks up excess oil from your hair. Add nine tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.

19. Hair volumizer – Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and Epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.

20. Soak sprains and bruises – Epsom salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak. Use this treatment after a couple of days after the incident. In the first two days, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the sprain to help reduce inflammation. Getting in a warm or hot bath immediately after the accident may make the problem worse.

21. Splinter remover – Soak in Epsom salt, it will draw out the splinter.

22. Get rid of blackheads – Here’s a surefire way to dislodge blackheads – Mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt and three drops Lugol’s Solution liquid iodine in 1/2 cup boiling water. When the mixture cools enough to stick your finger in it, apply it to the blackhead with a cotton ball. Repeat this three to four times, reheating the solution if necessary. Gently remove the blackhead and then dab the area with an alcohol-based astringent.

23. General stress relief – Nothing draws out stress like bath salts. So, how does Epsom salt work when used in a bath water? As the magnesium soaks into your body, it reverses the effects of stress on your body, replenishing magnesium levels, decreasing adrenaline, and producing serotonin. Make your bath salts by mixing 16 ounces all-natural bath salt and 15-30 drops of essential oil (especially those that induce relaxation). Store in a glass jar and use three times a week for maximum results!

24. Relieve gout pain and inflammation – 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin of hot water (as hot as you can stand). Soak for about 30 minutes.

25. The new aloe vera – Use on mosquito bites, bee stings, mild sunburn, and poison ivy by soaking a cotton washcloth in a cold water Epsom salt solution (2 tablespoons per cup) for the affected area.

26. Eye health -Rinse your face with a solution of Epsom salt and warm water can help heal conjunctivitis and sties.

27. Detox (aka laxative) – Mix approximately two tsp. of Epsom salts in 1 cup of warm water until it dissolves, then drink. Do not repeat this cleanse more than once per day, and always drink extra water! It can be used as an oral laxative to treat constipation, ease bowel movement and increase magnesium levels.

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28. Grow more – Add 1/4 cup Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to 1/2 cup boiling water stir until it dissolves. Pour over sponge in shallow dish and place in a warm sunny spot. As the water evaporates, your crystals will grow. Just be sure to check crystals against the original before “harvesting.”

29. Take a detox bath with this herbal remedy.

30. Make your herbal bath salts using fresh herbs from the garden and Epsom salts.

Epsom Salt Side Effects

While Epsom salt has a lot of uses and benefits, it is also very important to take note of its few side effects on the body.

  • Overload in magnesium supplements can cause nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. In worst cases, heart problems and death.
  • Allergic reactions
  • Wrong use as a laxative may cause or worsen digestive problems.

Final Thoughts on Epsom Salt Uses

Does it work? Why yes! This old time remedy does wonder for your garden, home, and body. Don’t miss out on its marvelous benefits. What is your favorite way to use Epsom salt? Please share your favorite Epsom Salt uses on our Facebook page.

There are affiliate links in this post. Thanks for supporting PreparednessMama in this way!

Gabriela

Hi, I’m Gabriela and I’m a prepping freak with a knack for frugal living – as if you could have one without the other. I’m also interested in all things DIY, green living, and homesteading. I’ve been dreaming of a self-sufficient, one-acre organic farm ever since I realized how fragile urban life really is. It takes one push of a button for millions to be left without running water. It takes no more than a four- to seven-day disruption in a city’s food supply for complete mayhem to break out. So, I’m now dutifully working toward keeping my loved ones safe when the brown matter (inevitably) hits the oscillating ceiling device, but I also like to share what I’m learning with fellow likeminded folks as I go.

Comments

  1. Andy James says

    August 12, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Great read, especially the part about getting rid of raccoons! Although epson salts are relaxtion techniques, I think if something is going to clean bathroom tiles, I wouldn’t like to use it on my skin.
    Mind you, I think i’ll be giving the salts a try on my garden, to get rid of the slugs. But, I would rather use magnesium oil for my skin, because it is a chloride, not a sulphate.

    Reply
    • Pita Mann says

      July 10, 2017 at 3:59 pm

      I can’t praise Epsom Salts enough for the practically miraculous boost they give my vegetable plants!
      The first time I used it this year (spread a tablespoon around the base of my plants and watered it in) I hoped it would help the peppers which had been set in right before a week of 100+ degree weather. They weren’t growing and seemed to be barely surviving. Overnight they got the will to live, greened up magnificently, and appeared vigorous.
      I’m going to be applying Epsom Salts every two weeks to my garden this year.

      Reply
  2. maria says

    May 26, 2015 at 10:25 am

    How to use Epsom salt to remove chin hairstyles

    Reply
  3. gladys says

    July 6, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    Can I use Epson Salt to remove dark marks?

