Curing Yellowing Cucumber Leaves with Epsom Salt/Magnesium (video)

DIY EPSOM SALT - NATURAL FACIAL SCRUB

Uses of Magnesium Sulfate by bussle.com

Magnesium sulfate has a number of medical as well as non medical uses. Let's get a brief overview about the uses and benefits of this chemical substance from this article.

Magnesium sulfate is an important chemical compound. Its constituent elements are magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. It is denoted by the chemical formula MgSO4. Basically, it can be identified as a colorless, odorless, solid substance. This naturally occurring mineral is mostly found in hydrated state. This is because it tends to absorb water from the atmosphere. One of its most widely available hydrated form is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, also known as Epsom salt. It has 7 molecules of water of crystallization and is represented by MgSO4.7H2O. 

General Uses

One of its major uses is in agriculture and gardening where it is used as a fertilizer. It is often applied to magnesium deficient soil to make it fertile. As it is soluble in water, it is readily absorbed into the soil. Magnesium thus obtained is good for plants because it is a key component of chlorophyll molecule that absorbs sunlight and utilizes the light energy for the process of manufacture of food for plants during photosynthesis. It is required mostly for crops like tomatoes, potatoes and roses which need plenty of magnesium for proper growth. 

Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate or Epsom salt needs to be added in marine aquarium after frequent interval of time. This is done to prevent deficiency of magnesium in the saltwater. Anhydrous magnesium sulfate acts as an excellent dehydrating agent in chemical synthesis of organic compounds. Anhydrous form is used in this process mainly because it is hygroscopic in nature and has affinity for water. Another use is as a coagulating agent in soy milk for making tofu. 

Medical Uses

Magnesium sulfate has a wide range of therapeutic uses. Magnesium present in it is highly beneficial for proper functioning of the nerves, muscles and various systems of the body. Some of the key medicinal uses are :

Magnesium sulfate has laxative properties and provides relief from constipation. When taken orally, it stimulates bowel movement and enables easier passage of stool.

It can be used for the treatment of preeclampsia in pregnant women. This is a pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure and excessive protein in urine. In this condition, magnesium sulfate injections are given to lower blood pressure. This in turn reduces the risk of eclampsia which is a more serious condition due to which pregnant women may suffer convulsions during labor that can lead to life-threatening conditions for them as well as the unborn child.

Sometimes, it is administered intravenously or intramuscularly to pregnant women in order to prevent premature labor. It is also used to reduce convulsions during childbirth.

It is also used for treating severe asthma attacks. When given intravenously, it reduces inflammation within the air passage and facilitates normal airflow.

Epsom salt dissolved in water can be applied topically on arthritic joints. It reduces swelling of joints and stiffness of surrounding muscles and thus gives significant relief from joint pain.

Similarly, patients suffering from osteoporosis have also experienced marked improvement in the painful condition after application of Epsom salt gel.

Epsom salt is a key ingredient in bath salts. Bath salts containing Epsom salt is used in flotation therapy for complete relaxation of the body. A traditional method of comforting sore feet, is taking a footbath where Epsom salt has been added to the water.

It can cure a number of skin problems. It can be applied directly on acne, boils, etc. without any fear of any adverse effect. On application, it gets absorbed into the skin easily and reduces skin inflammation. Those with dry skin can use Epsom salt for skin exfoliation. When rubbed over the skin surface, it helps in removal of dry and dead skin cells and makes the skin soft and smooth.

Epsom salt can be included in the hair care regime as well. When applied with shampoo, it absorbs the excess oil from oily hair and adds a glow and bounce to the hair. A warm mixture of hair conditioner and Epsom salt when used on hair adds shine to it.

I would like to tell you one thing that you must consult your physician first before using magnesium sulfate for medicinal purposes. Even though there is no major side effect, but overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, lethargy, etc. Moreover, it can interact with other drugs and cause unnecessary complications.

Natural Fertilizer For Orchid - by Woordplanet.info

Orchid is a wonderful flower that everyone like to plan at home or garden. It is easy to plan and not require to much fertilizers as well. But if you want more flower bloom frequently, we should to think about fertilizer for your orchids. And if you don’t want to waist money or can’t find a good fertilizer for your orchids, you can choose natural fertilizer.

Fertilizer requirement of orchids

Generally orchid has a low requirement for fertilizers. However, since they grow best in low-nutrient low bark mixes, you do need to administer some form of fertilizer.

