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Epsom Salt
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Medicinal / therapeutic uses –Chemically known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt may be dissolved in a beverage and taken orally as a laxative (following the directions on the package) or dissolved in bath water or a foot soak so as to be absorbed through the skin. When used as a soaking agent in this way, Epsom salt calms the nervous system, relaxes muscles, draws toxins out of the body, reduces swelling from sprains and bruises, draws splinters out of the body, and softens and exfoliates the skin. Bathing with Epsom salt may be valuable therapy for people who suffer from conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. For skin care, handfuls of Epsom salt may also be rubbed over wet skin prior to taking a bath. A paste of Epsom salt can be effectively applied on boils and carbuncles, and a poultice may be used directly on acne and other skin blemishes.
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Face cleaner - To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water. To make a homemade skin mask for normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of non-fat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt. For normal to dry skin, mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt. Apply the mask to damp skin.
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Hair care - Epsom salt soaks up excess oil from hair. Add 9 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. To remove hairspray, combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Combine, cover and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo as normal. To volumize hair, combine equal parts of deep conditioner and Epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.
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