Homesteaders you need to know how to use Epsom salt! This is a powerhouse in a bag with a list of uses for your homestead and you. I remember both of my grandmothers always had a bag or two in the house. When grandmas use it – you should probably pay attention. I can tell you that the benefits of Epsom salt is not just an old wives tale. It truly has some incredible uses! You’re going to want to store it up for homesteading uses you may never have thought of before.
Epsom Salt for Homesteaders
Make sure you are using pure Epsom salt and not bath salts or something with added fragrances.
In the garden
Scientists are finding what gardeners have known – Epsom salt can increase your garden’s yields. The magnesium and sulfur, 2 key elements of Epsom salt, may even help your garden be greener and bloom more. Epsom salt in the garden can help seeds germinate, generate an increase in chlorophyll and promote the uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen.
- Combine 1 cup of Epsom salt into 100 sq ft of soil and mix well. Use this as a soil amendment.
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into a gallon of water. Use a garden sprayer to liberally spray on plants to increase magnesium.
- Get sweeter tomatoes by using the liquid solution above. Spray tomato plants every two weeks for tasty tomatoes!
- Tomatoes have blossom rot? Try the liquid solution and sprinkling 1 tablespoon of the granules around the base of the plant.
- Peppers love Epsom salt too. It can aid their germination, up a plants production and even improve the quality of the peppers.
- BONUS! The spray can keep aphids and ants off your plants.
- House plants like this too. 😉
Check out Salt Works for more information about Epsom salt in your garden
For your health
Epsom salts have so many uses for our personal health and well being.
- Relaxing bath – a 20 minute soak is not only relaxing but can improve your circulation, relieve achy muscles and detoxify the body.
- BONUS! This same bath can helps kids sleep better.
- Treat athlete’s foot – soak the foot 1 – 2 times daily with a handful of epsom salt. This will dry up the area and soon be gone.
- Mosquito bites – create a paste and cover the bites. Applying a warm washcloth over the paste for 10 minutes can increase the effectiveness and soothing.
- Bruises & sprains – mix in a handful with warm water and soak the area to speed healing and offer relief.
- Splinters – remove splinters by soaking the area to draw it out or creating a paste to put over the area and cover with a bandage.
- Make a spa foot scrub for achy feet
Magnesium – The Miraculous Mineral
For your animals
Just the ways people use Epsom salts for aches, pains, bruises and such; animals can too.
- Ailing chickens can benefit from a soaking bath just like people (see the hen spa in action).
- Sore hocks on your rabbits – try soaking it in a bath or making a poultice until it dries up.
- Ease indigestion in goats by adding it to feed until problem is cleared.
- A handful in your dog’s bath can help with itchy skin.
Around the house
Good for the garden, good for you and your animals…but the house can benefit too!
- Clean your tile and grout – mix equal parts and Meyers Dish Soap for an effective and more natural cleaner.
- Clean your washer – one or two tablespoons in a hot water cycle to get rid of build up.
- Great for removing grit and grim in the kitchen too.
Truly the uses for Epsom salt in and around your homestead are huge! Are you using them now? I’d love to hear your ideas. Feel free to leave your comments below.
Be sure to check out all the information on the Epsom Salt Council website.
MORE? Want more on Epsom Salt? Check out these posts from my blogging friends!
Epsom Salt – Miracle in a Bag by Kneaded Creations
15 Reasons Why I Store Epsom Salts To Use Everyday by Food Storage Moms
Blossom End Rot – What It Is and How To Fix It by Survival at Home
25 Uses for Epsom Salts by Preparedness Mama
Surprising Uses for Epsom Salt by Whole New Mom