    Reply
    • Shelle says

      July 6, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      I’m not sure about that Gladys…

      Reply
      • susan says

        May 3, 2016 at 12:58 am

        To remove. Darkmarks use. 4teaspoons Epsomsalts mixed with 2 tablespoons Camphor Cream daily, until the marks dissapear

        Reply
  4. rey says

    July 10, 2015 at 2:42 am

    very informative… keep it up tread starter….

    Reply
  5. hidiat says

    September 18, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    Can epsom salts use for treatment of fibroid

    Reply
    • Shelle says

      September 19, 2015 at 1:06 pm

      Sorry Hidiat, I’m not qualified to answer that…

      Reply
    • Ann Marie Dirago spano says

      November 28, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      Epsom salt can treat swollen and bruises and also your thyroid if swollen?

      Reply
    • ah says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      can you use it like bathsalts to get high

      Reply
      • Sarah says

        June 1, 2020 at 2:05 pm

        No.

        Reply
      • Sarah says

        June 1, 2020 at 2:07 pm

        No. Just like you can’t use table salt to get “high”.

        Reply
  6. JoAnn Knutsonk says

    October 28, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Is epsom salt safe for septic system?

    Reply
    • John D says

      January 29, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      Why sure not a problem septic pumps can take all fluids and liquids

      Reply
  7. Kris Hall says

    February 7, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    We live in AZ and we keep it in our first aid box when we go camping. if you get into cactus take out the thorns then place a warm rag that has warm Epsom salt water and place over the area , or place the effected area in the warm salt water if possible… it will draw the poison out of the wound. and you wont have the stinging anymore ..

    Reply
  8. Les Noll says

    February 24, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    Can I use it for Rug Burn On My Knees

    Reply
  9. ideal says

    April 10, 2016 at 2:49 am

    Can I use epsolm salt on my face without adding any facial cleaner?

    Reply
    • Shelle says

      April 12, 2016 at 10:48 am

      No sure Ideal, best to test it on a small spot before you do the whole thing!

      Reply
  10. Chris Folzenlogel says

    June 29, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    I have a question, rather than a comment. I read in another article that you can use epsom salts and vinegar to kill weeds. Do you know what the ratio would be? These are in my driveway.

    Reply
    • Shelle says

      July 16, 2016 at 10:53 am

      Full strength, Chris

      Reply
      • Debra says

        March 22, 2017 at 12:59 pm

        For weeds use 1 gallon white vinegar
        2 cups epsom salts
        1/2 cup blue dawn

        *Needs to be the blue
        Spray weeds in cracks in side walks & driveways, amazing!!

        Reply
        • Terrie says

          April 2, 2020 at 11:14 pm

          Epsom salts are a soil supplement to replenish the magnesium which helps plants grow.. I’m afraid you will make your weeds grow.

          Reply
  11. Barbara Guy says

    November 11, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    How do you use Epsom Salts on ingrown toenails?

    Reply
    • Shelle says

      November 15, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      http://www.livestrong.com/article/301015-ingrown-toenail-relief-with-epsom-salts/

      Reply
  12. Paul says

    May 30, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    Is Epsom salts help arthritis in my hands with hot water.

    Reply
  13. Jenny - Support Your Beauty says

    August 17, 2017 at 10:43 am

    Hi,

    It is stated there that epsom salt is good to remove blackheads, how about acne? Will epsom salt irritates the skin if you have acne? I never thought the epsom salt could really be this useful. Thank you fpr sharing. Will better use epsom not just for skin care but also a good help when cleaning the house.

    Reply
  14. Pat Tracey says

    August 26, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Q. IVE USED epsom salt 4 years in garden and on hibicus etc to green up and grow. I heard that heavy concentration will kill weeds?
    . I have a horrible vine neighbor planted years ago and its taking over neighborhood. Will epsom salt help.
    weve pulled and cut out all of the runners (some size of your fingers) and ready to try to keep it from growing back. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  15. linda dolan says

    September 25, 2018 at 8:32 am

    I had 2 new knees last August, done together, the joints are fine and knees aren’t swollen but the flesh around them feel sore. Would epsom salts help me?

    Reply
  16. KLR says

    November 29, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    I am wondering if I can use Epsom salts in a linen bag to remove excess moisture from gloves? Does it work as a kind of dehumidifier?

    Reply
  17. Stella says

    February 6, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Thanks for the information.My Mom’s legs are swollen and painful, I want to try this.

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    April 30, 2020 at 10:34 am

    I have a cut on my leg. The wound is still open. Can I use a small amount in water to help clean and repair the wound

    Reply
    • PreparednessMama says

      May 1, 2020 at 4:00 am

      Hello Debie

      I don’t know about that. I have never tried it. The internet says that it should work with some precautions: https://www.leaf.tv/5894764/how-to-use-epsom-salt-on-open-wounds/.

      Take care!

      Reply

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