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Home » 15 Surprising Uses for Epsom Salt

15 Surprising Uses for Epsom Salt

by Adrienne 39 Comments Published April 21, 2014 Updated: Jul 10, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. Learn more in our disclosure.
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Epsom salt in a wooden bowl and spoon on a wooden table for post about epsom salt uses
I've used Epsom Salt for soaking splinters and getting Mg into my body, but I had no idea about all the ways you can use it. Here are 15 Uses for Epsom Salt that I bet you didn't know!

Epsom salt has been used for ages to relieve aches and pains. But there are lots of other uses for epsom salt that you most likely aren't aware of. Once you learn what you can do with it, this handy dandy salt is sure to find become a favorite product to have on hand. 

epsom salt in wooden cup for post about uses for epsom salt

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, epsom salt gets its name from Epsom, England, the city where it was first discovered.

It's often dissolved in baths, which is why it is often called bath salt.

Our Epsom Salt Experience

When I first started buying epsom salt it was to add to the kids bath because I had heard that it would help calm them down before bed.

I figured hey, it's worth a shot!

When my husband saw what I had purchased he poked fun saying it was just something old people used. Well it wasn't long before he was using it too.

Look who's laughing now.

Epsom Salt is an amazing mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is an essential mineral that scientists estimate that about 2/3 of our population is deficient in.

This is just one of the reasons why I started to use Epsom Salt in our home. As I dug a little deeper, I realized that Epsom Salt has many more uses than for just soaking in the bathtub.

Here is a list of uses for Epsom Salt so you can start using it in your home today.

collage of epsom salt in a wooden bowl and wooden cup and wooden spoon for post about uses for epsom salt

15 Epsom Salt Uses

1. Relaxing Bath- I'll get the obvious out of the way first. Add 2 c. of Epsom salt to a bath and soak, which is also great for kids to help them relax before bed. Add lavender essential oil for some calming aromatherapy.

2. Sprains and Bruises- Add a handful of salt to a small container of hot water for feet and hands or 2 c. to a bath full of hot water and soak. My husband tried this when is stubbed his big toe. It was purple and green one day and within 48 hours the bruising was completely gone.

3. Splinter Removal- Add 1/2 c. of salt to a small container of water and soak splinter to assist in removal.

4. Hair Volumizer- Mix equal parts non toxic conditioner and Epsom salt and work through hair. Let sit 20 minutes, rinse and style as usual.

5. Facial Cleanser- Mix 1/2 t. salt into your regular cleansing product and wash as usual.  Adds exfoliation to your facial cleansing routine.

6. Mosquito Bites- Add 2 T. salt to 1 cup of water and soak a clean cloth. Then press cloth on bite for a few minutes to soothe irritation.

7. Exfoliate- Mix equal parts Epsom salt and organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, or organic almond oil in your hands and use to exfoliate face or any other area of the body with dry skin. Great for wintertime.

8. Pest Control Spray- Mix 2 T. in a spray bottle with warm water and shake to dissolve. Spray on bugs around your yard and on plants in your garden that may be more susceptible to pests.

9. Eliminate Toxins- Soaking in an Epsom salt bath (2 c. added to warm bathwater) will not only relieve muscle tension but also help eliminate toxins from your body. The sulfates in Epsom salt help to flush toxins and heavy metals from your cells.

10. Cleaner- Add Epsom salt to homemade cleaners to increase scrubbing power.

11. Constipation- Mix 1-2 t. salt in 1 c. water and drink to help with constipation.

12. Athlete's Foot/Toenail Fungus- Soak foot in warm water with a handful of Epsom salt.

13. Sunburn- Make a cold compress using a clean wash cloth, 1 c. cold water and 2 T. salt and gently lay on sunburn to relieve irritation.

14. Wavy Hair Spray- Mix 1 c. water, 2 t. salt and 1 t. non toxic conditioner in a spray bottle and spray on wet or dry hair and scrunch with your hands. Let air dry or use a diffuser to dry.

15. Soil Booster- Mix 2 T. salt per gallon of water and water plants once a month to boost soil and increase plant growth.

Do you use epsom salt ?
I'd love to hear your ideas--make sure to comment below!

Hannah Hepworth - contributing writer at Whole New MomHannah is the founder of Whole Simple Life and a former Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, who now stays at home with her 3 young children. Whole Simple Life is a website designed to help women simplify their lives, become more organized and provide information on relevant health topics as well as simple real food recipes. 

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About Adrienne

Adrienne Urban is the Founder and Owner of Whole New Mom. She has a background in research, journalism, insurance, employee benefits, financial markets, frugal living, and nutrition. Seeking a better life for herself and her family, she uses research and consults with many physicians and other practitioners to find solutions to the variety of issues they have dealt with including life-threatening food allergies and thyroid and adrenal concerns. WholeNewMom.com is the result of her experiences and knowledge gained throughout the process. Posts are reviewed and verified by the Whole New Mom team.

