Benefits of Epsom salt

It can help you quit smoking, and give you clear-looking skin. This humble salt, available at your neighbourhood chemist has multiple benefits.

A wonder salt, you must add to your bath!

What is Epsom salt: Epsom salt is known to help remove nicotine and tar residue from the body. So, if you have a bathtub, add a handful of Epsom salt in your bath water and soak your body in it for 10 minutes. Otherwise, mix a spoonful of Epsom salt in a little water and rub it on to your body, leave for a few minutes and shower. If you use a light-coloured towel, you’ll actually be able to see a brownish residue (that of nicotine and tar).

Stress reliever: Epsom salt is magensium sulphate. Magnesium is necessary for the body to produce serotonin (the happy chemical) that aids relaxation. Too much stress is beleived to drain magnesium from the body. The next time you feel too stressed, an Epsom salt bath will boost the magnesium levels in your body, aiding stress relief.

Soak your feet: If you have foot odour, then Epsom salt can come to your rescue. Add ½ a cup of Epsom salt to half a bucket of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes – your foot odour will reduce overtime. This does wonders for aches too.

Treating sprains and bruises: Epsom salt has an innate ability to reduce swelling and inflammation – making it ideal for bruises and sprains. The next time you have either of these, an Epsom salt, hot compress (add a cup of Epsom salt in a large pan of hot water) will do the trick.

Face cleanser: Before going to bed, clean your face with your regular face-wash/ cleansing lotion mixed with a couple granules of Epsom salt. It will gently exfoliate and clean your face, giving you smooth, beautiful skin.

Home-made mask: Want to rid your skin of blemishes, try this home-made mask. Mix 1 egg white, 2 tbsp. of milk, juice of half lemon and ½ tsp. of Epsom salt. If you have dry skin, add a spoon of honey.

Exfoliate your skin: Replace that scrub you bought paying big bucks with the humble Epsom salt. Put some on to your hand, wet it and use as scrub. Voila, a well-scrubbed face!

No more greasy hair: Add half a cup of Epsom salt to your bath water and rinse your hair after shampoo. You’ll have greasy hair days, no more.