What is Epsom Salt?

 

Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulphate, a pure, time-tested mineral compound with dozens of uses. It has a broad range of users comprising of doctors, authors, gardening experts, researchers, Olympic athletes, and experts in the beauty and fitness industries.

 

You will be amazed with this natural alternative that has been used therapeutically for hundreds of years and you will see why it’s gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, inexpensive alternative in a sea of pricier, over-the-counter remedies.

 

Uses and Benefits of Epsom Salt

 

Health: Treat Cold/Flu with Epsom Salt

 

Soaking in Epsom Salt can help the body rest, recover, detoxify and increase white-blood cell count.

 

During cold and flu season doctors suggest that you should try soaking in Epsom Salt before reaching for an expensive over-the-counter medication. This naturally occurring mineral will ease muscle aches and help you get a good night’s rest, so you can recover faster. Some doctors say it will even speed healing by detoxifying your body and increasing your white blood cell count.

 

Dr Theresa Ramsay, cofounder of the Centre for Natural Healing in Arizona and author of Healing 101: A guide to Creating the Foundation for Complete Wellness says that soaking in Epsom salt helps to spur a process called vasodilation which increases white blood cell production and helps the body fight illnesses quicker. The magnesium in Epsom salts helps to relax the muscles and flushes the lactic acid out of them. It also improves circulation and reduces the length of cold and flu symptoms. However, should you experience serious or persisting conditions such as a temperature over 40 degrees Celsius or you have a history of febrile seizure, you may need to consult a doctor before soaking in a warm bath.

 

Sleep: Sleep better, Feel Better by boosting your body’s magnesium levels

 

Chris Johnson is a nationally recognised speaker and author in the US who helps implements health programs for companies and he states that people need more magnesium to help increase energy and improve productivity. Magnesium helps to keep your body healthy and regulates blood sugar levels, blood pressure and muscle and nerve function. Doctors have warned, however, that a growing number of people have magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium levels can be boosted by soaking in Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulphate and can be absorbed through the skin. Eating foods rich in magnesium such as greens, nuts, seeds and cacao nibs can also aid in the increase of magnesium levels.

 

Here are some tips to increase magnesium levels:

 

Add 3 cups of Epsom salt to your bath and soak once or twice a week for 10 minutes. (For busy people and frequent travellers add 3 cups of Epsom salt to a foot soak while showering) Epsom salt helps muscles feel better and in return you sleep better due to the magnesium in your body. Magnesium is an anti-stress mineral that relaxes your muscles, improves your digestion, balances your blood pressure and gives you more energy.

 

In addition, you can also;

• Eat greens that are high in chlorophyll such as kale, spinach, broccoli and wheat grass

• Add a tablespoon of cacao nibs to oatmeal

• Snack on raisins or white figs

• Mix flaxseed with organic pomegranate juice or add it to a smoothie

• Try taking more magnesium before pain medication

 

Holiday crafts and gifts with Epsom Salt

 

Snow filled centrepieces

• Pour 1-2 cups of Epsom salt into a vase for a snowy effect.

• Add small to medium sized ornaments

• Securely position sticks between the ornaments and adjust to personal preference.

• Sprinkle additional Epsom salt over finished product to enhance the wintry look.

 

Glistening Candles

 

• Using a foam brush, paint a candle with a light coat of glue.

• Spread Epsom salt on a cookie sheet or other flat surface then roll the candle onto the Epsom salt.

• Allow the candle to dry, standing straight up, for at least 30 minutes before handling.

 

“Ice” Frosted windows

 

• In a mixing bowl, dissolve four heaped tablespoons of Epsom salt in one cup of beer. Be sure to use a light coloured beer because a dark one will make the frost appear yellow. The mixture will foam up so be sure to use a bowl deep enough so that the reaction won’t overflow.

• Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, until the salt dissolves and the foam goes away. It’s ok if some salt crystals remain at the bottom.

• Dip a terry cloth rag into the mixture and then wipe the window as if you were washing it. Make sure the solution goes all the way to the edges of the window so that there is no clear space while the window dries. While the window is still wey, go back and dab it with damp paper towel. This will make the frost crystals appear more realistic when dry.

• Allow the window to dry overnight. In the morning you will see the frost crystals. If you “frosted” too much, use a damp rag to rub away parts of the crystal ar to draw pretty designs or words.

• The crystals will last up to 3 weeks and are easily removed with glass-cleaner and paper towel.

 

Homemade Bath Salts

 

You will need

 

• A large, mixing bowl

• A 12 count muffin pan

• 4 CUPS OF Epsom salt

• Food colouring]

• Your choice of essential oil

• Either vitamin E oil (soft gel or the liquid oil will work) OR you can use olive oil.

 

Combine 4 cups of Epsom salt with 3 tablespoons of water.

 

Squeeze 3-4 vitamin E soft oil gel capsules or use 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil into the mixture (you can also use 1 teaspoon of olive oil rather than vitamin E oil)

 

Add 10-15 drops of essential oil, depending on how strong you like your fragrance. Add food colouring until desired shade is achieved.

 

Note: When you bake the bath salts, some of the fragrance and colour will evaporate, so use generous amounts of both when you mix ingredients.

Coat the inside of each muffin mould with 1 vitamin E oil capsule or 1-2 drops of olive oil. {Note: if you are using olive oil, instead of the vitamin E oil, add a drop of essential oil to help mask the smell of the olive oil.}

 

Divide mixture evenly among the muffin moulds. Firmly pack the mixture and bake at 150 degrees F for 1 hour.

 

Note: Avoid hotter temperatures because they could melt the bath salts. Let cool for 20-30 minutes. Turn pan upside down and gently ease the bath salts out of the mould.

 

Gently place the bath salts in a mason jar. Three should fit into small jars, and five in larger ones.

 

Finish with a decorative bow.

 

For expert advice on the benefits of Epsom salt visit www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/category/expert-advice/