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  1. Virginia

    May 06, 2018 at 11:58 am

    I sprinkle it on my grass wow what a difference my grass is so green, and it even helped with some bare spots fill right in. I also use it on all my plants and veggies makes a big difference, love this stuff ....

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 06, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      Wow - no kidding! How much do you put on.....what a great tip!

      Reply
  2. Diane

    March 11, 2017 at 8:57 am

    How do you use epsom salt as a hair volumizer?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      March 11, 2017 at 12:22 pm

      Hi. The information is in the post - are you not able to see it? Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  3. Priscilla

    May 09, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    I found this recipe for weed killer that works great. 1 gal white vinegar, 2 cups Epsom salts, 1/4 cup Dawn dishwashing liquid. It started drying weeds/grass out within a couple hrs. Probably need couple treatments for bigger weeds.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 10, 2016 at 11:18 am

      I read about too. I just didn't want to put the Dawn liquid into the environment. Thanks!

      Reply
  4. Candee

    June 17, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    I have used Epsom salts on my ice skate that I decorate for my front door for winter decor. Just use spray adhesive on the blade and add Epsom salt, looks like snow.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      June 17, 2015 at 2:15 pm

      Oh what a great idea! Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Rebecca Francis

    February 22, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Epson Salts can also be used in decorating. At Christmas it can be used for snow in arrangements. It is great for Rhodendrum too.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      February 22, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      Oh interesting! It doesn't dry things out? And is it only good for rhododendron or for other plants too?

      Reply
  6. Sally Robertson

    November 02, 2014 at 9:40 am

    I have minor arthritic issues in my thumbs and i add about 1/4 cup rpsom salts to my dishwater and it helps tremendously! Easy and practical- the dishes needed done anyway and got to soak while i was doing them! Great time- saver!

    Reply
    • Lisa L

      May 29, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      awesome idea about epsom salts in the dishwater. I have issues with my hands too so I will give it a try. Washing dishes is one of my least favorite things to do but knowing that it would help the pain by adding the salts...whoo hoo!

      Reply
    • Tracy Storey

      February 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      This is just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  7. Laura

    September 21, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    My roses grow like crazy after being watered with an Epsom salts and water mixture. Boston ferns do too, I hear. My sister picks up 20 lb bags for me at the farm feed store!

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      September 23, 2014 at 3:48 pm

      Wow - I have heard it can be good for all plants but haven't tried it yet. Thanks! How much is it approx per pound?

      Reply
  8. Tammy

    May 31, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Was wondering if anyone has used epsom salt in bath to relieve eczema that has gotten infected. In the warnings area it does say consult a physician if evidence of an infection.. Hoping you might know if there is any negative reactions to using on an infected area. BTW, our doctor is the one that advised me to use the epsom salt 5x a day. I'm just hesitant now that I've read the back of the bag. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks

    Reply
  9. Tamara

    May 04, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    I am currently in a medical health crisis - Serotonin Syndrome + Polypharmacutical Poisoning - Multiple trips to the hospital - a failed transference of information regarding allergies of colors in medications - orders to eat all food allergy foods to determine if my arthritis is psoriatic arthritis - I've been taken off all medications except thyroid and being slowly removed from gabapentin - I have 33 of the side effects but apparently it is fatal to be removed quickly -
    I've lost the ability to speak clearly - my son says I sound like Steven Hawking - there is brain damage but the degree is still unknown - I can think and write well - but the words simply have to swim through too much pea soup to come out right - I have tongue thrusting issues to - after a bath with lots of Epson salt my speech and thoughts are clear I can sleep. This is still in the beginning stages so I have to see docs to get further assessments but . . . I am so very thankful for Epson Salt - I just wish I had my own tub -

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 10, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      I am sorry but I can't assist and give medical advice and neither can Hannah. Please make sure to get the attention you need.

      Reply
    • Hannah@wholesimplelife.com

      May 30, 2014 at 11:40 am

      Tamara,

      I'm happy to see you've seen good results with epsom salt. I wonder if it is the magnesium that helps relax your muscles and improve speech? I would ask your doctor about that. I know magnesium is a very beneficial mineral. I take it every day in the form of "Natural Calm" supplement. Ask you doctor if this would be safe for you. Best wishes. ~Hannah

      Reply
  10. Melissa

    April 30, 2014 at 7:11 am

    I was just reading another article about home made laundry soap (hubby has allergies and I have chemical sensitivities so we're moving to more natural home made cleaners) that had epsom salt in one of the 'recipes'. I think I'm going to try that.