Eggshells
Orchids thrive on potassium and calcium, and eggshells are an excellent source. Crush eggshells using a mortar and pestle and sprinkle on orchid bark. This helps to keep it from washing away during watering. Or you can use dried eggshells that also are a good source of calcium and other nutrients. Crush eggshells, then boil them in a large pot of water. Once the water reaches the boiling point, turn off the heat and allow the eggshells to steep for up to eight hours. You can discard the shells, and pour the water into a spray bottle for easy use. Just spray onto the bark around the orchids. Alternatively, you can just grind up eggshells and sprinkle around the plant. This is not as effective a method, however.

Potatoes
Potatoes provide potassium and a small amount of phosphorus, both essential for healthy orchid growth and flowering. Cut unpeeled potatoes into small pieces and boil until well done. Cool and add periodically to the bark in the pot to provide potassium to orchids. Or you can dice the potatoes into very small chunks, leaving on the skin. For even more potassium, you can add small pieces of banana. Boil this mixture for several minutes, and allow it to reach room temperature before use. For better nutrient balance, add 1 tsp. of Epsom salt, which will add magnesium. Use this mixture to water your orchids as usual.

Epsom salt
Epsom salt provides magnesium for the orchid. This promotes healthier growth and stronger roots. Mix 1 tsp. Epsom salt to water and use as part of regular fertilizing.

Molasses
Mix a teaspoon of molasses in 1 to 2 cups of water. Use the mixture to water the plant. Molasses is a rich source of potassium.

Nitrogen
The key to remember when making homemade fertilizers for orchids is that orchids need a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen than ordinary plants. This is because orchids are not potted in soil. An orchid’s potting medium usually consists of tree bark. The bark is home to nitrogen-loving bacteria that usually consume most of the nitrogen in fertilizers, leaving very little for the orchid itself.

Tea
Used tea bags, which are high in nitrogen, are especially good for orchids. Compared to commercial fertilizers, tea bags contain organic matter that is nontoxic and does not smell bad. To use the tea bag, open it and empty the contents into the orchid pot. Apply tea once monthly in the spring and summer months.

Milk or Buttermilk
Both milk and buttermilk are animal products that are high in nitrogen because of their protein content. Additionally, because most people use them in their homes, it is a product that is easy to find and use. To use milk as a fertilizer, take an empty milk carton, fill it with water and swish it around. The dregs of the milk will be transferred to the water. You can then water your orchids with the milky water.

Nutrients
In their native habitats, orchids get nutrients from the air, water and whatever is nearby. Grown at home, it is up to you to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and optimal flowering. Orchids require a proper balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with trace elements. Nitrogen promotes healthy stems and foliage, phosphorus makes roots strong and potassium promotes healthy flowers. These three nutrients are macronutrients. Trace elements include iron, zinc, copper and boron.

Rice Water
A good source of vitamins such as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and folic acid necessary for healthy orchid growth is water used for boiling rice. The Care for Your Orchids website recommends using brown rice rather than white. It’s an easy fertilizer to make — after cooking rice, let the leftover water cool, then water the orchid. Make the rice water a more balanced fertilizer by dissolving Epsom salt, which contains magnesium, or molasses, a good source of potassium, into the water before use.

Remember: Orchid needs only the sun light in the morning. It doesn’t like the sun light at afternoon. If possible try to hide your orchid from sun light at the afternoon time. You can notice your orchid has enough light by seeing their leaf. If their leaf change to yellow color, mean that your orchid are burned with too much sun light. If their leaf is too dark green, mean that your orchid has not enough light. So the healthy orchid should be has light green leaf.
The key to remember when making homemade fertilizers for orchids is that orchids need a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen than ordinary plants. This is because orchids are not potted in soil. An orchid’s potting medium usually consists of tree bark. The bark is home to nitrogen-loving bacteria that usually consume most of the nitrogen in fertilizers, leaving very little for the orchid itself.

25 Uses for Epsom salt - by dearcrissy.com

My grandma was a huge fan of Epsom salt—she used it for everything! People of her generation knew the many health benefits of Epsom salt and I’ve recently discovered that Epsom salt uses go far beyond relaxing baths!

Keep reading for 25 incredible ways to use Epsom salt—you may be surprised by more than a few of these clever Epsom salt uses!

Photo ©iStockphoto/AdrianaCahova

25 Epsom salt uses!

1. Lawn and garden — Studies show that the magnesium and sulfur that comprise Epsom salt may help your plants grow greener, produce higher yields and have more blooms!

2. Pedicure — Combine 1/2 cup Epsom salt and warm soapy water, then soak your feet for 5 minutes to soften skin. Remove nail polish, push back cuticles, then cut and file your nails. Soak an additional 5 minutes in a warm Epsom bath for super soft feet.

3. Hair volumizer — Combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. Work the mixture through your hair and leave for 20 minutes. The result? Hair full of va-va-voom and volume!

