The name Epsom Salts originated from a place in England where there was a spring.  However, it has been used for centuries as a remedy for a number of ailments.  Most notably, since Epsom salts are made from magnesium sulfate, where those nutrients are needed for our healthy balanced lifestyle is where this substance comes in handy.

Relieving stress

Shopping List
(we did the work for you)
	Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Bath Salt, Spider Lily
	REV Trainer’s Epsom Formula

Ever been told to soak in a bath of Epsom salts but not sure why?  Here’s the science behind it.  When you’re stressed you need more magnesium because you’re going to be low on serotonin, which is a chemical your body produces to make you feel happy and in a good mood.  Magnesium helps your body produce that lovely serotonin, and luckily magnesium in warm water can be absorbed into the body through the skin.  In their wonder power, the Epsom salts also draw out the toxins building up in our body so our muscles and nervous system can ease up from tensity.   They put our adrenaline rushes in check, lowers our blood pressure and gives us the right energy by encouraging the production of adenosine triphosphate. Alas, you’ll be able to sleep better as well – and that should bring us a connection to the idea behind taking magnesium and calcium supplements when we’re not doing well with our quality of sleep.

Removing odor

The warm seasons are quickly approaching and you’ll be out in your sandals on hot days, which means your feet will be dirty and sweaty – and all the dirt will stick to the sweat, which will make them stinky!  Epsom salts can help remove odors, so keep a batch around to soak your feet in after spending a day at the beach, or after coming home from work and taking off those pumps (phew!) before heading out again in your sandals (save your friends from having to smell your feet!).

Softening skin and healing wounds

The Epsom salts are also good for our skin!  They’ll give you a softer surface and will help your cuts heal – great to know for the summer months that will daunt ladies of the world with razor cuts and outdoor scabs from all fun play.  A girl’s legs still have to look good!

Exfoilation

We know that Epsom salts can make our skin soft and heal quickly, and now we can take that a step further and use a home-based remedy for our routine exfoilation.  Exfoilating the skin is important to get rid of the dead skin cells that are lying on your outer layer and preventing moisture from your creams from sinking into your skin for that soft touch.  Using Epsom salts to exfoilate will also get that magnesium sulfate rubbed into your skin at the same time.  Here’s what to do:

Put Epsom salts in a jar or container and slowly add olive oil (or a skin-enhancing oil of your choice) until the Epsom salts are wet, but not soaked.  You should get a feel for the consistency – basically you want to be able to pick it up, have it stick together, and be able to rub on your skin.

Start rubbing!  Pay attention to the dry areas, like your shins, knees, feet and elbows. But hey, who’s stopping you from rubbing all over?

Get a warm bath going and while you’re still covered in the Epsom salt exfoilation recipe, start soaking in the water so you’re encompassed in a magnesium sulfate bath that will get even more absorbed into your skin.

If you’re in a rush, skip that last step.

If you want to add more ‘spice’ to that recipe (not literally), use coffee grounds and/or sea salts to add to the mixture for more elements and benefits to the skin.