Epsom Salts for Mind, Body & Home

Epsom salts are not actually a salt, but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulphate that has a shape resembling salt.  This surprisingly versatile pantry staple has a variety of uses in the home, around the garden and to support overall wellness.    

Support Overall Wellbeing

Epsom salts are an ideal pantry staple that can support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s most commonly used in a bath or foot soak. Ideal for after sports and exercise, gardening, or when feeling a bit under the weather. Simply add 1-2 cups of Epsom salts into warm, running bath water. Soak for 20 minutes, for any of the following ailments:

• Soothe coughs and congestion in winter. Soak at the first sign of a cold.
• Relax the nerves and ease stress for a good night’s sleep.
• Relieve tension headaches.
• Support the healing of cuts, scrapes and wounds.
• Ease muscle aches due to strain or overuse.
• Speed up recovery time for sprains and bruises.
• Draw out infection or help remove splinters. Sometimes it may be easier to use a local soak, such as using a small bowl for a cut on your hand. 

Epsom salts can also be added to your beauty regime. 

• Use it as a natural face cleanser.
• Add it to your washcloth and use to exfoliate your skin.
• Use as a hair rinse to add volume. 

Simple, Relaxing Bath Soak

Try this simple bath soak 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
• Tbsp Chantal Organics Coconut Oil, as a carrier oil 

1. Place the jar of coconut oil in a bowl of warm water to gently melt it.
2. In a small bowl, add the coconut oil and essential oils and mix well. 
3. Mix the Epsom salts and baking soda together and pour it under the running bath water. Allow it to dissolve. 
4. Add the oil mixture to the bath, give it a stir and get in. 
5. Soak for 20 minutes. 

Around the Home

• Indoor and outdoor plants thrive from the minerals. Reuse your bath water to water your plants.  
• Pour a small amount of Epsom salts into those really-dirty dishes before you scrub them. The abrasive texture of the salt crystals will help to remove stubborn food. 
• Remove laundry detergent and other contaminant build-up in washing machines. Fill the empty washing machine with hot water, add 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of Epsom salts, let the machine agitate for about a minute. Stop the cycle and let the solution soak for about an hour before finishing the cycle. 

In the Garden

Rejuvenate the garden with a sprinkle of Epsom salts. Use for the following: 

• Fertilise your plants. Simply sprinkle it around your vegetables to support nutrient absorption.  
• Improve seed germination.
• Increase green foliage. Plants and bushes utilize magnesium to produce chlorophyll.
• Deter garden pests and prevent slugs in the garden.
• Tomatoes require a higher mineral requirement. Place a few spoonful’s around the stem to avoid rot.   
• Use to feed your rose bushes in early spring and when in full bloom.