Epsom Salt: What Is a Substitute for Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt has many applications varying from natural exfoliation to sore muscle-soothing; however, Epsom salt’s most popular usage is bath salt. If you are out of Epsom salt and looking for its alternatives, you should consider the purpose of use first. Epsom salt substitutes differentiate in their properties and use. let’s know what Is a Substitute for Epsom Salt
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound, a type of mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, oxygen. It has a white, solid, crystalline structure that is soluble in water.
Epsom salt has a similar appearance to table salt, but they taste entirely different. Moreover, Epsom salt is commonly referred to as “bath salt” and is often used to treat ailments.
What Is a Substitute for Epsom Salt?
1. Sea Salt as Bath Salt and Foot Soak
What is a good substitute for Epsom salt? Sea salt is. If you use Epsom salt for its natural soothing and exfoliating properties, sea salt is an excellent Epsom salt alternative. Just like Epsom salt, sea salt can also be used as a bath salt and foot soak salt.
Sea salt exfoliates the dead skin, oil, and grime from the body. It makes the skin soft and smooth. It works well as a natural solution to dry and scaly skin. Besides, sea salt relaxes the sore muscles and soothes the body.
2. Essential Oils for Foot Soak
One of the popular usage areas of Epsom salt is as a foot soak. Epsom salt releases magnesium sulfate when dissolved in water, which can have easing effects on sore foot muscles and limbs. What is a substitute for Epsom salt as a foot soak? Essential oils can be used as an Epsom salt alternative.
The relaxing properties of Epsom salts can be mimicked with essential oils. Essential oils like tangerine and peppermint oil are beneficial to soothe tired feet muscles. Adding a few drops of essential oils to warm water can help you ease your foot soreness. Although essential oils are a good Epsom salt substitute, they do not provide the natural exfoliating values that Epsom salt has.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can be used as an Epsom salt alternative as well. Baking soda is not only used for therapeutic purposes as well as a remedy for sunburn and itchy skin but also to ease sore muscles by adding them into baths. A bath with baking soda can be detoxifying and soothing.
What Is Epsom Salt Good For?
Although there is not enough evidence, Epsom salt is commonly known to have some health benefits. According to claims, Epsom salt;
- Provides magnesium
- Reduces stress
- Helps with constipation
- Promotes sleep
- Reduces muscle pains and swelling
Lastly, Epsom salt is not recommended to take by mouth. It may cause serious side effects when used incorrectly.
