Epsom salts – the common term given to magnesium sulfate — are a common household item that can be found in any pharmacy and indeed in most regular grocery stores. Many people pass it by on the shelves every time they go shopping without really appreciating what a useful and beneficial thing Epsom salts truly are.
The fact of the matter is, however, that Epsom salts have almost endless uses for health complaints and for everyday household problems and that for human health, they can be taken internally or used topically on the skin. From detoxification to pest control, read on to find out more about the versatile uses for this often-overlooked item.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Most Americans do not have adequate levels of magnesium – which is where Epsom salts come in; being mostly made of this mineral, they can help ensure that levels of it in the body are adequate. Magnesium is able to improve the ability of the body to manufacture insulin, which in turn can help to keep blood sugars at a healthy level.
Detoxification
Taking a bath to which has been added 1-2 cups of Epsom salts can be a great way to help detoxify the body. Again, this is mostly due to the high levels of magnesium it contains, since magnesium is required for detoxifying the cells and removing unwanted wastes and harmful substances.
Sunburn Treatment
When most people think about treating sunburns naturally, aloe comes to mind. However, Epsom salts to can provide relief from the pain, inflammation and itchiness of such a burn. To use, apply a weak solution of this topically to the skin several times a day.
Insect Control
A great way to control common lawn and garden pests naturally is to spray a weak solution of Epsom salts and water onto the lawn. It is nontoxic, completely safe for children and pets, and will not damage the grass or other plants.
Fertilizer
Certain plants – including favorites like roses and tomatoes – thrive in a high-magnesium environment. To ensure a great growing season, work Epsom salts into the soil around the plants and water on normal to keep them happy and healthy.
Splinter Remover
Even when small, splinters can be extremely painful – and extremely hard to remove. Epsom salts can help with this is, as soaking with them can increase the osmotic pressure on the skin. This in turn will pull foreign bodies such as splinters to the skin’s surface where they can be more easily removed.
These are just a few of the many ways in which Epsom salts offer natural, low-cost solutions to common health ailments and everyday domestic problems. So consider picking up a bag on the next trip to the grocery store – its many uses will make it well worth the purchase.
Sources: naturallivingideas.com, livingino.com, doctoroz.com
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