Epsom Salt Profile
Trade Name- Epsom salt or soaking salts.
Origin- USA
Extraction- A rock mineral mined from natural sources
Shelf life- 4-5years
Notes- Stores well under most conditions, but high fluctuations in humidity will cause it to cake. A granular salt with a average size of 1-2 mm. Fully dispersible in water and blends well with oil.
Specifications
Color- White
Odor- Salty
Chloride- 93 ppm
Boron- 7.8 ppm
Magnesium Sulfate- 99 ppm
Iron- <20 ppm
pH- 6.6-7.9
Introduction
Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate) is a well known product used in bath salts for softening the skin and relaxing sore muscles. However, Epsom Salt also has a myriad of other cosmetic and medicinal uses. The Epsom Salt sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is of the highest therapeutic quality, and their coarse texture makes them easy to incorporate into baths and soaks.
Medicinal Properties
Epsom Salt is mainly made up of magnesium and sulfates. Many modern diets are deficient in magnesium and sulfates, but they are important minerals. Increasing levels of magnesium may help to improve heart and circulatory health, flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes, improve the body's ability to use insulin, raise the body's levels of serotonin which reduces stress and elevates the mood, improve sleep and concentration, regulate the body's enzymes, improve oxygen use, lower blood pressure, reduce muscle pain and inflammation, and help muscles and nerves to function properly. Sulfates are also necessary for good health. Sulfates are used by the body to flush out toxins, improve the absorption of nutrients, form joint proteins, brain tissue, and mucin protein, and to help prevent and ease migraine headaches.
The best news is that magnesium and sulfates are readily absorbed by the body externally. This means that soaking in a bath with Epsom Salt is not only enjoyable, but is also good for you!
Cosmetic Use
Epsom Salt softens the skin, soothes aches, reduces swelling, inflammations, exfoliates the skin, removes odors, draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, relaxes the muscles, provides relief from joint soreness and arthritic pain, and is a natural emollient. Unlike other salts, it does not leave the skin feeling dry. On the contrary, Epsom Salt leaves the skin with a soft and silky texture.
Add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to warm bathwater for a luxurious, relaxing, and soothing experience for the mind and body. While soaking, try massaging some of the salts over your skin, this will help to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. For sore feet, add ½ cup of Epsom Salt to a large pot of water. Essential oils, such as Lavender or Rosemary, may be added to enhance relaxation and medicinal effects. Epsom Salt can also be used in compresses to sooth bruises, sprains, insect bites, draw out splinters, and to alleviate muscle soreness. To make a compress, dissolve 2 cups of Epsom Salt in hot water, and use this mixture for your compress.
Precautions:
Do not use Epsom Salt internally, this product is intended for external use only.
Do not use in case of skin infection or external wounds.
Consult with a doctor before using if you have any medical conditions, are on medication, or are pregnant.
