Home Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The Soothing Benefits of Epsom Salt Salve

Epsom salt, named for the bitter saline spring located in Epsom, England, has long been prized for its numerous health and beauty benefits. Comprised of magnesium and sulfate, Epsom salt acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever when used topically in salves. Epsom salt salves can provide relief for many common skin ailments, from minor cuts and burns to eczema and psoriasis. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of this simple but powerful home remedy.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a mineral compound comprised of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It is formed into crystals which readily dissolve in water. While Epsom salt resembles traditional table salt in appearance, the two compounds are quite different chemically. Epsom salt does not actually contain sodium, unlike table salt.

Some key facts about Epsom salt include:

• Its chemical formula is MgSO47H2O
• It dissolves easily in water and liquid
• It has a bitter, saline taste
• It has a granular, crystalline structure
• It is often used in bath salts and skin care recipes

In addition to being used to make healing salves, Epsom salt is also popular as a component of bath salts. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can also provide therapeutic benefits for sore muscles and joint pain.

Benefits of Epsom Salt for the Skin

Magnesium is a critical mineral for overall health and wellbeing. It plays many important roles, including regulating muscle and nerve function, managing blood glucose levels, and supporting the immune system. Soaking the body in magnesium, whether through an Epsom salt bath or by applying it topically, allows the mineral to be readily absorbed through the skin.

Research has shown that increasing magnesium levels can provide wide-ranging benefits, including:

• Easing anxiety and depression
• Improving sleep quality
• Reducing inflammation
• Relieving muscle soreness and cramping
• Improving skin hydration and elasticity

For the skin specifically, Epsom salt can provide these advantages:

• Exfoliation - The gritty texture of Epsom slat in salves can remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oils trapped in pores.
• Deep cleansing - Epsom salt draws out impurities from the skin, unclogging pores and allowing them to drain.
• Reducing oily skin - The salt helps balance skin sebum production by removing excess oil.
• Anti-inflammatory - Epsom salt calms irritation and redness on the skin.
• Wound healing - Magnesium encourages faster recovery for cuts, burns, and scrapes.

With all these beneficial properties, it's easy to see why Epsom salt is such a versatile and effective skin care ingredient.

Making an Epsom Salt Salve

One of the easiest ways to benefit from Epsom salt is to make a healing salve. Epsom salt salves provide focused delivery of magnesium right where the skin needs it most. Salves can be used to treat various dermatological conditions as well as minor injuries like scrapes and burns.

Follow this simple recipe to whip up a batch of soothing Epsom salt salve at home:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 20-30 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax to a glass jar or small saucepan. Heat slowly over low heat until the beeswax is fully melted and incorporated.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the Epsom salt until fully dissolved in the oil mixture.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding any optional essential oils.
4. Pour the salve into small tins or jars and allow to fully set up at room temperature before using.

Be sure to label your salve and store it in a cool, dark place when not in use. It will keep for up to a year with proper storage.

How to Use Epsom Salt Salve

Epsom salt salves can be used to promote healing and relieve discomfort associated with many common skin conditions. It can also be applied to minor cuts, scrapes, burns, splinters, and more to support the natural healing process.

Some of the top uses for Epsom salt salve include:

• Dry, cracked skin and eczema - Hydrates and softens rough patches to restore smoothness and comfort.
• Minor wounds - Helps prevent infection and accelerates new skin cell growth.
• Sunburn - Soothes inflamed, painful skin and may help skin recover faster.
• Insect bites and stings - Reduces itching and swelling at the site of the bite.
• Poison ivy and oak - Calms the uncomfortable rash and alleviates itching.
• Psoriasis and dermatitis - Can help control flare-ups by reducing inflammation and stimulating healing.
• Skin infections - Assists in clearing bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections.

To use Epsom salt salve, start by washing and drying the affected area thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the salve and gently rub it into the skin. Repeat 2-3 times daily or as needed to manage symptoms. The salve is safe for external use only.

Precautions When Using Epsom Salt Salves

Epsom salt salves are generally very safe. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Avoid using salves on open wounds or broken skin. The salts may irritate the exposed tissues.
• Do not apply to irritated or extremely inflamed skin, as it may cause stinging or burning.
• Discontinue use if any irritation, rash, or discomfort develops.
• Keep away from eyes, nostrils, and other sensitive areas.
• Store in a sealed container away from moisture and sunlight.
• Do not ingest Epsom salt or products containing it.

As with any new skin care product, it's a good idea to do a patch test before wider use. Simply apply a small amount to a limited area and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions before greater use.

