Epsom salt is popularly used to solve myriad different ailments including everything from soothing tired and achy muscles to easing stress and eliminating toxins from the body. It’s cost-effective and safe, making it a great product to keep at home for the whole family.
Plus, the benefits don’t end with healthcare – there are also various ways of using it around the home.
Epsom salt was named after a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom salt is not actually salt at all; in fact, it comprises a naturally occurring pure mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen.
It was most likely named Epsom ‘salt’ because of its chemical structure and appearance, as it looks very similar to traditional table salt. Most of its benefits are due to the presence of magnesium, a mineral that many people do not get enough of.
When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulphate ions. Studies indicate that magnesium and sulphate ions can be absorbed through the skin, which is why Epsom salt baths are so popular.
What’s so special about magnesium? Well, it takes on several important roles in the body. It helps regulate enzymes, reduces inflammation, supports muscle and nerve function, helps the body flush out toxins, and much more.
Most of us do not get enough magnesium from the food we consume, and lying in an Epsom salt bath is a great alternative to taking magnesium supplements.
We’ve identified 10 incredible benefits of Epsom salt, some of which you may not know about:
Relieves muscle cramps
An Epsom salt bath is known to help alleviate pain and muscle cramps. It helps ease inflammation, and is even known to help heal cuts and wounds faster.
Promotes sleep
Want a peaceful night’s rest? Try taking an Epsom salt bath before bed. It helps the brain produce the neurotransmitters that induce sleep.
Lowers stress and promotes relaxation
When we stress, our body is drained of magnesium and we experience increased levels of adrenaline. When absorbed into the body, magnesium helps produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical in the brain, which helps create a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Treats constipation
Magnesium is very useful in alleviating constipation because it draws water into the colon, which promotes bowel movement.
Eliminates toxins from the body
The sulphate ions in Epsom salt helps flush toxins and heavy metals out of the body by means of reverse osmosis. By eliminating these harmful substances from the body, one may experience less pain and fewer headaches.
Eliminates foot odour
Soaking feet in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt for 10 minutes has shown to neutralise odour, soften rough skin and even relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot.
Exfoliates skin
Mix a handful of Epsom salt with some olive oil and gently rub all over the body in circular motions to remove dry and dead skin cells.
Helps remove splinters
Got a splinter or something stuck under your skin? Soak the area in a bowl of Epsom salt water to draw it out.
Cleans tiles and other surfaces
Get your bathroom and kitchen sparkly clean by mixing equal parts Epsom salt and dishwashing detergent and use as a scrub on tiles and other surfaces with stubborn stains.
Fertilise plants
Plants rely on magnesium and sulphur in the soil to stay in good health and flourish. Sprinkle Epsom salt over the plant soil weekly to nourish flowers, veggies and houseplants.
Tree Hut has two Epsom salt variants in its collection. Tree Hut Epsom Salt not only smells incredible but it’s filled with magnesium sulphate, shea butter and other skin-loving natural ingredients chosen for their nourishing properties. The ingredients exclude parabens, sulphates and other harmful chemical ingredients.
Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt in Tropical Mango
Revitalise tired, achy muscles and unwind with Tropical Mango Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt. Shea butter and mango extract add natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E and D to help nourish dry skin. It contains magnesium sulphate, known to help ease discomfort. Its moisturising formula and a sweet mango scent will delight your senses and leave your skin feeling touchably smooth. Relax and drift away…
Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt in Coconut Lime
Soothe and soften your skin with Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt with the scent of coconut and lime. This ultra moisturising Epsom salt is formulated with certified shea butter to nourish and leave skin feeling touchable smooth. Relax, detox and fall in love with this deep soak to benefit your feet, hands, legs and all over body. The lush coconut lime scent will leave your skin smelling delightful. For the best experience, pour the Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt into bath water when you have sore feet, tired back muscles, or want to have some amazing calm personal time!
Tree Hut Epsom Salt is available online as well as from selected Clicks stores, takealot.com and Amazon.co.za.