Magnesium Sulfate - Epsom Salts |
Molicular structure of Epsom Salts or Magnesium Sulphate
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Description
Magnesium sulfate is useful in several ways in the horse stable. Given its saline properties, its ability to be absorbed into the skin, its laxative properties, and its cleansing properties, as well as its ready availability and low cost, it serves several purposes. Magnesium Sulphate is used to treat cases of anti-arrhythmics in equines. Usage Magnesium Sulphate in IV form is used to treat ventricular tachycardia and in the management of ventricular arrhythmias not responsive to other antiarrhythmic agents. In foals, it is used to treat perinatal asphyxia syndrome. Magnesium sulphate is commonly used as a laxative and a wound soak for horses. In the gel form available from many veterinarian supply sources, it is reported to be very useful in significant and lasting reduction of pain in the horse's limbs. Magnesium sulphate paste is sometimes used as an agent in drawing boils and carbuncles. Used in soaking wounds, it helps clean and soothe the tissues and skin. Magnesium sulphate may also be used as a supplemental source of magnesium in the diet of horses. Side Effects Excessive use may lead to diarrhoea. Precautions Excessive magnesium will be excreted in the urine, but too much may cause renal problems. Interactions Do not use magnesium- plus calcium-containing solutions when given as IV. Overdose May cause renal problems and diarrhoea. Epsom salts has been an old standby in European stables as a way to ward off laminitis/founder...or treatment of such. It is this "old wives tale" that was the spur for the research that resulted in many people adding magnesium supplements to their horse's diets. While epsom salts is a source of magnesium, as others pointed out...it is not a good source long-term and used long-term may actually do more harm than good. Magnesium supplementation works well for ulcer-prone or horses with chronic digestive upset. It is a common ingredient in human antacids. Additionally, it seems to be lacking in the diets of many horses with metabolic disorders...such as insulin resistance, thyroid or over-weight ohrses. It works well for horses prone to grass founder. In general, it works because it is used to balance against calcium at a ration of 1.5-2:1 (Ca:Mg). In general, our hays tend to be high in calcium...or horses are on alfalfa/alfalfa mix diets high in calcium. Mg supplementation balances out this over-load of Ca and helps restore helath to the endrocine system as a result.
Calming Nervous Horses: Magnesium May Help
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The Importance of Magnesium in Horse Diets
By Dr. Kathleen Crandell · December 29, 2011 Magnesium is a vital macromineral, and it is becoming increasingly recommended by veterinarians for various treatments in the horse. So why do horses require magnesium, and how does it fit for therapeutic use? Magnesium is involved in numerous functions in the body. To start, magnesium is one of the major minerals in bone. Up to 60% of the body’s magnesium is found in the skeleton, with only 30% of that available for mobilization during times when it is needed elsewhere in the body. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions, including the generation of cellular energy and decoding of genetic information. It works in concert with calcium in nerve transmission and muscle contraction. The role of magnesium in muscle relaxation is the key to understanding sub-clinical symptoms that would indicate supplementation may be necessary. The body attempts to maintain a balance of magnesium inside and outside cells. There is actually very little magnesium found in the extracellular fluid (about 1%), which is why testing blood for magnesium deficiency is relatively inaccurate. Gross deficiency of magnesium could be life-threatening but is rarely seen in horses. The current uses of supplemental magnesium are aimed at resolving sub-clinical deficiencies, the very ones that are difficult to test for but whose signs are recognizable. Magnesium is found in varying quantities in forages and grains. Concentrate feeds may or may not have additional magnesium, depending on the amount in the other ingredients. The amount of indigestible fibre and presence of oxalates will affect availability of magnesium in the forages. Supplemental magnesium can be either inorganic (magnesium sulphate or magnesium oxide) or organic (chelated magnesium). Magnesium oxide is perhaps the most commonly used source and has an approximate 50% absorption rate. The advantage of magnesium oxide is that the body will not absorb it if there is no deficiency, so it is difficult to overdose a horse on it. Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) is also highly available to the horse for absorption, but it also has an effect of drawing water into the bowel and causing diarrhoea, so it is not recommended for daily use. Magnesium helps protect against inflammation and free-radical damage. What shows promise in the field of veterinary medicine is the link to the protective role of magnesium against damage from endotoxins. Horses with colic that results in endotoxin release or laminitis are known to often have low blood magnesium levels, and there is hope that treatment with magnesium during these critical times may decrease the amount of damage that occurs. Magnesium may play a role in insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome. The link of magnesium deficiency within the cells and diabetes in the human has been made but has yet to be scientifically confirmed in the horse. What scientists do know is that insulin may modulate movement of magnesium from intracellular to extracellular tissues and that blood magnesium levels rise following a meal high in starch or sugar, indicating that magnesium is involved with the action of insulin to clear the glucose from the blood. If magnesium is low in the cell, there will be impaired carbohydrate metabolism and reduced insulin response (insulin resistance). Although there have been anecdotal reports in horses of supplemental magnesium improving insulin resistance, reducing the amount of neck fat associated with the disease and reducing the risk of laminitis, a recent research study found no advantage to feeding a magnesium and chromium supplement to insulin-resistant horses. Within the muscle, calcium and magnesium work antagonistically, calcium causing muscle contraction and magnesium inducing relaxation. If there is not enough magnesium, muscles tend to spasm. Although the presence of low magnesium in the muscle tissue may stem from a genetic disorder rather than dietary quantities, there are reports of horses that have responded to magnesium supplementation for treatment of chronic tying-up. However, the role of magnesium in nerve excitability has been established as a problem when synchronous diaphragmatic flutter occurs. Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter involves spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and is usually seen in endurance horses with electrolyte imbalances. The condition is also known as thumps. Treatment with calcium and magnesium has been found to speed recovery. Severe magnesium deficiency effects such as seen in grass tetany in cows are rare in horses but have been documented. Magnesium is found in calming supplements because of its role in both nerve excitability and muscle contraction, and the suspicion that nervousness may be caused by suboptimal levels of magnesium in the diet. Just as calcium and magnesium have a balancing act within the body, so should it be in the diet. The two minerals are ideally kept within a ratio of 2.5:1 to 3:1, calcium to magnesium. The typical diet of the horse will usually fall into a suitable range of calcium and magnesium; if supplementation with magnesium is warranted, the amount of calcium in the diet should be considered. |
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY?What Is Magnesium Deficiency?
Magnesium is an essential mineral used for over 325 biochemical reactions in the body. In the last century, magnesium intake has more than halved, from 500mg daily in 1900 to an average of less than 225mg today. Magnesium deficiency is so widespread that at least three out of four adults should be upping their intake to prevent serious chronic illness caused by simple magnesium deficiency. Why Is Magnesium Deficiency A Problem? Insufficient magnesium can be linked to anything from simple irritability to chronic pain and some life-threatening diseases. This is because magnesium is widely believed to be the most critical mineral needed for electrical stability in each cell of the human body. It regulates calcium, potassium and magnesium too. Magnesium is like the body’s Eskom, responsible for providing a consistent and stable power supply. What Are The Symptoms Of Magnesium Deficiency?
The problem is that only about 1% of the body’s magnesium is found in the blood, so blood tests don’t readily show if somebody has a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance also go hand in hand, along with cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Magnesium deficiency is actually a predictor of both diabetes and heart disease. Ironically, diabetics need more magnesium than most, but also lose more magnesium than most people, making supplements essential. Studies have shown that men and women who consume enough magnesium in their diet are far less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Why Has Magnesium Deficiency Become A Problem?
