Epsom salt has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions. It was discovered in 1618 bubbling up from an underground spring in Epsom, a town in England. When the water evaporated, it left behind something that resembled salt. People found this salt made an excellent laxative.
But it didn’t take them long to discover that Epsom salts treated a variety of other health conditions.
The Secret of Epsom Salt’s Miraculous Healing Powers
Despite its appearance, Epsom salt is not actually salt (sodium chloride.) Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, composed of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Most of its miraculous healing powers are due to its magnesium content, though sulfate plays a role, too. (Both magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed through the skin.)Poop Problems? The fix to constipation, diarrhea, and gut healthclick here /Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that’s crucial to normal heart rhythm, proper muscle contraction, normal blood pressure, and so much more. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical processes in the body. Yet, research suggests nearly 50 percent of US adults are magnesium deficient.
Health Benefits of Epsom Salt
And that’s where Epsom salt comes in. It supplies the magnesium needed to treat many different health problems. Here are 5 surprising benefits of Epsom salt.
#5 – Sore Feet
Pour 1 cup of Epsom salt into a tub of warm water and immerse your feet for 20-30 minutes, or until they feel better. This relieves tired/aching feet because magnesium relaxes the muscles while sulfate flushes out toxins.
#4 – Aching Muscles
Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your bathwater, and soak in it for at least 12 minutes. This soothes aching muscles because magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer and sulfate gets rid of the toxins.
#3 – Sunburn
Pour one cup of salts into the bathwater, swish it around to mix, and then soak your body for around 30 minutes. No time for a bath? No problem. Simply fill a spray bottle with cool water, add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt, and spray directly on the sunburn. This relieves sunburn pain because magnesium reduces inflammation.
#2 – Constipation
Stir 2-4 level teaspoons of Epsom salt into an 8-ounce glass of water. Drink immediately. This works on constipation because it increases the amount of water in the intestines, softening the stool. (Epsom salt is so effective at treating constipation that it has been approved for laxative use by the Food and Drug Administration.)
#1 – Poison Ivy and Insect Bites/Stings
For poison ivy or insect bites/stings, dip a clean cotton cloth into a cold cup of water mixed with Epsom salt. Hold the wet cloth directly on the affected area. You may also soak your entire body in an Epsom salt bath. It works on poison ivy and insect bites/stings because magnesium is an anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling.
But what if a bee left something behind, like an imbedded stinger? No problem. Simply soak the area in a tub or bowl of Epsom water for about 15 minutes. This will loosen the skin enough to draw out the stinger.
Give Epsom Salt a Try!
Of course, you should always follow your doctor’s advice regarding any health condition you’re experiencing. But it wouldn’t hurt to give Epsom salt a try! After all, it has been proven to have miraculous healing abilities.