    And, if you have Dollar Tree near you, check them out...I got 4 lb bags of epsom salts for $1 at mine yesterday. I bought 6...Going to stop today and get some more.

    Reply
    • Hannah@wholesimplelife.com

      May 04, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks for the dollar store tip! I'll have to check that out next time I go. I've also used salt in dishwasher detergent, it's especially great for hard water.

      Reply
      • Adrienne

        May 05, 2014 at 7:45 am

        Wow - that's amazing!!!

        Reply
  11. Melissa

    April 29, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Don't have time to soak in a tub? Adding the epsom salt to your body wash on a pouf provides some relief when showering too! It's a quick pick me up for those mornings you're in a hurry.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      April 29, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      Nice!!!! How do you feel when you do that?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        April 29, 2014 at 7:25 pm

        Not as good as I do when I can soak but it does help. I have fibromyalgia and work out 5 days a week. I have LOTS of achy muscles 🙂 I try to soak a couple days a week and add the epsom salts to the pouf other days, especially after the gym.

        And, I use it in my hair too! Even a quick shampoo or condition with epsom salts helps. I've never left it though. might have to try that!

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          May 03, 2014 at 2:22 pm

          How does it help your hair? Thanks!

          Reply
    • sara

      April 29, 2014 at 8:26 pm

      oh, i like that idea! i can easily add the salt to my body wash. i already have used it as an exfoliate /moisturizing scrub.

      Reply
    • Hannah@wholesimplelife.com

      May 04, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      Great tip!

      Reply
  12. Robyn @ simply fresh dinners

    April 29, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Hi Adrienne!
    I was so thrilled to find this list. My dad was a pharmacist and insisted on sprinkling our baths every night as kids with Epsom salts and we always thought it was so funny. After sporting activities, he always insisted I use it as well, and now I know why. This is going on my shopping list right now - I had no idea it had so many uses. And who doesn't want thicker hair!? lol.
    Thanks so much for the great info. Hope your week is off to a good start.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      April 29, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      I want thicker hair for sure!!!

      Reply
  13. Loretta

    April 28, 2014 at 11:31 am

    I pretty much only use epsom salts for baths, but I love the idea of using it a hair volumizer. Even though I've got "large and in charge" hair to begin with. The bigger the better 🙂

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      April 29, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      I so agree!!!

      Reply
  14. Hannah@wholesimplelife.com

    April 24, 2014 at 11:51 am

    Yes I've heard epsom salt is really good for tomato plants!

    Reply
  15. Catherine

    April 24, 2014 at 6:28 am

    Here is one other great tip about Epsom salt:
    Stops preterm labor contractions! Now, Iam no Dr, but this is what worked for me. Please consult your Dr or midwife! I have a history of pre term labor for several pregnancies. I have what all my Drs have called "an irritable uterus". Each time I was admitted to the hospital for preterm labor they flooded me with lots and lots of fluids ( so #1 was to drink tons of water ( and I often would also drink some Chamomile tea). They other thing they did was hook me up to an IV and give me mag sulfate (also used for toxemia!) , which I learned by baby #5 was what was in Epsom salt! I maybe went a little overboard, but I dissolved a bag of Epsom salt ( I found it at Walmart) into my bath (@2 cups, I guess) and soaked for a min of 10 mins. Then I went to bed to rest and continue drinking my tea or water. Afterwards I could litterally feel everything relax! It was really astounding to me, one minute contracting every 2-3 mins, to total calm! I always keep a bag on hand 20 weeks along and after. If they didn't stop, I would've then called my midwife. But for me, this worked!

    Reply
  16. Terry

    April 22, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    I use it as a spray on peppers/tomatoes/eggplant to encourage bloom and fruit--they like the magnesium.

    Reply
  17. Julie

    April 21, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    Just soaked my hand in epsom salts this morning for a splinter and it really does work along with using for a relaxing bath. There are some new ones for me on this list but I keep epsom salts on hand, pretty cheap RX. Thanks for the post.

    Reply
    • Hannah@wholesimplelife.com

      April 22, 2014 at 8:52 am

      Yes, epsom salt is super cheap you can get it almost anywhere, glad to see you've had success!

      Reply
  18. MPaula

    April 21, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    I haven't tried it yet but I recently read that you can use epsom salts to remove tree stumps. Drill holes into the stumps and fill with epsom salts. Then add water and wait for them to decompose.
    https://backyard-garden-101.blogspot.ca/2013/04/how-to-remove-tree-stumps.html

    Reply
    • Hannah@wholesimplelife.com

      April 22, 2014 at 8:51 am

      That's so cool thanks for sharing!

      Reply
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