Magnesium can assist with muscle aches, pains, cramping and spasms, as well as sleep. It also may support increased energy levels, mood and athletic performance along with better stress management and relaxation. Magnesium Supplements
There are various magnesium supplements available. Magnesium chloride is the most natural and most soluble form of magnesium, and the form best absorbed by the body. Try the Better You range of magnesium oils (available at Dis‑Chem). Magnesium Sprays And Oils You can also take magnesium through the skin via sprays or oils. Transdermal Magnesium Therapy is the new buzzword and is an easy, convenient and affordable way to ensure the magnesium you give your body is properly absorbed. Transdermal, meaning literally “across the skin”, is magnesium that is absorbed through the skin and so bypasses the digestive system. Epsom salts Tree Stump removal using rock and/or Epsom salt. Rock salt dries out the wood; Epsom salt kills the tree by pulling moisture from the wood. The advantage of Epsom salt is that it will also improve the soil by adding sulphur and magnesium making it easy for you to replant. PERSONAL HEALTH
Epsom salt uses and benefits Epsom salt has several amazing benefits, from adding it to a hot bath when having a cold or using it to give volume to your hair to list just a couple. Discover what other situations are where you can count on Epsom salt uses. Epsom salt has extraordinary properties and benefits. Epsom salt is a natural, efficient scrub and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, so you can use it in various beauty treatments, but also to soothe muscles pain. Here are 8 Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom salts) uses and benefits: Treat chapped lips Mix some Epsom salts with a greasy cream and massage the mixture over cracked lips. This gentle exfoliation will leave your lips soft and smooth. Remedy for colds and flu Take a hot bath with Epsom salts when you feel you’re catching a cold as it helps the body to fight infection more easily and recover faster. Removes feet odour Keep your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to get rid of odour, pain or heavy legs feeling. Do it for 15-20 minutes as it improves blood circulation, reduce inflammation and soften skin. Use Epsom salt as a cleanser Epsom salt cleans deeply and leaves skin bright. Mix half a teaspoon of Epsom salts in the lotion or gel you use to clean your face and cleanse as usually. Body scrub After you shower, rub your skin with Epsom salts using circular movements. It removes dead skin cells and leaves skin soft. It helps you sleep better Epsom salts relaxes the body and helps you sleep better. Take hot baths with Epsom salts in the evening, an hour before sleep. It helps to increase the level of magnesium in the body. Lack of magnesium brings fatigue, stress, heart disease and joint pain. So, fill the tub with warm water and mix it with a cup of Epsom salts and a cup of baking soda and just relax. Muscle pain remedy Epsom salt is an excellent remedy for treating sore muscles after an intense workout due to its anti-inflammatory properties. When dissolved in water, Epsom salt releases magnesium which is then absorbed into the skin and helps the body relax, greatly improving muscle pain. Put some Epsom salt in the tub filled with warm water and relax for a few minutes. Relax Your Body - Epsom salts dissolved in warm water – like those in an Epsom salt bath – are easily absorbed through the skin where they immediately go to work inside our bodies. The magnesium ions break apart from Epsom salt molecules and begin to relieve stress by promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline. Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, helping us to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety. Relieve Pain and Cramping - Epsom salts absorbed through the skin also work to relieve muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints. Submerge yourself in a warm Epsom salt bath to alleviate tension headaches or soothe abdominal cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the therapeutic warmth of an Epsom salt soak. Muscle and Nerve Function - Aside from relieving tension, pain, and cramping, Magnesium sulphate has several other positive effects on the human body. It aids in many enzymatic functions, helps to regulate fluid retention in cells, and facilitates the body’s use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system. For Arterial Health - Epsom salts may help to improve circulation and prevent serious cardiovascular illness by decreasing inflammation and protecting the elasticity of arteries. Healthier arteries mean less risk of blood clots, plaque build-up, and damage to arterial walls. Try soaking in an Epsom salt bath three to four times per week to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve your cardiovascular health. Regulate Blood Sugar - Both magnesium and sulphate help to improve the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. Regular intake of Epsom salts – either orally or transdermal – may help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes and improving your overall daily energy levels. Relieves Constipation - One of Epsom salts more popular uses is as a saline laxative. Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always recommended to consult with a physician. Helps to Remove Splinters - To dislodge a stubborn splinter, simply soak the affected body part in warm water and Epsom salts for a few minutes. Magnesium sulphate will reduce the inflammation around the wound and soften up the splinter, making it much easier to remove. Soothe Sprains and Bruises - Anti-inflammatory Epsom salts can be used to alleviate the soreness from sprains and bruises. Just add two cups of salts to your warm bath water and soak away the ache. Keep Feet Healthy - It’s pretty common knowledge that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for soothing away aches and pains. But did you know that it can also help to treat athlete’s foot and toe nail fungal infections? Simply add a half cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster. Ease Discomfort of Gout - Add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts to hot water and soak body parts affected by gout. Magnesium sulphate quickly soaks through skin and into the swollen, aching joints to help alleviate pain and inflammation. Exfoliate Your Skin - By rubbing a handful of Epsom salts over damp skin, you can easily remove dead cells, helping your skin to look healthier and feel softer. Use this treatment on hands, feet, and everything in between. Natural Face Cleanser - At night before bed, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts with your regular cleanser for an easy daily treatment or use this recipe for an exfoliating face mask, Finely chop a small ripe tomato and mix in one pureed egg white, half a teaspoon of vitamin B5 powder, one teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and Epsom salts, and a couple of drops of Thyme essential oil. Apply mixture to face for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water for an excellent clarifying skin treatment. Dislodge Blackheads - Use Epsom salts to remove dead skin and oil from your pores. First, you’ll want to exfoliate to remove any dead skin from around the outsides of the blemishes. Then mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts and four drops of iodine into half a cup of hot water. Stir until salts are completely dissolved and let the mixture cool until it is still warm, but not hot. Massage the mixture into skin affected with blackheads, let it dry completely, then wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Remove Styling Product Build-up - To remove build-up of hairspray or other styling product from your hair, mix one cup each of Epsom salts and lemon juice into a gallon of water. Cover and let the concoction sit for 24 hours before using. Then simply pour over hair and leave it on for about 15 – 20 minutes. Follow up with a wash and condition as usual. Add Volume to Hair - To add body to your hair, try mixing equal parts of your conditioner and Epsom salts. Warm the mixture to slightly above body temperature then work through hair. Leave in for 15 – 20 minutes then rinse. Feel free to follow up this hair treatment by waving your hair around your face (like the people in those television commercials for chemical hair products) and remember: Laughter is a great natural remedy for all kinds of things! Wash Pots and Pans - Pour a small amount of Epsom salts into those really-dirty dishes before you scrub them. The abrasive texture of the salt crystals will help to remove stuck-on food more easily without hurting your cookware. Clean Tile and Grout - Mix equal parts Epsom salts and liquid dish detergent to create a super effective tile and grout cleaner. Apply this mixture to dirty or stained surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen, or even outside and allow it to soak in for a minute or two. Then scrub away the loosened grime and rinse clean. As a Hand Wash - Mix equal parts Epsom salts and baby oil to create a moisturizing hand cleanser. Store this mixture in bottles next to all of the sinks around your home and use regularly to keep hands soft and clean. Removes Detergent Build-up - Over time, laundry detergent and other contaminants may build up inside machines. Use Epsom salts to remove this unwanted gunk and keep your washer running more efficiently. Fill your empty washing machine with hot water, add a quart of clear vinegar and one cup of Epsom salts, let the machine agitate for about a minute, then stop the cycle and let the solution soak for about an hour. How to Use Epsom Salt on Open Wounds
Epsom salt has dozens of household uses that range from gardening to physical and mental health. According to licensed acupuncturist Duane Law, Epsom salt can even be used to treat open wounds. You must be careful when using Epsom salt as a wound healing agent as it can potentially lead to more problems, most notably magnesium poisoning or a dried out wound that prolongs the healing process. However, when used properly, the wounded person may begin to feel better within a few hours. Step 1 - Mix 8 cups of hot water and 1 cup of Epsom salt in a large mixing bowl. You can increase the amounts to fit your specific needs, but be sure to keep the ratio of 1 part Epsom salt to 8 cups water. Step 2 - Stir the liquid with a spoon until the Epsom salt dissolves. As long as the water is hot, the salt should dissolve within 10 to 15 seconds. Step 3 - Submerge the wound in the Epsom salt solution. If the wound is on a part of the body that cannot be submerged, soak a washcloth in the Epsom salt solution and then press it against the wound. Step 4 - Remove the wound from the Epsom salt after 10 minutes. The salt may dry out the wound if exposed for too long. Step 5 - Repeat the process three times per day until the wound heals. Warnings - See a doctor if you experience drowsiness, diarrhoea, fatigue, heavy perspiration, hallucinations or unresponsiveness. All of these are signs of magnesium poisoning. |
Epsom salt bath, with a few additives, namely essential oils
Fill your bathtub, add 1 – 2 cups of Epsom salt, and then add 6 – 7 drops of your favourite essential oil. Here are a few suggestions:
Homemade Lavender Coconut Oil Salt Scrub
Now you can get the magnesium boosting effects of Epsom salt, the moisturizing effects of coconut oil, and the skin calming effects of Lavender all in one! Please ensure you leave the bath oil-free when you are done so the next person doesn’t get a slippery surprise. Hair TreatmentIf you're looking for an inexpensive, natural boost to your beauty regimen, look no further than Epsom salt. Epsom salt is actually a crystalized form of the pure-mineral compound magnesium sulphate. It is readily available at most drug stores and is widely used in bath products to help increase circulation, which can be helpful for a healthy scalp as well as soothing sore muscles. Use Epsom salt in conjunction with other hair products to treat oily hair or to revitalize dry hair.