4. Facial scrub — This is one of my favorite Epsom salt uses. Mix 1/2 tsp of Epsom salt with your favorite cleanser; massage into skin using small circles to give your pores a deep-cleaning. Rinse your face with cool water, pat dry. This is one of the most refreshing Epsom salt uses!

5. Relax — Add two cups of Epsom salt to your very-warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes. You can purchase Epsom salt with lavender or eucalyptus for an extra-soothing bath experience. Be careful when standing up, you’ll find that you are VERY relaxed after your Epsom salt bath.

6. Sea salt texturizing hair spray — Combine 1 cup of hot water, 2 tablespoons Epsom salt, 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel and 1/2 tsp conditioner in a spray bottle. Spray salt mixture into hair and scrunch hair with your hand for pretty beachy-waves.

7. Fabric softener crystals — Mix 4 cups of Epsom salt and 20 drops of essential oil to make DIY fabric softener crystals. Use 1/4 cup per load and add at beginning of wash. What a clever way to use Epsom salt, and also a way to save money!

8. Splinter removal — Soak your finger in an Epsom salt bath for easy splinter extraction.

9. Body scrub — After showering, massage handfuls of Epsom salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. Get a spa treatment at home! Get more facial scrub recipeshere.

10. Exfoliation — For exfoliation, mix 2 cups of Epsom salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Gently massage into dry patches for smoother skin.

11. Mosquito bites — Epsom salt can ease the symptoms of mosquito bites. Make a compress by soaking a washcloth in cold water that has been mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup of water), then gently apply to the bite area. This is yet another one of my favorite Epsom salt uses.

12. Sore muscles and arthritis — If your muscles or joints ache, an Epsom salt bath is a great way to find relief. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your very-warm bath water, agitate the water with your hands to dissolve it then soak for 15 minutes.

13. Tile cleaner — Mix equal parts of dish soap and Epsom salt for a super easy and effective tile cleaner. Rinse with clear water. This is one of the most frugal Epsom salt uses, a great way to save on cleaning supplies and to use a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners!

14. Bedtime bath for kids — Add one cup of Epsom salt to your kids’ evening bath to help them sleep more peacefully.

15. Headache relief — Evidence shows that that soaking in an Epsom salt bath can relieve headache symptoms.

16. Acne — Epsom salt has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties making it a fantastic natural treatment for acne.

17. Remove odor on hands and feet — Add 3 Tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1 quart of warm water and soak your hands or feet for 15 minutes. This will makes your skin soft, your nails shine, and also help remove foul odors.

18. Relieve constipation — Pour 8 oz. of drinking water into a glass, mix with 1 to 2 tsp. of Epsom salt and drink the mixture for immediate relief of constipation. Mixing directions are also found on most Epsom salt packages, consult your physician before trying this.

19. Sunburn relief — Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 cups of water and spray on minor sunburns.

20. Draw out infection — For simple infections on hands or feet, soak in a hot Epsom salt bath for 10 minutes to help clear the area. Note, some staph infections are worsened by soaking in hot water, consult your physician.

21. Cure for common cold — Did you know that Epsom salt baths can speed healing by detoxifying your body and increasing your white blood cell count? Try an Epsom salt bath the next time you feel those first symptoms of a cold.

22. Reduce swelling — Epsom salt baths can help the appearance of bruises and reduce swelling.

23. Deter slugs — Sprinkle a trail of Epsom salt around the area you want to be free of slugs.

24. Blackhead removal — Mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt, 3 drops iodine and half a cup of boiling water. Dab this solution to your blackheads with a cotton ball to help naturally extract them.

25. Insecticide — Mix Epson salt with water, add to a spray bottle and spray on plants to naturally deter insects.

Wow, that’s quite a list of Epsom salt uses! For even more information on the benefits of wonderful Epsom salt, visit the Epsom Salt Council’s website.

What are your favorite Epsom salt uses?

Fertilize with Epsom Salts - by The National Gardening Association

by Charlie Nardozzi

Spray a solution of Epsom salts to quickly boost magnesium levels in leaves

After working with home gardeners for more than 10 years, I know that they love to use home remedies on their plants. From setting out beer traps for slugs to hanging bars of soap to repel deer, if the household product seems to work, gardeners try it. That's why I was intrigued by the often-mentioned idea of using Epsom salts as a fertilizer.

Gardeners apply it to tomatoes, peppers, and roses, hoping to produce more flowers, greener plants, and higher yields. You can use it to improve magnesium content if you know you have a soil that's deficient in that element, but home gardeners are most likely to apply Epsom salts to peppers, tomatoes, and roses.

