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Epsom salt is a compound with many uses. It's most commonly used in baths to soothe sore muscles. Taken orally, it may also relieve occasional constipation. Finally, it has uses in your garden, and can fertilize your plants and repel bugs. While there isn't much hard science demonstrating that Epsom salt has a significant effect, some people swear by its benefits. Try some of these methods out to see if Epsom salt works for you.
Steps
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Fill a bath tub with warm water. If you suffer from body aches, a full Epsom salt bath may help relieve that pain. Start by filling your tub with warm water. Don’t make the water too hot. Make sure you can sit comfortably in the tub without overheating. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Watch the water level so the tub doesn’t overflow while you’re filling it.
- If you have any skin irritations or open cuts, check with your doctor before taking an Epsom salt bath.
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Pour 2 cups (400 g) of Epsom salt into the tub. Use a measuring cup and scoop out 2 cups (400 g). Then sprinkle the salts into the tub to distribute them evenly throughout the bath. Wait for the salts to dissolve before taking your bath. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- The Epsom salt should dissolve within a few minutes. If some particles aren't dissolving, swish the water around with your hand.
- To dissolve the salts faster, pour them near the faucet while the water is still running.
- Some containers of Epsom salt gives different directions. Always follow the instructions on the product you use.
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Soak in the tub for 15 minutes. When all the salts have dissolved, get in the tub and relax. Soak for 15 minutes so the Epsom salt can take effect. If you have any particular aches and pains, make sure to dip those areas into the water. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- You can stay in the tub longer than 15 minutes. But it takes at least 15 minutes for the Epsom salt to have an effect.
- Contact your doctor if you get any irritation or rash after taking this bath.
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Apply an Epsom salt compress to body aches if you don't want to take a bath. Fill a bucket with warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup (100 g) of Epsom salt. Then soak a towel in the water. Squeeze the towel out and apply it to your sore area for 30 minutes. [4] X Research source
- Re-wet the towel as needed during this treatment.
- Repeat this treatment up to 3 times daily.
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Check with your doctor before ingesting Epsom salt. Taken in small amounts as directed, Epsom salt may relieve occasional constipation. However, there is a risk of overdose and drug interactions. Always ask your doctor if taking Epsom salt orally is safe for you. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Get Epsom salt marked “USP” from a pharmacy. There are different types of Epsom salt. A box marked “USP” has been tested and certified by the USFDA and United States Pharmacopeia as safe for ingestion. Boxes that don’t have a “USP” mark are for agricultural uses. [6] X Research source
- Also look for Epsom salt that has no added chemicals or fragrances.
- If possible, get your Epsom salt from a reputable pharmacy or health store. If you order a box online, it’s harder to know where the product came from.
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Take the solution at least 2 hours before or after taking any medication. Epsom salt can interact with some medicines, so leave enough time between taking other medications and taking your Epsom salt. When enough time has passed, make the solution. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Dissolve 2 teaspoons (8.4 g) of Epsom salt into 8 oz (237 ml) of water. Measure this dosage out and be careful not to take too much. Pour the salt into a glass of water and stir it until all the salt dissolves. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- This is the dosage for children and adults over 12 years old. For children ages 6-11, make the dose 1 teaspoon (4.2 g). Do not give Epsom salt to children younger than 6 without a doctor’s direction.
- Never take more Epsom salt than directed. There is a risk of overdose and poisoning. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Take the same dose in 4 hours if you don’t have a bowel movement. Sometimes Epsom salt does not work right away. Make the same mixture and drink it no less than 4 hours after taking the first dose. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Do not exceed 2 doses in 1 day. Also do not increase the dosage without your doctor’s direction.
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Contact your doctor if you don’t have a bowel movement after 1 day. Failure to have a bowel movement after taking Epsom salt could mean you have a blockage in your digestive system. Contact your doctor right away and follow their directions on how to proceed. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Fertilize new plants with 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) of Epsom salt. This provides a good dose of magnesium for germinating seeds. Dig a seed hole and fill it with 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) of Epsom salt. Then drop the seed in and cover it with soil. [12] X Research source
- If you’re planting many seeds over a large area, sprinkle 1 cup (200 g) of Epsom salt for every 100 square feet (9.3 m 2 ) of land.
