Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate and is very popular as a bath salt, although it has many other applications too. If you are out of Epsom salt, then you may be in search of a suitable substitute for it. HolisticZine provides with some of the most suitable substitutes.
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is usually used as a bath salt to draw out toxins from the body and relax and soothe tired muscles. It was first distilled in the small town of Epsom in England. Epsom salts are not just used as bath salts, but also in many beauty therapies as well as in gardening. Because of its numerous health benefits, Epsom salt is used in many commercial beauty products like salt scrubs and foot scrubs. It not only soothes and revives tired muscles, but it also gently exfoliates the skin making it soft and smooth. When magnesium, present in Epsom salt, is absorbed by the body through the skin, it replenishes the body’s level of magnesium, thereby soothing sore muscles and reducing any swelling. If you want to use Epsom salt and are having trouble finding it, then there are a few Epsom salt substitutes that you can use instead.
Substitutes for Epsom Salt
Finding a suitable substitute for Epsom salt depends upon what you are using the Epsom salt for. If you are using it to ease sore and aching muscles, then you need a substitute that will help in addressing these issues. If you are using it for its exfoliating properties, then you need a substitute that has similar properties as well. Given below are a few Epsom salt substitutes that you can use for different purposes.
If you are looking for a good bath salt that will help in drawing out impurities from the body, then you should try sea salt. Sea salt will not only soothe tired muscles, but will also make the skin smooth and soft. Sea salt is an excellent bath salt for people who are looking to find a solution for dry and flaky skin.
Epsom salt is used as a natural exfoliator to get rid of dead skin, grime and, oil from the body. If you want a substitute for Epsom salt for exfoliation, then a good alternative is to use oatmeal. Just mix a tablespoon or two of oatmeal with a bit of water to make a thick paste. Use this paste to scrub your skin. This is an excellent exfoliant that will get rid of dirt, grime, and oil from the skin thus, making it soft and smooth.
Epsom salt is used as a foot soak to ease achy limbs and tired foot muscles. A good substitute for Epsom salt is to use essential oils that have the same relaxing and soothing properties. Essential oils like peppermint oil, tangerine, and ylang ylang oil will help in relaxing sore and tired feet and calf muscles. Just add a few drops of these essential oils to a bucket of warm water and soak your feet.
Epsom salt is often used to remove product buildup from hair. Due to constant use of hair styling products, hair becomes dull and dry. To remove product buildup from hair and to make it smooth and shiny, Epsom salt is mixed with water and lime juice and used as a final rinse for hair after it has been shampooed. Instead of Epsom salt, you can use apple cider vinegar diluted in water as a final rinse to remove product buildup from hair.
Epsom salt is also used as a laxative by mixing two tablespoons of it into eight ounces of water. A good alternative to this is to use prune juice to induce bowel movement. Prune juice contains a substance called dihydrophenylisatin, which helps in muscle contraction, thereby aiding in bowel movement.
Epsom salt is inexpensive and readily available in health stores and departmental stores. However, if you are not able to find it, then you can go ahead and search for the above said substitutes that will suit your purpose.
