Did you know Epsom salt isn’t actually a salt? It’s a mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate, and it gets its name from a natural spring in Epsom, England. Fancy, right?
Despite its name, Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a go-to remedy for everything from sore muscles to gardening hacks. It’s incredibly versatile—and once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
What makes it so special? Well, both magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed through the skin. Magnesium helps regulate over 300 enzymes in your body, reduces inflammation, supports muscle and nerve function, and even keeps your arteries in check. Sulfates, on the other hand, help flush out toxins and improve how well your body absorbs nutrients.
Here are 17 of our favorite ways to use this wonder mineral:
1. Soothe Sore Muscles
After a tough workout or a long day on your feet, nothing beats a warm Epsom salt bath. Add 2 cups to your tub, soak for 10–15 minutes, and let the magic happen. It helps relax muscles, ease cramps, and melt away stress.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin
Want smoother, glowier skin? Just grab a handful of Epsom salt and gently massage it all over your body in the shower. It scrubs away dead skin and leaves you feeling super refreshed—like a DIY spa day.
3. Make a Simple Hand Wash
Mix ½ cup baby oil, ½ cup water, ¼ cup Epsom salt, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Boom—an easy, soothing hand wash that smells amazing and leaves your hands soft.
4. Soothe Bug Bites & Poison Ivy
Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with 1 cup of warm water, soak a clean cloth in the mixture, and press it onto the irritated area. It helps ease itching, swelling, and discomfort from bites, stings, and rashes.
5. Gentle Facial Scrub
Mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt with warm water in your palm and gently massage it into your skin. It’s a simple way to exfoliate, clear blackheads, and keep your complexion looking fresh.
6. Remove Splinters
Instead of digging around with a needle, soak the area in an Epsom salt solution. It draws the splinter out naturally and helps prevent infection.
7. DIY Lip Balm
For dry, chapped lips, mix equal parts coconut oil and Epsom salt. Gently rub it on to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time.
8. Natural Tile Cleaner
Skip the harsh chemicals. Mix Epsom salt with liquid dish soap, scrub your bathroom or kitchen tiles with a sponge, and rinse. Your tiles will sparkle without the toxic fumes.
9. Non-Toxic Insect Spray
Mix ¼ cup Epsom salt with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spritz it around your home or garden to keep insects away—no chemicals needed.
10. Relieve Constipation
Epsom salt can work internally too (just be sure you’re using food-grade). Mix 2 teaspoons into a glass of water and drink it. If the taste isn’t your thing, fresh juice works too. It acts as a gentle laxative.
11. Fertilize Your Plants
Epsom salt is great for your lawn, houseplants, and veggies. For grass, mix 1 cup per gallon of water and spray it on. For potted plants, sprinkle a bit around the base weekly. Tomatoes especially love it!
12. Detox & De-Bloat
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath not only feels amazing—it helps draw out toxins and reduce swelling. Just mix 1–2 cups into warm bath water and soak for 10–15 minutes.
13. Boost Your Laundry Game
Mix 4 cups of Epsom salt with 20 drops of essential oil for a natural fabric softener. Add ¼ cup per load. Bonus: it helps clean your washing machine, too.
14. Treat Smelly, Achy Feet
Got tired or stinky feet? Soak them in warm water with ¼ cup Epsom salt for 10–15 minutes. It soothes swelling, softens skin, and zaps odor-causing bacteria.
15. Soothe a Sunburn
Sunburn got you feeling crispy? Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to your bath to calm the sting and help your skin recover faster.
16. Deep Condition Your Hair
Mix equal parts Epsom salt and your favorite conditioner. Apply it to your hair, let it sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse. It removes grease and adds volume.
17. Soften Rough Hands
Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water with ¼ cup Epsom salt. It soothes dry skin, helps with joint aches, and even loosens up stubborn nail polish and grime.