The Health Benefits of Epsom Salt

While Epsom salt salves provide targeted skin relief, Epsom salt can also be used in other ways to achieve whole-body benefits. Taking Epsom salt baths and using Epsom salt foot soaks are two easy and enjoyable ways to harness the healing power of this mineral compound.

Epsom Salt Baths

There's nothing quite like a long, relaxing soak in a warm bath infused with Epsom salt. In addition to being a pampering way to unwind, Epsom salt baths provide a host of health perks. Some of the top benefits include:

• Eases stress - Magnesium plays a key role in regulating hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood.
• Relieves sore muscles - The mineral soak provides fast relief for overworked and painful muscles.
• Improves sleep - By relaxing the body and mind, it can help you fall asleep faster and get better quality rest.
• Detoxifies - Helps remove toxins, oils, and impurities from the skin and through sweating.
• Softens skin - The magnesium hydrates and smooths rough skin on elbows, knees and feet.

To enjoy an Epsom salt bath, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to warm bath water. Soak for at least 15 minutes to allow your body to fully absorb the minerals. Rinse skin thoroughly after bathing.

Epsom Salt Foot Soaks

In addition to full-body baths, targeted Epsom salt foot soaks offer tremendous benefits. There are over 7,000 nerve endings in the feet, meaning they have key connections to the entire body. Soaking feet in warm, mineral-rich water can provide these advantages:

• Eases foot pain - Relieves sore, achy feet from conditions like plantar fasciitis.
• Reduces swelling - Helps reduce inflammation and puffiness.
• Soothes sprains and strains - Supports healing of foot and ankle injuries.
• Exfoliates - Softens and removes dead skin, calluses and corns.
• Improves circulation - Boosts blood flow to the feet and legs.

To make an Epsom salt foot soak, dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in a basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes to reap the benefits. Rinse and moisturize feet afterwards.

Other Uses for Epsom Salt

In addition to personal care, Epsom salt has a variety of household and gardening uses. Its versatility makes it a great multi-purpose product to have on hand at home.

Household Uses

Around the home, Epsom salt can be used for tasks like:

• Cleaning tiles - Mix with water to scrub and clean bathroom and kitchen tile.
• Removing splinters - Soak affected skin in an Epsom salt bath to draw out slivers.
• Cleaning makeup brushes - Swirl brushes in Epsom salt solution to remove residue and oils.
• Removing hair product buildup - Add to shampoo to clarify strands and scalp.
• Doing laundry - Boosts cleaning action of detergent and brightens whites.
• Unclogging drains - Pours easily down clogged sinks and tubs to clear blockages.

Gardening Uses

For gardens and lawns, Epsom salt uses include:

• Fertilizer - Provides critical magnesium to help plants grow strong roots, leaves, and fruits.
• Pest deterrent - When sprinkled around garden perimeters, it repels unwanted pests.
• Plant food - Adds sulfur, nitrogen, and magnesium to soil to directly feed plants.
• Blossom booster - Encourages more abundant, vivid blooms when dissolved in water and applied to plants.
• Lush lawns - Applying to grass helps create deeper green color and denser turf.

As a fertilizer, use 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water and apply around plants and soil monthly. For lawns, scatter 1/2 cup per 2500 square feet.

Where to Buy Epsom Salt

One of the great things about Epsom salt is that it is widely available and highly affordable. There are many options for buying Epsom salt:

• Grocery stores - Sold in the pharmacy section, often with other bath salts.
• Big box retailers - Available at stores like Target and Walmart, typically for $5 or less per bag.
• Drug stores - CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and similar stores carry Epsom salt.
• Online - Sold through retailers like Amazon, often available in bulk sizes for added savings.
• Garden stores - Purchase bags branded specifically for gardening use.

Be on the lookout for pure Epsom salt without any added scents, ingredients or fillers. This ensures you get 100% magnesium sulfate to harness all the great properties Epsom salt has to offer.

Conclusion

Epsom salt is an easy, economical, and versatile health and wellness product that boasts dozens of different benefits. It can be used in the bath, garden, kitchen, laundry room and more. When applied topically in healing salves, Epsom salt helps treat various minor skin conditions thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing magnesium.

Whip up your own batch of epsom salt salve using the simple recipe provided. Customize it with your choice of essential oils to suit your scent preferences. Use this healing salve to remedy skin issues and minor abrasions with the powerful yet gentle touch of Epsom salt. Along with other epsom salt applications like foot soaks and plant feeding, its a staple item that can enhance health, home, and garden.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.