I wanted to find out if it really works and learn the best ways to apply it for best growth, so last summer I asked some of our test gardeners (home gardeners who tested seeds and products for National Gardening) to test Epsom salts' effects on plant growth and vigor by applying it to pepper plants and roses. Then I talked to researchers about using the salts as fertilizer. Here's what I found out.

The History and Science of Epsom Salts

This natural mineral, discovered in the well water of Epsom, England, has been used for hundreds of years, not only to fertilize plants but to treat a range of human and animal ailments. Who hasn't soaked sore feet in it at least once?

Chemically, Epsom salts is hydrated magnesium sulfate (about 10 percent magnesium and 13 percent sulfur). Magnesium is critical for seed germination and the production of chlorophyll, fruit, and nuts. Magnesium helps strengthen cell walls and improves plants' uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Sulfur, a key element in plant growth, is critical to production of vitamins, amino acids (therefore protein), and enzymes. It's also the compound that gives vegetables such as broccoli and onions their flavors. Sulfur is seldom deficient in garden soils in North America because acid rain and commonly used animal manures contain sulfur, as do chemical fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate.

The causes and effects of magnesium deficiencies vary. Vegetables such as beans, peas, lettuce, and spinach can grow and produce good yields in soils with low magnesium levels, but plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and roses need high levels of magnesium for optimal growth. However, plants may not show the effects of magnesium deficiency until it's severe. Some common deficiency symptoms are yellowing of the leaves between the veins, leaf curling, stunted growth, and lack of sweetness in the fruit.

Magnesium tends to be lacking in old, weathered soils with low pH, notably in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest. Soils with a pH above 7 and soils high in calcium and potassium also generally have low magnesium levels. Calcium and potassium compete with magnesium for uptake by plant roots, and magnesium often loses. Sometimes, a soil test will show adequate magnesium levels in soil, but a plant grown in that soil may still be deficient because of that competition.

Gardeners add magnesium when they apply dolomitic lime to raise the soil's pH. However, this product (46 percent calcium carbonate, 38 percent magnesium carbonate) breaks down slowly, and the calcium can interfere with magnesium uptake. For soils with a pH above 7, many gardeners use Sul-Po-Mag (22 percent sulfur, 22 percent potassium, 11 percent magnesium) to increase magnesium. Although dolomitic lime and Sul-Po-Mag are inexpensive ways to add magnesium, Epsom salts' advantage over them is its high solubility.

When diluted with water, and especially when applied as a foliar spray, Epsom salts can be taken up quickly by plants. Epsom salts' magnesium content, high solubility, and ease of application as a foliar spray are the main reasons for the positive results many gardeners see in their plants.

What Our Testers Found

To get a first-hand look at the effectiveness of Epsom salts in the garden, we asked six of our testers (in California, Colorado, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee) to try Epsom salts on peppers and roses. Testers each grew six 'Gypsy' peppers. They applied 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts mixed with a gallon of water as a foliar spray to three plants at bloom time and again 10 days later. They also selected two established rose bushes of the same variety and sprayed the same amount of Epsom salts mixed with water to one bush every 6 weeks, starting when leaves came out and continuing through the summer (about 4 applications). We asked them to record the number of pepper fruits and rose blooms, and to note any differences they saw.

Four out of the six testers reported that the Epsom salts-treated pepper plants and fruits were larger than the controls. For the treated roses, testers reported greener foliage, bushier plants, and more roses than on the control plants.

Kathy Stone Downie of Alameda, California, noticed many differences in her treated 'Gypsy' peppers. "The fruits were much bigger, almost twice the size. They were juicier, sweeter, and triple the thickness of the untreated peppers." Tommy Owen, in Rogersville, Tennessee, said that his treated roses had greener foliage and bigger flowers with deeper colors.

Recent Studies of Epsom Salts

Scientists are beginning to test its use. Although many studies confirm that magnesium sulfate is a good way to supply magnesium and sulfur to soils deficient in those elements, little research has been done on the use of Epsom salts as a supplemental fertilizer on soils with adequate levels of these nutrients.

Renee Schloupt, horticulturist at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is testing peppers and tomatoes grown in a greenhouse environment under drought and nondrought conditions. She's comparing control plants with those watered with applications of 1, 2, and 3 tablespoons of Epsom salts mixed with 1 gallon of water and applied at planting, flowering, and fruit set. So far, she has not seen any measurable evidence of growth or yield differences in the treated tomatoes or peppers. "The peppers have greener leaves, and it seems the 1- and 2-tablespoon doses yield a better result than the 3-tablespoon dose, but I haven't seen any dramatic effects on yields so far," she says. "The magnesium in the Epsom salts applied to the soil could be getting tied up with other nutrients. We might see better results when we apply Epsom salts directly to the leaves."

