www.saltwork.com offered this information on the internet.
Epsom Salt Uses
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in
Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure
mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural
remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits
as well as many beauty, household and gardening-related uses.
Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate
are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an
easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays
a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over
325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function
and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the
absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.
What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?
The wonders of Epsom salt have been well
known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has
beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Some of
the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system,
curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle
strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins
from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and
stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few
cups of
Ultra Epsom® Salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include:
Eases stress and relaxes the body
Stress drains the body of magnesium and
increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt
is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in
the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating
chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by
encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy
packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt
at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and
gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by
lowering the effects of adrenaline. They lower blood pressure, create a
relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and
nerves to function properly.
Relieves pain and muscle cramps
An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and
relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore
muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. In addition, it has
been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick
paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort.
Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with
half a cup of our
Ultra Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.
Helps muscles and nerves function properly
Studies show that Epsom salt can help
regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the
muscles, nerves and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in
the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the
electric impulses in your body.
Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
Epsom salt is believed to improve heart
health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood
circulation, lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of
arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart
attack deaths.
Makes insulin more effective
Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase
the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or
severity of diabetes.
Relieves constipation
Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom
salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt
acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a
laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about
temporary relief from constipation.
However, it is strictly warned that
Epsom salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the
consultation of a physician.
Eliminates toxins from the body
The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins
and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body
to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane
and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process
called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and
harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once
weekly add two cups of our
Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.
What are some uses of Epsom salt?
Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to
enhance your beauty effortlessly, making Epsom salt a part of your daily
routine can add a whole lot of goodness to your way of life. To
experience the numerous health benefits of Epsom salt, take relaxing,
stress-relieving Epsom salt baths three times weekly by adding 2 cups
Ultra Epsom Salt
to a warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. For the added
benefit of moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil or baby oil. Do
not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to
rest for about two hours afterwards. If you have arthritic joints move
them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion
in the joints.
As a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a
basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like,
rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops
of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like
shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture.
If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor
before using Epsom salts.
Epsom salt uses: HEALTH
Athlete’s Foot - Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.
Remove splinters - Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus - Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises - Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.
Ease discomfort of Gout - Ease the discomfort of
gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into
a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as
hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.
Epsom salt uses: BEAUTY
Exfoliate dead skin - In the shower or bath, mix a
handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all
over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser - To clean your face and
exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with
your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with
cold water.
Dislodge blackheads - Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt
and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture
to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor - Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in
warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth
achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray - Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup
of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for
24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on
for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer - Combine equal parts deep
conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture
through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Epsom salt uses: HOUSEHOLD
Clean bathroom tiles - Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.
Prevent slugs - Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.
As a hand wash - Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.
Epsom salt uses: GARDENING
Fertilize your houseplants - Most plants need
nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health and Epsom
salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly
to help nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.
Keep your lawn green - Magnesium sulfate crystals,
when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent
yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential
element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of
Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the
grass healthy and green.
Insecticide spray - Use Epson salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.
**********************************
About Epsom Salts (MgSO4·7H2O)
Magnesium is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body, so
it's little wonder this low-profile mineral is so vital to good health
and well being. Magnesium, a major component of Epsom Salt, also
helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a
vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.
The National Academy of Sciences, however, reports that most Americans are magnesium deficient, helping to account for our society's
high rate of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint
pain, digestive maladies and stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a host of other ailments.
The Academy estimates the average American male gets just 80% of the magnesium
required for good health, while females get only 70% of their recommended levels. Nutritionists say Americans' magnesium levels have dropped more than 50% in the past century.
Better health through soaking
Magnesium
can be ingested as a nutritional supplement, but studies show that a
wide variety of factors - the presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, even the individual chemistry of a person's stomach acid - can interfere with their effectiveness.
But all of the subjects in a recent study experienced increased
magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with
magnesium sulfate crystals, commonly known as Epsom Salt.
Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium levels may:
Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body.
Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
While increasing your magnesium levels, Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which
readily absorb through the skin. Sulfates serve a wide variety of
functions in the body, playing a vital role in the formation of brain
tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of
the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to
generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants.
Health Benefits
Studies show these benefits from the major components of Epsom Salt may:
Magnesium:
Ease stress and improves sleep and concentration
Help muscles and nerves function properly
Regulate activity of 325+ enzymes
Help prevent artery hardening and blood clots
Make insulin more effective
Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps
Improve oxygen use
Sulfates:
Flush toxins
Improve absorption of nutrients
Help form joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins
Help prevent or ease migraine headaches
Starved for magnesium
A
variety of factors contributes to the nation's magnesium deficiency.
Intensive farming practices deplete magnesium from the soil, and magnesium is not a standard component in most fertilizers. Therefore, a diet that would have supplied enough magnesium a century ago may not supply enough today.
At
the same time, average Americans eat diets far less healthy than their
ancestors ate. The typical modern diet, rich in fat, sugar, salt and
protein, not only contains less magnesium than a balanced diet does;
these same foods actually accelerate the depletion of magnesium from our systems.
So, too, does our emphasis on calcium as an antidote for bone disease; calcium drains magnesium from the body, and calcium can only
perform its role in the cells when sufficient magnesium is present.
Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without ensuring the body also receives enough magnesium can therefore amplify the shortage of both nutrients. Researchers have found that most Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies; the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is about two to one.
Why it works:
Magnesium - the key component of Epsom Salt -- performs more functions in more systems of the human body than virtually any other mineral, including regulating the activity of more than 325 enzymes.
Studies show that magnesium is:
An electrolyte, helping to ensure proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function.
Critical to the proper use of calcium in cells.
An aid in helping to prevent heart disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.
Medical research also indicates that magnesium may:
Increase the effectiveness of insulin, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Reduce inflammation and relieves pain, making it a beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
Although magnesium can be absorbed through the digestive tract, many foods, drugs and medical conditions can interfere with the effectiveness of this deliver method. Therefore, soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is one of the most effective means of making the magnesium your body needs readily available.
Epsom
Salt also delivers sulfates, which medical research indicates are
needed for the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the
mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Studies show
that sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and help to detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. Studies indicate that sulfates are difficult to absorb from food, but are readily absorbed through the skin.
Health Usage Tips
For compresses: Use 2 cups of Epsom Salt per gallon of water for sore muscles, bug bites and splinter removal.
For soaking: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub. Double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub. Popular for easing muscle pain and fading bruises. Bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes.
Foot bath: Add a cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water as a popular balm for aching feet.
Laxative: Consult the package directions for instructions.
This information shared with you by:
Universal Health Institute • 8 W Chestnut • Chicago, IL 60610 • 312.266.9090
www.uhichicago.com
