Health and Beauty

• Epsom salts are a rock mineral composed of sulfur and magnesium. Both of these elements have almost innumerable uses. Magnesium is an element essential to the regulation of many bodily enzymes. The magnesium in Epsom salts is an electrolyte that aids in muscle and nerve function.
  
  The human body also needs sulfates, yet many people are lacking a sufficient amount of dietary magnesium and sulfates. Magnesium deficiencies, when severe, cause a number of health risks, including joint pain and chronic fatigue syndrome.
  
  Epsom salts are not only good for the inside of the body, this product has a number of cosmetic uses as well. Use Epson salts to exfoliate and soften skin. Mix it with petroleum jelly at a ratio of eight parts salt to one part petroleum jelly. Scrub skin gently with mixture to slough away dead skin and other skin contaminates. Create an exfoliating facial by mixing a teaspoon of salts in with a favorite skin cleanser. Gently rub the mixture on the face and neck in a circular motion to draw out impurities in the pores. Rinse skin with cool water and pat dry. The size and roughness of the salt crystals are perfect for home microdermabrasion.
  
  The sulfates in Epsom salts can flush toxins from the body because they work like a laxative. To use this product as a laxative, follow instructions on the package carefully and do not ingest more than the recommended amount. These sulfates also help the body absorb nutrients.
  
  

Pain Relief

• Epsom salts can be used for topical pain relief. Soak a washcloth in a mixture of hot water (do not boil water but run the tap until water is steaming) and Epsom salts (two cups per gallon of water) to make a hot compress that will relieve the sting and itch of bug bites. Use to relieve aching muscles by making a compress or soaking aching muscles in a hot bath with a few cups of Epsom salts. These bath soaks can soften the skin, relax the body and draw toxins from the body.
  
  

Garden

• Try Epsom salts in the garden to boost plant growth and production. One of the main ingredients in Epsom salts is magnesium, which plants utilize for germination and the production of chlorophyll. Another main ingredient is sulfur, which plants use to boost the effectiveness of the fertilizer ingredients phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Sulfur also helps plants produce chlorophyll.