At Auburn University in Alabama, plant pathologist Kira Bowen and soil scientist Beth Guertal see similar results when they apply Epsom salts directly on the soil. They are conducting a 3-year study of roses in field plots that includes applying 1 cup of Epsom salts per plant per month as one of the treatments to increase plant vigor and control black spot. "The first year, we saw reduced defoliation in the Epsom salts-treated plants, but the second year the differences weren't there," Bowen reports. "It's hard to find a direct link between a specific nutrient such as magnesium sulfate and increased yield or plant growth because of all the other variables in the soil, such as pH, calcium and potassium content, and weather, that may affect the plants."

Is Using Epsom Salts Worth a Try?

In their studies, researchers applied Epsom salts directly to the soil. Foliar applications, such as those our test gardeners used, appear to be a better way to guarantee that the plants get the benefits of the added magnesium.

Before you try Epsom salts, test the soil to determine its magnesium content. Don't rely on Epsom salts to correct large soil magnesium deficiencies, but rather use it as a supplement to soils with adequate or slightly low magnesium levels to boost plant growth, flowering, and fruiting. For severely magnesium-deficient soils, use dolomitic lime or Sul-Po-Mag. Foliar applications of Epsom salts seem work better than adding it, dry or mixed with water, directly to the soil. Plants may not efficiently take up magnesium sulfate in granular form, especially in alkaline soils or soils that already test high in potassium, calcium, or magnesium. If you have tested your soil and know it has those qualities, a foliar application is a faster way to get the nutrients to the plant.

Roses

Many rosarians agree that Epsom salts-treated planats produce more new canes at the bottom of the plant (bottom breaks) and darker green foliage. Recommendations on how much to use vary, but generally you can apply 1/2 cup of granules in spring before buds first begin to open and 1/2 cup in fall before leaves drop. Apply a foliar spray (1 tablespoon per gallon of water per foot of shrub height) after the leaves open in spring and again at flowering.

Tomato and Peppers

Magnesium deficiency in the soil may be one reason your tomato leaves yellow between the leaf veins late in the season and fruit production slows down. Test your soil every 3 years or so to check on nutrient levels. Epsom salts can keep plants greener and bushier, enhance production of healthier fruit later in the season, and potentially help reduce blossom-end rot. Apply 1 tablespoon of granules around each transplant, or spray a solution of 1 tablespoon Epsom salts per gallon of water at transplanting, first flowering, and fruit set.

Epsom salts is available in drug and grocery stores.

Epsom salts works best on soils that are...

• Slightly deficient in magnesium
• Alkaline (show high pH) as in western areas
• Old, "weathered," and acidic (with low pH) soils of the Southeast and Pacific Northwest
• High in calcium and potassium (western soils)

Charlie Nardozzi is a senior horticulturist at National Gardening.

Photography by John Goodman

11 uses for Epsom salt - by Mother Nature Network

Your skin, hair, lawn and even tile can enjoy the benefits of this wondrous substance.

Photo: carlo dapino/Shutterstock

 

When I hear the words "Epsom salt," I think of those containers I see in the store and how you're supposed to add Epsom salt to a bath when you have aching muscles. So I got curious when I saw our friends on Hometalk discussing a variety of uses for Epsom salt. What exactly is Epsom salt, and how can you use it?

 

If you're thinking "salt," think again. It's actually magnesium sulfate, named for Epsom, England, where it occurs naturally in hot springs as a result of rock formations. Visitors used to flock to Epsom to "take the waters" in an era when people believed that mineral baths conferred health benefits, and ever since, we've been adding Epsom salts to bath water when we're feeling sore.

 

However, it can be used for a lot more than easing muscle aches and pains, and with Hometalk as my inspiration, I put together a list of uses for Epsom salt that you might not know about. 

 

1. Fertilizer

Some plants like tons of food, especially roses. Work some Epsom salt into the soil around them to keep them happy, especially during blooming season, when you want them producing beautiful, long-lasting flowers. Palm trees and tomatoes are also big fans of Epsom salt!

 

2. Clarifying hair rinse

Hometalk blogger Anne advises mixing one cup lemon juice, one cup Epsom salt, and one gallon water, leaving them to stand for 24 hours, and using the mix as a clarifying rinse. If you have product buildup that's making your hair lank, dry, greasy, and hard to style, clarifying rinses can really help breathe back life into your hair!

 

3. Gentle exfoliator

Rough skin? Make a paste with Epsom salt and water and use it to gently lift away dead skin and break down calluses. Be patient; you may need to exfoliate over days or weeks to completely smooth your skin, and you don't want to rush it. This technique is especially helpful on your hands, where calluses can built up if you spend time in the garden or on other projects that require getting dirty.

