Epsom Salts for Body, Home, and Garden

A versatile household staple that can support wellbeing, refresh your home and nourish your garden.

Although commonly called a “salt,” Epsom salts are actually a naturally occurring compound of magnesium and sulphate — minerals that play important roles in plant health and human wellbeing. Their salt‑like crystals make them easy to use, whether you’re soaking in a bath, cleaning around the home, or giving your garden a seasonal boost.

Explore how Epsom salts can help support your body, your home, and your plants with simple, practical tips you can use right away.

Support Wellbeing

Epsom salts may support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. When added to a warm bath or foot soak, they help ease tired muscles, calm the body, and create a moment of quiet after a busy day. Whether you’ve been gardening, exercising, playing sports, or simply need a reset, soaking in Epsom salts can offer gentle relief.

What an Epsom salt soak may support

Coughs & congestion — Warm steam and relaxation may help ease symptoms.
Stress & sleep — A calming soak can relax the nervous system and support a restful night.
Tension headaches — Warm water helps loosen tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Minor cuts & scrapes — A local soak may support the natural healing process.
Muscle aches — Ideal after strain, overuse, or a long day outdoors.
Sprains & bruises — May help ease discomfort and support recovery.
Drawing out infection or splinters — Use a small bowl for targeted soaking.
Early cold symptoms — A warm bath can help you unwind at the first sign of feeling unwell.

Epsom salts also make a simple addition to your beauty regime.

Natural face cleanser – add ½ tsp to your creamy cleanser
Gentle exfoliation — Sprinkle onto a washcloth or luffa.
Hair rinse for volume — Helps give hair a lift and refresh the scalp.

Simple, Relaxing Bath Soak

A soothing blend for a bit of me time.

2 cups Chantal Organics Epsom Salts
1/2 cup baking soda
5-10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus
1 Tbsp Chantal Organics Coconut Oil, as a carrier oil

Place the jar of coconut oil in warm water to gently melt.
In a small bowl, mix the melted coconut oil with your chosen essential oils.
Combine the Epsom salts and baking soda, then pour under running bath water.
Add the oil mixture and swirl the water with your hand.
Create space to relax — no devices, no interruptions.
Soak for 20 minutes.

Around the Home

Epsom salts are a handy household helper too. Thanks to their gentle, abrasive texture, they make an effective natural cleaner for stubborn grime, tile build‑up, and even laundry appliances.

Try one of these everyday home uses

Dish washing — Sprinkle a small amount into dirty pots and pans before scrubbing. The coarse crystals help lift stuck‑on food without harsh chemicals.
Deep‑clean your washing machine — Fill the empty machine with hot water, add 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of Epsom salts, let it agitate for a minute, then pause the cycle and soak for an hour before finishing. This helps remove detergent residue and mineral build‑up.
Tile & surface cleaner — Mix ½ cup Epsom salts, ¼ cup baking soda, and ¼ cup liquid dish soap to form a paste. Apply to tiles, benchtops, or stovetops, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub for a bright, refreshed finish.
Stain hack — Use the same paste to tackle oil stains on tablecloths or clothing. Apply with an old toothbrush, let sit for 5 minutes, then gently scrub.
Freshen the waste disposal — Add ¼ cup Epsom salts to running cold water and turn on the disposal for five seconds. The gritty texture helps scrub the blades and reduce odours.

In the Garden

Epsom salt is a simple, natural way to support healthier, greener growth across seedlings, vegetables, roses, shrubs, and even houseplants. Rich in magnesium and sulphur, it helps plants absorb essential minerals, produce chlorophyll, and maintain strong early development — especially during spring when everything is waking up and growing fast.

Easy ways to use Epsom salts in the garden.

Support seedlings — Mix 1 tbsp Epsom salt with 3 L water for an early magnesium boost.
Improve germination — Add a small amount to potting soil or seed trenches.
Strengthen foliage — Sprinkle around stems or spray diluted solution to support healthy green leaves.
Refresh soil — Work a little into the soil to improve structure and nutrient uptake.
Boost blooms — Water flowering plants with 1 tbsp dissolved in 3 L of water.
Rose care — Add ½–¾ cup around the drip line in early spring for bushier growth.
Houseplants — Use a light sprinkle or diluted spray for pale or tired foliage.
Natural pest deterrent — Sprinkle around garden edges to help deter slugs.
Sustainability hack — Reuse cooled Epsom bath water for outdoor plants.

Want more spring‑specific tips?

Head over to our spring garden Epsom salt blog for seasonal guidance, plant‑by‑plant advice, and easy ways to boost growth as your garden wakes up for the year.