Epsom salt is loved because of its versatility. It is a natural exfoliant, and it can even help to soothe those sore muscles in your body. However, where Epsom salt shines best is by working as a bath salt.
However, like all salt variants, Epsom salt isn’t the be-all-and-see-all. There are times when it might not get the job done, and you need to get a replacement.
So, what is the best substitute for Epsom salt? Sea salt is the ideal substitute for Epsom salt, thanks to its similar properties. Like Epsom salt, sea salt also helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce muscle soreness. It’s easy to find, and you can use it pretty easily as well.
An Overview of Epsom Salt
Also known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is a chemical compound that is made up of oxygen, magnesium, and sulfur. It was originally discovered in Epsom – a town in Surrey, England, from whence it gets its name.
Despite its name, Epsom salt is rarely ever eaten. It might look like table salt, but it is more of a bath salt. No one eats Epsom salt due to its bitter taste – and aftertaste. So, if you come across it, we won’t recommend that you use it in your dish.
Instead, Epsom salt is dissolved in bath water. It is known to have several medicinal properties, including treatment for conditions like insomnia and constipation. Epsom salt also helps to relieve muscle soreness, exfoliate the skin, and remove dirt particles from the hair.
Why Substitute Epsom Salt?
While Epsom salt has several benefits for you to consider, it isn’t perfect. Here are some reasons why you might want to get a substitute for Epsom salt:
- Non-availability: For all the benefits that Epsom salt brings, it is also quite scarce. If you’re unable to find any Epsoms alt around, then you will need a substitute.
- Possible side effects: Some people also seem to react to Epsom salt. Some of the side effects reported include itchy skin and rashes. If you experience any of these, you need something else to work for you.
- Changing your routine: If you’re looking to change your skincare or health routine, you’ll be glad to know that several things can stand in place of Epsom salt.
Options for Epsom Salt Substitutes
Best Overall Substitute for Epsom Salt: Sea Salt
Sea salt and Epsom salt are significantly similar. Considering that most people tend to use Epsom salt due to its exfoliating and soothing properties, you will find that sea salt does pretty much the same thing.
Like Epsom salt, sea salt works well as a foot soak or a bath salt. It isn’t much of an addition to your meal, although some people still prefer to consume it in small quantities – just like Epsom salt.
Sea salt comes with several health benefits. Most prominent is its ability to remove all dead skin and helps to treat oiliness in the skin, ensuring that you’re left with clean and clear skin as you step out. As expected, the salt can also help to smoothen your skin and take care of minor imperfections like wrinkles.
For people with scaly and dry skin, sea salt works as a natural solution. At the same time, it helps to relax your muscles and treat mild muscle soreness.
As expected, sea salt works as a one-for-one substitute for Epsom salt.
Of course, it is important to be careful when using sea salt. There are different variants, with some coming directly from the Dead Sea and others from places like Hawaii and France. While there aren’t many differences between the available variants, you could always check them out to see which works better for you and which you would prefer.
Also, we recommend that you take it easy on the application. Like other types of salt, sea salt can be dangerous when taken in excess – especially for people in the older age ranges. With a high sodium content, overconsumption of sea salt can lead to health issues like high blood pressure. So, take things slow.
Best Non-Salt Substitute: Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re looking for something to work without being overly salty, then apple cider vinegar is what you need. It’s easy to use, pretty effective, and can easily work with other elements as well.
Apple cider vinegar also works because it doesn’t need much. When using Epsom salt, you usually have to combine it with some lime juice and water for the best results. Apple cider vinegar only needs to be mixed with water, and you’re good to go.
You can add apple cider vinegar to your bath water and relax in it, thanks to its ability to help relax the muscles. Also, you will find that it is also a good addition to your hair from time to time. It has natural cleansing properties that help it to remove any residue from your hair or other hair products, leaving you with a clean and healthy scalp.
In terms of proportion, you can apply apple cider vinegar however you want. But, considering that it has a pretty overwhelming smell, you want to be careful with it as well. Keep things in moderation, and you should be fine.
Best Substitute for Availability: Oatmeal
One of the issues that most people seem to have with Epsom salt is that it isn’t always readily available. Sometimes, you might not even find it at your local grocery store. Know what is always available, however? Oatmeal.
We all know oatmeal – the handy breakfast that’s always at home. While oatmeal already has several interesting health benefits, not many people know that it can also work as an exfoliant. All you need to do is add some oatmeal with water and mix it into a thick paste. Put the paste over your skin, let it stay for a while, and scrub it off.
Generally, we recommend using just one or two tablespoons of oatmeal for a bath. However, depending on your preference, you could always add some more.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that oatmeal isn’t good for eating. Oatmeal is very nutritious, with a healthy dose of minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and more. Oatmeal in your dishes should be more than enough to generally contribute to a healthy lifestyle.