Epsom Salt: 20 Surprising Uses for Health, Beauty, Home & Garden

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is a cheap, versatile powerhouse. From muscle relief to tomato fertilizer, here are 20 science-backed and time-tested applications.

Body & Beauty

1. Face cleanse: ½ tsp + cleanser removes pollution residue.
2. Custom mask: Oily skin: cognac, egg, milk, lemon, Epsom. Dry: carrot, mayo, Epsom.
3. Bath soak: 2 cups warm water = soft skin, relaxed muscles.
4. Body scrub: Handful on wet skin exfoliates, silken.
5. Hair volumizer: 3 tbsp + 3 tbsp conditioner, warm, 20 min, rinse.
6. Product buildup remover: 1 gal water + 1 cup lemon juice + 1 cup Epsom, sit 24 hrs, apply 20 min, shampoo.
7. Foot soak: ½ cup in basin = relief, odor control.
8. Oily hair fix: 8 tbsp + ½ cup oily-hair shampoo, scalp massage, rinse cold, then apple cider vinegar rinse.
9. Splinter release: Soak in Epsom water draws it out.
10. Strain/sprain pack: ½–1 cup paste, hot towel, 20 min.
11. Blackhead remover: 1 tsp Epsom + 3 drops iodine in ½ cup hot water, cool, cotton ball, repeat.
12. Constipation relief (adults): 2–4 tsp dissolved in water, max 2x/day, 4 hrs apart. **Consult doctor first.**

Home & Garden

13. Artery/heart health: Magnesium may lower BP, prevent clots.
14. Insulin sensitivity: Magnesium improves effectiveness.
15. Plant fertilizer: 1 tbsp per foot of tomato height weekly. Also roses, houseplants, trees.
16. Greener lawn: 2 tbsp/gal water, spray, water in.
17. Tile/grout cleaner: Equal parts Epsom + dish soap, scrub.
18. Car battery revival: 1 oz in warm water per cell.
19. Raccoon deterrent: Sprinkle around trash cans (reapply after rain).
20. Slug barrier: Circle vulnerable plants.
21. Frosted windows: Epsom + stale beer, sponge on, arc strokes.

Source: Epsom Salt Council