Nature’s chill pill is Epsom salt. Epsom salt may help you relax in a variety of ways, whether you add it to your bathwater or swallow a little amount to relieve constipation. However, it is not the only item that can.

Depending on the application, you may also substitute Epsom salt with ordinary household ingredients such as sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda.

Magnesium sulfate, sometimes known as Epsom salt, is a mineral compound composed of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. It is water-soluble and resembles a thicker, denser variant of salt.

Because of its many health advantages, Epsom salt has a wide range of applications:

1. Helps relieve pain and muscle soreness

For generations, Epsom salt has been used to relieve pain and muscle tightness. It decreases inflammation and swelling when added to a bath.

2. Reduces inflammation and gets rid of toxins:

This research found that applying magnesium directly to the skin is highly useful.

3. Relieves sun-damaged and itchy skin

Alternatively, sunburned skin.Natural exfoliants include Epsom salt. It is soft enough to use as a scrub, but it may also be beneficial when dissolved in bathwater. It may soothe irritated skin.

4. Helps with constipation

Because it is high in magnesium, using Epsom salt in modest quantities may assist with constipation. You may dissolve it with water before drinking it.

Important Reminder: If you are pregnant or have renal issues, check your doctor before using Epsom salt!

1. Dead Sea Salt

You may simply replace Epsom salt with Dead Sea salt to revitalize your skin and get rid of uneven patches. Dead Sea salt, like Epsom, is high in magnesium and other natural minerals that help cleanse and moisturize your skin.

Bathing with Dead Sea Salt has been shown in studies to help build your skin’s moisture barrier and minimize redness. Dead sea salt is suitable for all skin types, however it works best for atopic and dry skin.

2. Essential Oils

Essential oils, like sea salt, may enhance your bathing experience. As you may be aware, magnesium shortage is linked to stress.

Magnesium is used by our bodies to manage our stress response, and more stress may cause your magnesium levels to plummet. However, if you are out of Epsom salt, essential oils may also help you de-stress.

Certain essential oils, according to study, have a calming impact on the body and mind. Several studies have shown that lavender essential oil may be used to relieve anxiety. Taking an essential oil-infused bath is one approach to de-stress using essential oils.

Rosemary, lavender, and chamomile essential oils may help you relax. You may experiment with various essential oils to discover the right blend for you. We discovered a tiny collection that will get you started.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Is there anything that cider vinegar cannot do? It aids digestion, cleans your home, and makes your hair shine, not to mention it tastes delicious in a dressing.

If you have muscular tightness and discomfort, add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath. It will relieve discomfort and help you relax, much like Epsom salt.

Find out where to get apple cider at the grocery shop.

4. Mustard Powder

Mustard powder, indeed! Ground mustard seeds are an old cure for aching and tired muscles. These are often seen in shops as mustard plasters, which are patches packed with mustard powder. You may either utilize them or just add mustard powder to your bath water.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent exfoliant. It is known to assist in the natural removal of dead skin cells.

You may massage a baking soda paste made by combining one tablespoon of baking soda with adequate water using a towel or bath glove. You may even put it in your bath!

6. Clay

If you’re using Epsom salt for exfoliation, you may try replacing it with natural clay. Natural clay is excellent for exfoliating the skin and taking away excess oil or build-up.

You may dissolve it in your bath water or use it as a mask anywhere you see appropriate. White kaolin clay is a natural clay that helps you maintain your skin’s pH balance while maintaining its suppleness. Check out mineral-rich green clay for its nourishing benefits as well.

7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is not only tasty and healthy, but it is also relaxing! An oatmeal bath, like Epsom salt, can assist to calm your skin. Because of its moisturizing and skin-protecting characteristics, an oatmeal bath may help you get rid of the desire to scratch all the time.

However, you cannot just dump oatmeal into the tub. Finely milled colloidal oatmeal is required.

7. Prune Juice

Even though it may aid with constipation, Epsom salt isn’t very tasty. Fortunately, there is a far tastier substitute: prune juice. Prune juice has laxative qualities and is less harmful than Epsom salt.

To get your bowels going, consume prune juice in the morning and after meals. You don’t have to drink the full bottle however; half a cup or one cup would suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Find Epsom Salt in the Store?

Epsom salt may be found in most supermarkets, generally in the pharmacy or salt aisles. It is reasonably priced, and since it contains natural ingredients, no prescription is required. You may read our whole simple guide on locating and purchasing Epsom salt in the grocery store!

Can You Consume Epsom Salt?

For laxative effects, you may ingest food-grade or pure Epsom salts in tiny dosages. To discover how Epsom salt may be ingested and what dose you should take, see this FDA paper. However, it is best to check your doctor beforehand, particularly if you have renal issues.

How Different Is Epsom Salt from Sea Salt?

Although we commonly identify them with one other since they are both salts, their compounds are very different.

Sea salt includes sodium chloride and minerals, while Epsom salt contains magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. It has no sodium and so does not taste like salt.

Can You Use Epsom Salt to Help Your Plants Grow?

You certainly can! Epsom salt is a fantastic source of nutrients for plants since it is naturally high in sulfur and magnesium. It promotes the growth of larger, greener leaves in plants and improves their general health.