When the workday is over and we get home, most of us want nothing more than to kick back and relax for a while. We all have a different way of doing so but one way that many people find to be most relaxing is to take a nice, warm bath. It typically starts with dimming the lights, perhaps even lighting a few candles and putting on some soft music. By the time you slip into the hot tub, it seems as if all of your worries are going down the drain.
Most of us would agree that taking a nice bath is a great way to relax but if you want to up your game, you need to add a few cups of Epsom salts in the water. It doesn’t matter if it has a scent to it or not, it just seems to make the entire experience even more relaxing. If you are somebody that enjoys using Epson salt in the tub, you might be surprised that it is only one of the many ways that it can be used around the home. After all, the main ingredient in Epson salt is magnesium sulfate and it has many fantastic properties.
Here are 13 ways to use Epsom salts around the home:
1. Treat constipation
One of the original reasons why Epsom salts were mined in the first place is for use as a laxative. When you ingest the salt, it pulls water to the colon and pushes out the blockage.
You should always check with your doctor before using Epsom salts because it might not be the right choice for those with heart or kidney conditions.
Once you have the clearance, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts in a glass of water and drink it. You can add some lemon juice or vanilla if you need extra flavor.
2. Muscle aches
Epsom salts can help to relax your muscles if they are aching from exercise or from a chronic, painful condition.
Mix hot water and salt in equal measure and store in the refrigerator until cool. Rub it directly on the sore muscles for relief.
3. Dry Lips
When it is cold outside, we may have to deal with chapped, dry lips and it seems as if nothing gives us the relief we need.
Mix a little Vaseline with a few spoonfuls of Epsom salts. Rub it over your lips gently and it will remove the dry and dead skin cells.
4. Hair treatment
This may be an old trick but it is one well worth knowing. If you want to boost the volume of your hair, mix an equal portion of Epsom salts with hair conditioner. Spread out the mixture on your hair and rinse it after 20 minutes.
It removes the oil from your hair, making it look a lot healthier.
5. Bruises and Sprains
You can increase your recovery time from bumps and bruises with a good soak in an Epsom salt bath. The minerals found in the salt reduce inflammation and help your body recover quickly.
It’s also a good excuse to get in a tub full of hot water and Epsom salts.
6. Kitchen grout
When the grout between your kitchen tiles gets dirty, it can be a very time-consuming chore to clean it. Using Epsom salt really cuts down on the time you spend cleaning.
Make a paste of equal parts dish soap and salt. The mixture will lift the grime from the grout easily.
7. Green Lawn
Epsom salts have sulfur and magnesium, two things that your lawn needs. It is great for fertilizing and keeps the lawn green during the growing season.
Although this is an inexpensive option, it works fantastically. Sprinkle some on the yellow spots of your lawn and be sure to include certain plants, such as beets, carrots and apple trees.
8. Splinters
Epsom salts work double duty when it comes to pulling out a splinter.
If you soak your finger in an Epson salt bath, it will typically pull the wood to the surface of the skin.
Making a compress from Epsom salts and water will help to soothe the irritation.
9. Raccoons
Some animals just can’t stand the smell of certain household products.
Deer will stay away if you put out bars of soap and bugs don’t like peppermint oil.
If your problem is raccoons, put out some Epsom salt because they hate it. Sprinkle some around your garbage cans and it will keep them from getting in the trash.
10. Sunburn
You can soothe the irritation of sunburn by soaking in water and Epsom salt.
If you want it to work directly, put the mixture in a spray bottle full of water.
11. Bug Bites
Keep some salt water handy in the summer because it helps to reduce the itchiness of bug bites.
Epsom salts work well on mosquito bites, bee stings, and even the rash of poison ivy.
12. Burnt residue on pots and pans
When was the last time you threw away an expensive pan because it had residue on it? A little dash of salt can go a long way to save your pots and pans.
Fill the pan with hot water and add a few spoonfuls of Epsom salt. Let it soak and then scrape the residue off easily.
13. Dead skin
If you have a problem with rough hands or feet, soak them in a small container of water and Epsom salt. You will see the dryness fade quickly.