Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
COLUMNIST<br />
Jo Wood<br />
A PINCH OF SALT<br />
Our green goddess on the benefits of Epsom salt<br />
It’s easy to find, affordable, versatile and named after a<br />
saline spring in Epsom, Surrey. Used for centuries, it was<br />
my grandma’s favourite remedy, and now it’s back in fashion as a<br />
cheap, green living wonder ingredient. Yes, that’s right – I’m talking<br />
about Epsom salt, and it’s a household must-have!<br />
Did you know that it’s actually a mineral compound made up<br />
of magnesium and sulfate and not really a salt at all? More than<br />
300 enzymes in our bodies are regulated by magnesium, which we<br />
know helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate the hardening of<br />
the arteries. Sulfate, on the other hand, is useful for flushing out<br />
toxins and improving the speed at which we absorb nutrients. Both<br />
are easily absorbed into the skin so the health benefits are available<br />
to the body almost immediately. Here are some of my favourite uses<br />
for Epsom salt that I recommend you try too...<br />
AS A FOOT SOAK<br />
Tired, achey feet can be soothed by an indulgent Epsom salt<br />
soak. Put half a cup into a foot bath and leave your tootsies in for<br />
30 minutes, or for as long as you’re comfortable. For a spa-like<br />
experience, add a few drops of organically<br />
produced essential oil – my favourites are<br />
citrus or lavender in the summer and neroli<br />
during the winter months.<br />
AS A BODY EXFOLIATOR<br />
Rub a handful of Epsom salt over your<br />
body while damp to remove dead cells<br />
and leave skin smooth, soft and<br />
healthy, or take it a step<br />
further by making your<br />
own scented body<br />
scrub. Combine<br />
one cup of salt,<br />
half a cup of a<br />
neutral oil (e.g. almond or jojoba) and five to 10 drops of an essential<br />
oil of your choice, then give yourself a good scrub and wash off.<br />
You’ll feel and smell gorgeous!<br />
AS A HAND WASH<br />
Mix equal amounts of Epsom salt and olive oil together to create<br />
a moisturising hand cleanser that is also environmentally-friendly.<br />
Keep it next to the sinks in your house and use regularly for soft,<br />
clean mitts.<br />
AS A BATH SOAK<br />
It’s said that the absorption of Epsom salt (in particular the<br />
magnesium it contains) through the skin can help to relieve muscle<br />
tension, pain and inflammation in the joints, and even alleviate<br />
stress-induced headaches and abdominal cramps. Add up to a cup to<br />
the water, sit back and relax. Again, a few drops of organic essential<br />
oil and a candle (please try my new Amka and Usiku candles and let<br />
me know what you think!) can transform a simple bath into a home<br />
spa experience. Enjoy!<br />
FOR HOUSEPLANTS<br />
Epsom salt is a popular fertiliser in organic<br />
gardening for those who, like me, are interested<br />
in green living. It’s affordable, gentle, ecofriendly<br />
and doesn’t build up in the soil. Start<br />
by adding two tablespoons to a gallon of<br />
water and feed your plants with it once a<br />
month instead of watering them. This is<br />
especially useful for apartment dwellers<br />
with no garden space as it allows you to<br />
grow blooms even in a confined space.<br />
To get your fix, try Westlab’s<br />
Epsom salt (£5.99 for 1kg,<br />
westlabsalts.co.uk).<br />
NATURAL HEALTH 57
Change language