Janice Cox calls Epsom salt ‘The Gateway to Natural Beauty’
One of America’s leading natural beauty experts recommends Epsom salt recipes to help relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, improve sleep, fight colds, exfoliate skin and prepare for pedicures.
“Epsom salt used to just sit in the bathroom cupboard, but now, it’s so popular, it’s out on the countertop,” says Janice Cox.
Cox is widely quoted in magazines such as Woman’s World and Woman’s Day. She has also written four books: Natural Beauty for All Seasons, Natural Beauty from the Garden, EcoBeauty and the bestseller Natural Beauty at Home.
Bath salts are one of her favorite uses for Epsom salt, which she calls “the gateway to natural beauty.”
Here are seven of her favorite recipes:
Super Muscle Soothing Salts
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup sea salt
- ¼ cup baking soda
- Mix all ingredients and pour into a clean container.
Warming Mustard Bath
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons powdered mustard
- 2 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- Mix ingredients and pour into a clean, dry container.
Relaxing Lavender Oatmeal Bath
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup dried lavender flowers
- ½ cup oatmeal (whole oats)
- Place the lavender and oatmeal in a food processor or blender and process on high until you have a fine mixture that resembles whole grain flour.
- In a bowl, stir the lavender-oatmeal mixture with Epsom salt, and pour into a clean, dry container.
Colored bath salts
These make great gifts. Mix Epsom salt with two or three drops of natural food colors and place in pretty jars. You can also layer the colors for a striped effect.
Jet Lag
Bring lavender and peppermint essential oil when you travel. For energy, add a few drops of the peppermint to an Epsom salt bath. To help with sleep, use the lavender oil.
Pedicure soak
Before a home pedicure, soak in a footbath with a couple tablespoons of Epsom salt and white vinegar. This mixture softens rough skin and gets feet clean and smooth.
Salt rub for your arms, legs and back
To exfoliate, mix ½ cup Epsom salt with a ½ cup natural oil, such as almond or coconut. It’s a deep cleanse to help your skin look healthier.
“People think of soaks as more of a luxury, because it sounds like it will take a long time,” Cox said. “It’s only 15 or 20 minutes. Take that time for yourself without any distractions and focus on relaxing.”