 

4. Tile cleaner

Remember how I told you that Epsom salt removes product buildup in hair? It can also pull up soap scum on tile! Use a paste to scrub bathrooms, sinks, and showers; the Epsom salt will lift up the buildup without scratching the surface beneath.

 

5. Weed control

Kat Davis-Moran tried this one so we didn't have to: a solution of Epsom salt, vinegar, and Dawn works like a treat for eliminating weeds without introducing toxins to the garden. So next time you're talking to your Miami landscaper about weeds, keep this one in mind. Thanks for testing, and for passing on the tip, Kat!

 

6. Pest control

If you have lawn pests and you're looking for natural insect control, consider turning to Epsom salt. A spray solution on the lawn can control insects without damaging the grass, and it's totally nontoxic. Sprinkle some dry Epsom salt to deter slugs and snails.

 

7. Creating fake snow and frost for craft projects

It's that time of the year: crafts with a light dusting of "snow" or "frost" feel right at home. Brush the surface of a project with craft glue and sprinkle with Epsom salt to get a grainy, frosty look that feels surprisingly realistic! Here's a tutorial for snowy white candleholders and one on Easter eggs to give you some ideas.

 

8. Quick bruise treatment

Use a warm compress with Epsom salt to fade the appearance of bruises. They won't vanish like magic, but they won't be as large, or as painful. Use a solution of two tablespooms Epsom salt per cup of water for best effect.

 

9. Splinter removal

Agh, splinters are the worst! And sometimes they just won't come out, no matter what. Epsom salt to the rescue: because it increases osmotic pressure (a fancy way of saying that it draws fluid out of cells), it pulls splinters towards the surface of the skin; soak an area with a splinter and it should work right out!

 

10. Soothe itchy and sunburned skin

Dissolve Epsom salt in water to make a cool compress or spritzer for irritated skin. You can keep a bottle of Epsom salt and water solution around the house for bug bites, sunburn, and other irritations, so you'll always be ready! (Especially helpful if you have kids.)

 

11. Beachy hair

Loose, messy locks that look like you've just returned from surfing? If you don't have the luxury of living by the beach but you want the look, you can use Epsom salt to make a hair spritz that works just like those expensive ones you find at the salon, for a fraction of the cost.

 

Katie Marks originally wrote this story for Networx.com. It is reprinted with permission here.

Malaysian No.1 Landscape Magazine Introduces Epsom Salt

There are not many Malaysian have heard of Epsom Salt unlike in the overseas whereby epsom salts are so commonly used and available and almost every home has one in their yard or bathroom. 

Why is epsom salt not popular in Malaysia? Actually, epsom salt has been used by most of the farmers or gardeners in Malaysia since many years ago but not realizing that some of the fertilizers they used were actually epsom salt or magnesium sulphate. The fertilizer manufacturer just rename the epsom salt so that the product can be sold at a higher price. Don't blame the manufacturer or trader, this is just one of the trade secrets that have been practicing for years in the fertilizer industry.

I would like to thank Laman Impiana magazine for reviewing the secrets of epsom salt in their 48th edition. In this chapter, Mr Rinson Lim openly review his secret of gardening. Epsom salt is one of his successful gardening secrets. Don't miss this chapter.

Go get a copy of this Laman Impiana Edisi 48 to find out the truth of epsom salt for gardening.

The following are the photos of the plants after Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate): -

If you find your plants are unhealthy, try putting some epsom salt on top of the soil and spray on with some water. You will see the result in a few days time. It's the most economical and effective way to save your plant. Give it a try.

Try Epsom salt to help roses, tomatoes and other plants grow

Some tried and true home remedies have worked for centuries.

In 1618, a farmer living in Epsom, England, noticed his cows would not drink water from one of his wells. He tasted the water and found it bitter. He also noticed that if he used the water to wash scratches on his skin, the scratches healed more quickly. He named the water Epsom salt after the town he lived in. For centuries, Epsom salt has been used to treat a broad range of minor human and animal ailments.

In spite of the name, Epsom salt has nothing to do with salt. Chemically, Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium sulfate. In the National Garden Club Schools, you learn that magnesium and sulfur are both necessary for healthy plant growth. Magnesium is critical for seed germination and for the production of chlorophyll and fruits, and sulfur is a key element in plant growth and is critical to production of vitamins, amino acids and enzymes.

Magnesium also helps strengthen cell walls and improves the plants' uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus , and sulfur - the compound that gives vegetables such as broccoli and onions their flavors - assists in chlorophyll production and makes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium found in the soil more effective.