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Repel bugs with a water and Epsom salt mixture. Epsom salt can also deter pests from eating your plants. Dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salt into 2 gallons (7.6 L) of water. Then spray your plants with this mixture to ward off bugs. [13] X Research source
- Another pest guard is sprinkling a circle of Epsom salt around the base of your plants. This won’t keep flying bugs away, but could repel crawling bugs like slugs.
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Raise your lawn’s magnesium level by spreading Epsom salt before watering. If your lawn has dry, discolored patches, your soil may have a magnesium deficiency. Try raising its levels with Epsom salt. Load 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of salts for every 1,250 square feet (116 m 2 ) of lawn into a spreader. Spread the salts over the lawn. Then water the grass with a sprinkler or hose. [14] X Research source
- If you have less than 1,250 square feet (116 m 2 ) of lawn, then adjust the measurement.
- Test your soil with a home testing kit. With a small soil sample, these tests show you which nutrients your lawn is deficient in.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use Epsom salt for psoriasis?Community AnswerIf you have psoriasis, Epsom salt baths can help. The mineral-rich bath water can help soften, smooth and soothe skin. It can also help keep skin soft and prevent wrinkles.
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QuestionCan I put Epsom salt around plants without hurting them?Community AnswerYes, but it should not touch their stems.
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QuestionCan I use epsom salt to treat a gallbladder problem?Community AnswerYes, you can. Mix it with olive oil, water, and lemon. There are detoxes online. Just Google "gallbladder stone natural detox methods".
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Things You'll Need
Soothing Body Aches
- Epsom salt
- Bath tub
- Warm water
- Towel
Relieving Constipation
- USP-approved Epsom salt
- Water
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
Using Epsom Salt in the Garden
- Epsom salt
- Hose
- Seed spreader
- Shovel
Tips
- Remember that Epsom salt will only improve your lawn and plants if the soil has a magnesium deficiency. If your soil has enough magnesium, there could be another cause for your plants and lawn dying.Thanks
- You can also soak your feet in water with dissolved Epsom salt for pain relief.Thanks
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Warnings
- Follow all the directions from your doctor and on the product label when you ingest Epsom salt.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-epsom-salt/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-epsom-salt/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-epsom-salt/
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f7309f4a-f1f5-420e-bfc7-fb4495a5afba
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3030276/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/epsom-salts-in-the-garden/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/magnesium-sulfate-oral-route-topical-application-route-route-not-applicable/proper-use/drg-20088513
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/magnesium-sulfate-oral-route-topical-application-route-route-not-applicable/proper-use/drg-20088513
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3030276/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/magnesium-sulfate-oral-route-topical-application-route-route-not-applicable/proper-use/drg-20088513
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/magnesium-sulfate-oral-route-topical-application-route-route-not-applicable/proper-use/drg-20088513
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/epsom-salts-in-the-garden/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/epsom-salts-in-the-garden/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/epsom-salts-in-the-garden/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
You can use Epsom salt in a wide variety of ways. For instance, you can brush your teeth with a combination of Epsom salt and water for a cleaner, whiter smile. If your feet are sore after a long day, fill a small bucket or bath with warm water and add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt, then soak your feet until the water cools. You can also add Epsom salt when you’re watering your lawn to get lush, green grass. Keep reading to learn how to use Epsom salt to remove blackheads!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Teen with growing feet stuffed those feet into an old favorite tennis shoe before going to the basketball court. He returned home with swollen, blistered feet and legs pain. His mom provided Epsom salt soak, which gave immediate relief, as he sat playing his favorite online game and forgot about the misery of the day." ..." more
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"Teen with growing feet stuffed those feet into an old favorite tennis shoe before going to the basketball court. He returned home with swollen, blistered feet and legs pain. His mom provided Epsom salt soak, which gave immediate relief, as he sat playing his favorite online game and forgot about the misery of the day."
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"I wanted to know how much Epsom salt to put in my bathtub, because it says 2 cups per gallon of water on the packaging and my tub is big. I have fibromyalgia and am hurting all over, so I'm glad I don't have to use 2c/gal of water to benefit from it!"
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"I didn't know that Epsom salt could be used for hair and teeth! My kitchen floor never looks clean as new, regardless of what mopping method or products I use, so I'm going to put Epsom salt to the test today and see if it revitalizes the colour."
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"Epsom salts are available at my local CVS for about 5 bucks for a 5lb bag. Nice to know I can use this cheap, 100% natural mineral to care for body, home and garden."
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"As a neophyte to Epsom salts, this descriptive article was concise and informative without burdening the newcomer without a surfeit of additional facts."
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