After first reading a post on Care2.com about the healing properties and uses of epsom salt I really began to explore & search what I couldn't believe I didn't already know. I was excited enough to create this blog & hopefully share with others that can benefit from this info as well as utilize the suggested uses, recipes & tips.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, American’s magnesium deficiency helps to account for high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments.
The modern American diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies. Researchers have found that many Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies, although the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is two to one. Magnesium is not easily absorbed through the digestive tract. The presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and the chemistry of a person’s stomach acid can render magnesium supplements ineffective.
Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin.
Sulfates play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental contaminants.
Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:
- Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
- Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
- Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
- Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
- Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
- Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
- Improved oxygen use.
- Improved absorption of nutrients.
- Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
- Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
The following info is from an article posted on Care2.com ( 13 Wonderful Ways to Use Epsom Salt ) VERY useful... Enjoy :)
Oh, Epsom salt—who knew that such an uninspiring ingredient could inspire such devotion? Epsom salts have amazing health benefits–here are 13 ways to use Epsom salts, including a relaxing bath, a face scrub and a hair volumizer. It’s also a miracle cure-all, helping to remove splinters and reduce swelling of sprains and bruises. One ingredient really does fit all!
I always knew that soaking in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salts was good for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body, but I could never figure out why. And it wasn’t until I spent some time at the Epsom Salt Industry Council web site that I learned that epsom salts—made of the mineral magnesium sulfate—are also a sedative for the nervous system.
When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more.
Relaxing and sedative bath: Soak in warm water and 2 cups of Epsom salt. Read more about the Amazing Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths
Foot soak: Soothe aches, remove odors and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry. Or try an Epsom Salt Peppermint Foot Scrub.
Soak sprains and bruises: Epsom salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups epsom salt to a warm bath, and soak. To tame tendonitis, try these tips.
Splinter remover: Soak in epsom salt, it will draw out the splinter.
Face cleaner: To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
Homemade skin mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of non-fat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt. For normal to dry skin, mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt. This simple honey face mask works wonders as well.
Skin exfoliator: Massage handfuls of epsom salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face. Have a bath to rinse, read 16 foods for Beautiful Skin.
Remove excess oil from hair: Epsom salt soaks up excess oil from hair. Add 9 tablespoons of epsom salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. For dryness, here’s how to Repair Your Hair with Olive Oil.
Remove hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup epsom salt. Combine, cover and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo as normal.
Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.
Adapted from the Epsom Salt Industry Council (Note: Check with a doctor before using if you have any health concerns.)
HERE ARE MORE WONDERFUL WAYS TO USE EPSOM SALTS:- Use epsom salts in a detox bath
- Use epsom salts in your body scrub
- Explore the healing powers of epsom salts
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html#ixzz28f6bPl9O
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html#ixzz28f4WqzVG
Also an EXCELLENT and VERY affordable brand of pharmaceutical grade epsom salt is Ultra Epsom Salt®
Ultra Epsom® Salt is the highest quality, pharmaceutical grade Epsom salt available. Ultra Epsom Salt is ideal for use in a variety of applications, including home, spa, and garden. SaltWorks has the lowest wholesale & bulk Epsom salt prices. Ultra Epsom Salt brand of magnesium sulfate, exclusively from SaltWorks, is known for its exceptional purity and therapeutic value. It dissolves easily, perfect for soothing sore muscles, relaxing soaks, and calming foot baths. Create body scrubs, bath salts and much more with the new range of grain sizes available. Read more about the many uses & benefits of Epsom salt.
Characteristics: Translucent Crystals,Maximum Purity,High Mineral Content,Top Quality
Uses: Bath Salts, Gardening
Grain Sizes Available: Extra Fine (0.0-0.3mm), Fine (0.3-1mm), Medium (1-3mm), & Coarse (3-4mm)
Bulk Packaging Available: 5 lb., 25 lb., 50 lb. Bags, Pallets, Ocean Containers
Wow. I didn't know epsom salt was so valuable. I can't wait to use these home remedies! Thank you! Keep it up..
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