Studies across the nation indicate that magnesium and sulfur - the two major components of Epsom salt - may provide health benefits for your rose garden.

The American Rose Society studies, including those with Dow, found that "In general, regular use of Epsom salt produced higher growth rates, stronger stems, improved color and foliage. "

Kathleen White, owner of one of the gardens featured on the recent Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society Garden Tour, said she uses Epsom salt on her beautiful roses.

Local rosarians Milt Gibbs, Joy Bednorz, Frank Strickland, Nancy Taylor and Gary Wagner all agree, and they have been recommending this environmentally safe supplement for years.

Linda Evans, noted organic vegetable gardener in Redlands, said, "I always incorporate Epsom salt when planting tomatoes and peppers. It really helps promote stronger plants and the vegetables grow larger. "

How do gardeners apply Epsom salt in their garden?

For roses:

They sprinkle about 1/2 cup of Epsom salt into the soil near the base of each rose bush in the spring and the fall. For foliar feeding they mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into 1 gallon of water and apply to a rate of about one gallon per foot of rose height every two weeks. This could help prevent garden pests, and roses could grow bushier and produce more abundant, bright blooms.

For tomatoes:

Linda Evans incorporates Epsom salt into the soil as she plants each plant, and she supplements around the plant base during the growth period. This will help to boost tomato growth and production.

For peppers:

Linda Evans mixes 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water and sprays it directly to the leaves of plants

General soil preparation:

You can work in 1 cup of Epsom salt per 100 square feet of garden area before planting.

Container gardens and houseplants:

Epsom salt is high solubility and foliar application is a fast way to get the nutrients to plant. You can mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water and apply to container gardens (not cactus or succulents) and houseplants once a month to boost growth and encourage healthy foliage and blooming.

Epsom salt should be used only as a growth enhancer along with your regular fertilizer, as it does not contain the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium necessary for plant growth. It does not build up in the soil and does not cause harm to plants if overused.

Plants frequently will not show the effects of magnesium deficiency until it is severe. Magnesium deficiencies vary. Some common symptoms include yellowing of the leaves between the veins, leaf curling, stunted growth and lack of sweetness in fruit. Don't rely on Epsom salts to correct large soil magnesium deficiencies, it is considered only a soil supplement to boost plant growth, flowering and fruiting.

Epsom salt can be found in drug stores, feed stores and a few nurseries.

Want more beautiful roses, bumper crops of tomatoes and peppers or even greener lawns? Perhaps Epsom salt might be worth a try.

For information, call 909-793-1016 or 909-798-9384 or emailgardenclub@rhis.org

Joyce Dean is a member of the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society.

Source: http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com

How to Give a Dog an Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt baths can help reduce inflammation and keep cuts and scrapes clean, lessening the chance of infection. If your pup is the kind of canine who hates baths, you can tell him some good news: an Epsom salt bath isn't a true bath. But then you have to deliver the bad news: he has to stand in water for about 10 minutes. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

1

Fill your bathtub with enough warm water to submerge your pup's affected paw or leg. Make sure the water is fairly warm, but not so hot your little guy will be uncomfortable. If he's not a fan of baths, you can always fill a plastic container or something similar with water, just as long as he can step into it with the problematic paw or leg. He'll have to stand in there for a little while, so make sure he's comfortable.

2

Add 1 cup of Epsom salt per gallon of water. Mix the salt around in the water so that it dissolves. Don't worry about being exact with your measurements. You won't hurt your pup if you add a bit too much or are just under a cup.

3

Persuade your pup to step into the water. If you're filling up a bathtub, call him in after you have the water turned off, especially if he's weary of running water. If he's not having any of this bath stuff and refuses to step in, gently lift his paw or leg and set it into the water, or lift him into the tub.

4

Let his paw or leg soak in the water for about 10 minutes. You can massage the affected area if you want, just to keep him calm and feeling comfortable.

5

Lift his paw out of the water. Rinse his paw and leg with lots of fresh water so all the salt comes off. Pat dry the area and let him run off and do those extremely important canine tasks. Drain or dump the water, and repeat the entire process once more later in the day. Continue the salt soaks twice-daily until his injury is all healed up.

Home and Garden Uses for Epsom Salt - by Reader's Digest

This everyday item is more useful than you thought! Here are 8 ways to put Epsom salt to use.

Get rid of raccoons
Are the masked night marauders poking around your trash can, creating a mess and raising a din? A few tablespoons of Epsom salt spread around your garbage cans will deter the raccoons, who don’t like the taste of the stuff. Don’t forget to reapply after it rains.

Deter slugs
Are you tired of visiting your yard at night only to find the place crawling with slimy slugs? Sprinkle Epsom salt where they glide and say good-bye to the slugs.

