Also known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt has some amazing benefits.
This natural salt gets its name from the place in England where it was discovered. Epsom salt is produced from the springs in Epsom that bubble up through nonporous London clay.
And with so many uses, it’s an essential ingredient to have in your home.
15 Most Useful Things You Can Do with Epsom Salt
From amazing hair care products to growth-boosting plant food, here are 15 amazing things you can do with Epsom salt.
Deter Raccoons
Raccoons hate the smell of Epsom salt, making it a great way to keep those pesky animals out of your trash. Simply sprinkle a few spoonfuls of Epsom salt around your trash cans to keep raccoons from digging through your outdoor trash barrels.
Clean Stuck-On Food
Do your pots and pans have burnt or stuck-on food? Grab some Epsom salt and sprinkle it on the pan for a great nonabrasive scrubber. On top of getting the stuck-on food off the pans, Epsom salt will help protect your pots and pains from scratches that other harsh cleaners may cause.
Reduce Swelling
If you sprain your ankle or bruise your skin, Epsom salt can help reduce the swelling. Simply mix two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak until the water is no longer warm to help reduce swelling and ease the pain.
Grow Bigger Veggies
Epson salt is a must-have for gardeners. If you’re hoping to increase the size of your peppers and tomatoes, add a little bit of Epsom salt to their water – one teaspoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water will help boost the growth of your garden’s veggies.
Add More Volume to Your Hair
Enhancing your favorite deep conditioner with a little bit of Epsom salt can make your hair have more volume. Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm the mixture in a pan. Work the mixture into your hair while it’s still warm and let it soak for 20 minutes. Rinse and dry for an instant volume boost.
Frost Your Windows
Do you love the look of frosted windows during the holiday season? Decorate your home for Christmas using Epsom salt! Mix 1 cup of boiling water with one cup of Epsom salt and three tablespoons of dish soap. Then, apply the mixture to your windows with a sponge to create instant frost on the windows no matter what the weather is outside.
Remove a Splinter
The next time you get a splinter in your skin, soak the splinter in Epsom salt. The salt will draw out the splinter, making it easier to remove.
Clean Your Tiles
Bathroom tiles can quickly look old and dingy thanks to nasty soap scum. Shine your tiles back to new by mixing equal parts Epsom salt and dish soap and scrub away the bathroom grime. After the tile is clean, rinse with warm water and dry with a clean towel.
Foot Soak
Relax and enjoy a foot soak using Epsom salt to help soothe aches and pains in your feet and soften rough skin at the same time. To create your own foot soak, mix a ½ cup of salt with warm water and soak your feet for as long as the water is warm.
Get Rid of Slugs
Slugs can be a menace in your garden, but Epsom salt can help combat those garden pests. Sprinkle a line of Epsom salt where they slither to quickly get rid of slugs in your garden.
Sooth Your Skin
Epsom salt is a great way to relieve a variety of skin pains. Itchy mosquito bites, painful bee stings, irritating poison ivy, and hot sunburn can all be relieved with Epsom salts. Soak a washcloth in cold water and Epsom salt, then place the cloth on the affected area for instant relief.
Constipation Relief
Since Epsom salt is high in magnesium, it’s great for relieving constipation. Follow dosage instructions listed on the package and mix the Epsom salt with water to help stimulate a bowel movement. Adding a small amount of lemon juice to the drink can help improve the taste.
Improve Your Rose Blooms
Roses love magnesium, making Epsom salt the perfect fertilizer for your rose bushes. Just sprinkle a tablespoon of Epsom salt around the base of your rose bush once a month to promote growth and improve blooms.
Better Sleep
Magnesium is known to improve the quality of sleep when used as part of your bedtime routine. Enjoy a long soak in an Epsom salt bath to help relax your body before bed for a more restful sleep each night.
Relieve Chapped Lips
Dry lips can be irritating, especially during the winter months. When lip balm isn’t cutting it, try creating a deep lip treatment with Epsom salt. Combine a few teaspoons of salt with a teaspoon of petroleum jelly and rub the solution on your lips to remove dry skin and make your lips look and feel healthier.