What Is the Purpose of Epsom Salt?

What Is the Purpose of Epsom Salt?
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Epsom salt has a variety of health benefits, and you can also use it around the house as a skin cleansing and gardening product. A simple, inexpensive alternative to over the counter medicines and products, Epsom salt helps relax the muscles, increase the growth of plants and naturally clean surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.

About Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a mineral also known as magnesium sulfate. The Epsom Salt Council cites the magnesium found in Epsom salt as the second-largest element in cells that help regulate enzymes and neurochemical functions in the body. The crystals dissolve in warm water, are easily absorbed through the skin and go into the central nervous system, providing immediate relaxation.

Muscle Health

The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports that the majority of the population does not get the recommended amounts of magnesium, which can lead to muscle fatigue and muscular contractions, as well as coronary spasms. Magnesium sulfate works with calcium to help conduct electrical currents in the body and improves circulatory health.

Using Epsom Salts on Your Face

You can use Epsom salts as a cleanser, skin exfoliator and as an ingredient in a mask. You can mix it with the cleansing cream you use every day, or just massage the salts over your skin to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells.

Garden Uses

Magnesium sulfate contains nutrients that can help supplement your fertilizer and produce bigger, healthy plants and flowers in your garden. The Epsom Salt Council reports magnesium sulfate increases production of chlorophyll, keeping away garden pests and helping enrich depleted soil systems.

Magnesium Deficiency

Dr. Lynell Braught, author and speaker, cites that symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include headaches, PMS, depression, kidney stones, vertigo, asthma, muscular weakness and tremors, calcification of the small arteries and neuromuscular disorders.

References

Article reviewed by demand68117 Last updated on: May 22, 2010

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