Fertilize tomatoes and other plants
Want those Big Boys to be big? Add Epsom salt as a foolproof fertilizer. Every week, for every foot of height of your tomato plant, add one tablespoon. Your tomatoes will be the envy of the neighbor-hood. Epsom salt is also a good fertilizer for houseplants, roses and other flowers, and trees.

Make your grass greener
How green is your valley? Not green enough, you say? Epsom salt, which adds needed magnesium and iron to your soil, may be the answer. Add 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon (3.7 liters) of water. Spread on your lawn and then water it with plain water to make sure it soaks into the grass.

Clean bathroom tiles
Is the tile in your bathroom getting that grungy look? Time to bring in the Epsom salt. Mix it in equal parts with liquid dish detergent, then dab it onto the offending area and start scrubbing. The Epsom salt works with the detergent to scrub and dissolve the grime.

Regenerate a car battery
Is your car battery starting to sound as if it won’t turn over? Worried that you’ll be stuck the next time you try to start your car? Give your battery a little more life with this potion. Dissolve about an ounce of Epsom salt in warm water and add it to each battery cell.

Get rid of blackheads
Here’s a surefire way to dislodge blackheads: Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine in 1/2 cup boiling water. When the mixture cools enough to stick your finger in it, apply it to the blackhead with a cotton ball. Repeat this three or four times, reheating the solution if necessary. Gently remove the blackhead and then dab the area with an alcohol-based astringent.

Frost your windows for Christmas
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, but the weather won’t cooperate, at least you can make your windows look frosty. Mix Epsom salt with stale beer until the salt stops dissolving. Apply the mixture to your windows with a sponge — for a realistic look, sweep the sponge in an arc at the bottom corners. When the mixture dries, the windows will look frosted.

Epsom Salt for Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin disease, which results into pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. The most commonly affected areas are face, neck, chest, upper arms or the back. When dirt and bacteria are trapped in oil secreting pores, it results in inflation, that is identified as acne. Many methods are adopted to get rid of acne, but most people prefer home remedies. Epsom salt can be used for getting rid of acne at home. Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a combination of naturally occurring compound consisting magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. While magnesium helps to release stress and provides relief for aching muscles and joints; the sulfur content renders its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that makes Epsom salt a popular home remedy for acne.

Is Epsom Salt Any Good for Acne?
Yes, it is. The many beneficial characteristics of Epsom salt will reap desired results when you choose it for acne treatment. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral, magnesium sulfate. It has many medicinal uses, and can be used for a bath, as a soothing agent for itchy dry skin, laxative and also to treat acne! It is used as an anti-inflammatory that is known to reduce skin irritation and redness. Epsom salt is also used to treat sprains, strains and pulled muscles. Here are some ways in which it can be used to get rid of acne.

Using Epsom Salt for Treating Acne

A Cleanser
Mix ½ tablespoon of Epsom salt to your daily cleansing cream. Massage it on the affected area. Remember to massage gently. Rubbing the mixture harshly might spread the infection to the surrounding area. After about 15 minutes, wash your face with cold water and pat dry. Alternately, you can try this method with a massaging cream instead of a cleanser. This will help exfoliate the dead skin, and in turn, reduce the visibility of acne. 

Soak Cotton
Dissolve about 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a cup of water. Dip cotton into it and place it only on the affected area. Keep this for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it. 

Mask it
Mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 tablespoon of dry milk, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and half tablespoon of Epsom salt in a bowl. Apply it on the affected area and keep it masked until dry. Let the mask dry naturally. Rinse off with cold water.

Scrub
Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to oatmeal and use this to scrub the affected area. Wash your face thoroughly and apply moisturizer after patting your face dry.

Smooth Skin
Acne will introduce unwanted bumps on your skin. For a smoother and acne free skin, wet the affected areas and simply start massaging with a handful of Epsom salt. 

Detoxifying Bath
If acne has affected different areas of the body at the same time, and your hand may not reach all the affected areas easily; for example, your back, then you can use Epsom salt in a bathtub. You will need 1 cup of Epsom salt, 2 tablespoons of sea salt and 2 tablespoons of bath oil. Pour all these in your hot bathtub while the tub is still filling up. Step into the tub and relax your senses while the salt works on the acne. 

Though acne cannot be cured completely, we can always take measures to prevent it with proper skin care. You can use any such method on a regular basis to keep acne away. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject. These suggestions may or may not help you get rid of pimples overnight. The efficacy will depend upon two parameters - duration and intensity of the pimple outbreak and your skin type/sensitivity. Please consult your health care provider, or consult a dermatologist before making any health-related decision.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/epsom-salt-for-acne.html