Epsom salt is a popular supplement for both soil and plants, often hailed as an all-natural, environmentally-friendly, and low-cost way to boost garden health.
Composed of magnesium and sulfate, this natural mineral has a long history of use for various ailments and is found in many household products.’
However, the widely touted benefits of Epsom salt for plants are somewhat mythological.
Instead of focusing on dubious gardening claims, here are 13 creative ways to use Epsom salt for personal care and household purposes.
1. Make A Bath Salt
Epsom salt can be used to create a soothing bath salt mixture, perfect for relaxing after a long day of gardening.
Known for its ability to relieve sore muscles, Epsom salt also provides various skin benefits.
You can simply add Epsom salt to your bath or mix it with other ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, and dried flowers for an enhanced experience.
This blend not only eases muscle tension but also rejuvenates your skin, making your post-gardening routine a spa-like retreat in your own home.
2. Make A Foot Soak
For a therapeutic foot soak, Epsom salt is an excellent choice due to its soothing properties. To make an Epsom salt foot soak, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water.
Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes, then dry them off and apply a rich moisturizer.
You can also enhance the experience by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water.
This simple yet effective treatment can relieve foot pain, reduce swelling, and leave your feet feeling refreshed and pampered.
3. Make A Hair Volumizer
Epsom salt can be a game-changer for those with fine hair looking to add volume. Mix equal parts of your regular conditioner and Epsom salt, then apply the mixture to your hair.
Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it out and styling your hair as usual.
The Epsom salt helps remove excess oil and build-up, resulting in a natural lift and increased volume.
This easy and cost-effective treatment can transform limp hair into fuller, more voluminous locks.
4. Make A Hair Mask
Using Epsom salt in a hair mask can help add volume, remove oil, and treat dandruff. Combine equal parts hair conditioner and Epsom salt, apply the mixture to your hair, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Afterward, rinse it out and shampoo as normal. This treatment can also add moisture to dry hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
By incorporating Epsom salt into your hair care routine, you can address multiple hair issues with one simple mask.
5. Make A Hair Scrub
Epsom salt serves as a great exfoliant, helping to remove product buildup from your hair and scalp.
Mix equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt, apply to wet hair, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
You can also add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to your regular shampoo and use it as a scrub.
This method removes dead skin cells and leaves your scalp feeling clean and refreshed, promoting healthier hair growth.
6. Make A Facial
Epsom salt is an all-natural exfoliant and anti-inflammatory, suitable for treating dry skin, acne, and minor cuts.
Mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your favorite cleanser and apply it to your face to exfoliate. Alternatively, mix Epsom salt with water to create a mask.
This simple treatment helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother.
Regular use can enhance your skincare routine and improve your skin’s overall health.
7. Make A Lip Scrub
Exfoliate dry, flaky lips with a simple scrub made from Epsom salt and coconut oil. Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar.
Gently rub the mixture on your lips in a circular motion, then rinse with warm water and apply a hydrating lip balm.
This DIY lip scrub helps remove dead skin cells and leaves your lips soft and smooth. It’s an easy and effective way to maintain healthy, moisturized lips, especially during dry weather.
8. Make A Hand Wash
Epsom salt is great for exfoliating your skin and can also be used to clean your hands.
Combine a teaspoon of Epsom salt with a little bit of baby oil to make a paste. Rub it on your hands to scrub away dirt and grime.
This natural hand wash not only cleans but also exfoliates, leaving your hands feeling soft and refreshed.
It’s a perfect addition to your hand care routine, especially after a day of gardening or other messy activities.
9. Make A Hand Soap
Creating a homemade hand soap with Epsom salt can be a fun and practical project.
Mix 1/2 cup of castile soap, 1/2 cup of water, and 4 teaspoons of Epsom salt in a foaming soap dispenser. Shake the soap to combine all the ingredients.
This foaming hand soap softens hands while keeping them clean. It’s a great way to incorporate Epsom salt into your daily routine and ensure that your hands stay moisturized and healthy.
10. Make A Hand Scrub
Epsom salt can be used to make a homemade hand scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes your skin.
Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt with 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Store the scrub in an airtight container and use it to exfoliate your hands.
The coconut oil and Epsom salt help remove dead skin cells and soften your hands, while the essential oil adds a pleasant scent.
This scrub is perfect for giving your hands a little extra TLC after a day of gardening.
11. Make A Hand Cream
Pamper your hands after a long day in the garden with a homemade hand cream using Epsom salt.
Combine 1/2 cup of Epsom salt with 1/2 cup of coconut oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix well and store in an airtight container.
Apply to hands as needed. This hand cream soothes dry skin, leaving your hands soft and nourished.
It’s an easy and effective way to take care of your hands and keep them feeling smooth and moisturized.
12. Make A Hand Balm
Gardeners often have their hands in the dirt, making it important to take extra care of their skin. Make a DIY hand balm with Epsom salt to soothe and nourish your skin.
Melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of beeswax pastilles in a double boiler.
Once melted, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt.
Mix well and pour into a small container. Let it harden for a few hours before using. This hand balm provides deep moisture and protection for your hands.
Conclusion
While Epsom salt may not live up to all its gardening hype, it certainly has numerous beneficial uses for personal care. From soothing baths and therapeutic foot soaks to volumizing hair treatments and exfoliating scrubs, Epsom salt can be a versatile addition to your home.
Its natural composition of magnesium and sulfate offers various health benefits, making it a valuable ingredient in many DIY beauty and skincare products. By exploring these alternative uses, you can enjoy the full range of benefits that Epsom salt has to offer.
