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.

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

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.

Epsom Salt Brands

How many brands can you find in Malaysia?

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

Using Epsom Salt on Roses

To many people, roses are some of the most beautiful flowers a gardener can grow. The diversity of roses' shapes, sizes and colors is astounding. One common additive for rosebush soil is Epsom salt. Depending on your soil type, Epsom salt can help your roses thrive if you apply it between twice a year and once a month. A weekly spray with Epsom salt solution can keep damaging insects away from your plants.

Epsom salt is an inexpensive household product that gardeners sometimes use for the magnesium sulfate it contains. Magnesium, which accounts for about 10 percent of the content of Epsom salt, is helpful in seed germination and chlorophyll production. It also helps plants use phosphorous and nitrogen better and can help strengthen cell walls. Sulfur is a key element in plant growth, and helps in the production of vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes.

Using Epsom Salt on Roses

• Since sulfur is rarely deficient in North American garden soils, most rose growers use Epsom salt to add magnesium to the soil. According to the National Gardening Association, rosebushes use a lot of magnesium, and therefore Epsom salt can be a necessary addition to the soil.

  According to the Epsom Salt Council, soaking transplanted or new rosebushes in 1/2 cup of Epsom salt per gallon of water can help roots recover. It's also a good idea to add 1 tbsp. of Epsom salt to the planting hole.

  For established rosebushes, apply up to 1/2 cup of Epsom salt around each plant in early spring and again in early fall. After leaves appear and the roses bloom, dissolve 1 tbsp. of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water to use as a spray. Spraying rosebush leaves and stems with this solution every week can help keep pests at bay.

Amount of Epsom Salt to Use

• Depending on the magnesium content of your garden's soil, you may need to add less or more Epsom salt. The only real way to know how much magnesium is present is to have your soil tested. Otherwise, trial and error is the best approach. Common magnesium deficiency symptoms include yellowing of the leaves between the veins, leaf curling and stunted growth. If your plants show these signs, your soil likely needs more magnesium. You may want to try spreading some Epsom salt around your rosebushes once a month before watering.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/way_5804510_use-epsom-salts-roses_.html#ixzz2tAXZv443

Epsom Salt for Roses

You may wonder how Epsom salt can be beneficial for roses, but it is only after reading this information that you will realize that it can benefit your gardening endeavors in more ways than one. Growing roses, they say, is extremely challenging due to various reasons. If you are one of those people who have struggled to have a rose plant grow in your garden, we will tell you how to use Epsom salt as an effective fertilizer for roses, and help you realize your vision. 

While you may have assumed that the uses of Epsom salt are limited only to your health, you are mistaken. This compound is extremely beneficial as a fertilizer for plants. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate, which is lacking in most soil types. This is why you may notice that the leaves of your plants yellow easily, and that the plant weakens over time. Thus, when your soil is enriched with the right amount of magnesium, you will notice that the seed germination and the overall growth of your rose plant is natural and healthy. Magnesium along with sulfur is also essential for chlorophyll production, which is utilized by plants for the purpose of food production via sunlight. Furthermore, these enable easy absorption of important nutrients for the plant, namely phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. 



Tips on Using Epsom Salt for Roses

While Epsom salt is essential as fertilizers for the health of your roses, how much you use, makes a vast difference in the health of your rose bush. As such, here's how you should use it. 

While Planting Roses

When you plant the roses, begin by soaking the roots of the rose plant in a solution of Epsom salt and water, to the tune of ½ cup salt in 1 gallon of water. Allow the roots to soak in this solution overnight, as it will help in reducing the stress that is caused on a rose plant in the process of transplantation. In the hole that you have prepared to plant the roses, put about one tablespoon of Epsom salt crystals at the bottom, before you place the plant in it. You may now plant the bush in the required manner. Finally, after you have planted the bush, put about half a cup of Epsom salt in the soil, and mix it thoroughly, up to 2 inches deep into the soil. This will provide the necessary nutrition to the rose plant for healthy growth and blooming. 



After Planting Roses

Once your rose bush has begun to grow and thrive, it still will require some kind of fertilizing. In such a case, during spring, scatter one tablespoon of Epsom salt at the base of each rose bush, per foot of the height of the rose plant, to give it the necessary strength for growth. For instance, if it is 3 feet tall, then it will require 3 tablespoons of Epsom salt for fertilization. Then proceed to water the plant. You may also dissolve the salts in water and use it to water the rose plant, as a method of both, watering and fertilization. 

Other Important Tips

There are some more ways of using Epsom salt for roses, some benefits of doing so, along with some warnings that you must keep in mind while utilizing this method of rose plant fertilization. Take a look at the tips mentioned here:

Perform the fertilization process using ¼ cup Epsom salt dissolved in a gallon of water thrice a year to ensure that the rose plant grows well.

If you notice that your rose bushes are drooping, and are beginning to show signs of weakening, fertilize the soil with Epsom salt to revive their health. It has always been a great treatment used by those who have been actively involved in growing roses in their gardening endeavors.
Also, if you notice yellowing leaves, prepare a solution of Epsom salt and water, and spray it on the leaves, using a sprayer. Following this ritual on a weekly basis will also help keep pests away.
Avoid using Epsom salt at a time when the sunlight is too harsh.



Magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt tends to enhance the growth of the rose bush, and promotes the growth of healthy foliage. Apart from these benefits, this fertilizer also helps in increasing their size, providing a rich color to the flower, and increasing the number of blooming buds on the plant.

Epsom salt is an inexpensive fertilizer for your rose plant, and serves as a great method of organic gardening as compared to the chemical rich fertilizers available in the market. Its use will put an end to all your woes regarding its growth and health.

An important warning to keep in mind is, that an excess use of Epsom salt in acidic soil can do more harm than good for your rose plant. Sulfur present in these salts is acidic, which when used in a soil of a similar type will destroy the nutrients before they can be utilized by the rose plant.
When you know how, when, and how much is suitable, you will be able to make the most of this inexpensive yet nutrient-rich fertilizer, and finally be able to see your rose bush thrive in a healthy manner.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/epsom-salts-for-roses.html