Treating Oily Hair
Step 1 Measure out 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and add it to a bottle of shampoo. Shake the bottle to mix and dissolve the salt. Step 2 Wet your hair thoroughly. Add a quarter-size dose of your Epsom salt-infused shampoo to your palms and rub them together to start lathering the mixture. Step 3 Massage the shampoo into your hair. Focus on massaging the mixture into your hair's roots and your scalp to treat the oiliest areas. Step 4 Rinse well and repeat the process. The first shampooing removes a lot of the dead skin cells and oil from your scalp. Shampooing the second time lets the magnesium sulphate in the Epsom salt to penetrate your scalp, leaving it cleaner and fresher than if you only washed it once. Step 5 Wash your hair with Epsom salt and shampoo every other time that you shampoo to avoid over-drying your hair and scalp. Moisturizing Dry Hair
Step 1 Mix equal amounts of Epsom salt and your favourite conditioner in a small bowl. For example, if you use 3 tablespoons of conditioner, add 3 tablespoons of salt. Step 2 Stir the mixture and place it in your microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds, stir it again and carefully touch it. It should be warm, but cool enough to touch without burning your skin. Heat it longer or let it cool, if necessary. Step 3 Shampoo your hair as usual before massaging the warm conditioner into your hair, coating it from your roots and scalp to the ends. Let the conditioning mix sit for approximately 20 minutes. Step 4 Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and style it as usual. Hair volume
This treatment is recommended especially to people with oily hair. Excess sebum is difficult on hair and leaves it flat and volume less. Add some Epsom salt to your hair conditioner to get rid of excess oil thus your hair will get more volume. Mix Epsom salts in your conditioner in equal parts, leave it for 20 minutes, and then rinse hair with warm water. Do this treatment once a week. A simple Epsom Salt Bath:
Detox - An Epsom salt soak increases sulphate levels in the body as well as magnesium. Sulphate is needed for proper liver detox, which is so important in our ever toxic world! Muscle Pain and Body Aches - This is probably what Epsom salt is BEST known for…but I found it interesting to know WHY. The magnesium that is absorbed into the skin from the “salt” interferes with receptors in the brain that register pain. So the next time you have body aches from the flu…try an Epsom salt bath! Sunburn - A cool bath with 2 cups of Epsom salt reduces pain and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Autism Symptoms - Children with autism may have decreased levels of phenol sulfotransferase, or PST. Magnesium sulphate may help to increase sulphate in the bloodstream and to moderate PST levels. Soaking in Epsom salts may provide relaxation and promote calmer behaviour, and the magnesium sulphate from Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin during a bath. Mood Lifter - Taking Epsom salt baths helps your body detoxify and absorb the magnesium, which is very helpful for depression and anxiety. Epsom Salt Bath Benefits for Feet – Getting Rid of Feet Conditions According to Epsom Salt Council, it is better to get magnesium into the body through the skin, as it is more effective than ingesting it. This is because you might be using medications and some foods that may interfere with the absorption of the salts as well. Therefore, this makes the baths ideal. Epsom bath benefits for feet are numerous when it comes to getting rid of conditions that affect them.
Epsom Salt Bath with Eucalyptus & Lavender for Eczema & FeetDiscover the Epsom salt bath benefits with eucalyptus or lavender for eczema and feet with injuries or pain from running. Get a soothing bath full of vital minerals if you are pregnant or having other health problems as listed below. Eczema is one of the major causes of itchy scalp and other parts of the body. While it may be impossible to see the extent of eczema on scalp due to the length of hair except from a frequent chafing, on a different part of the skin the condition cannot escape those around you. It appears as a contagious diseases and everyone may avoid you because of it. You may have very red and scaly patches on different parts of your skin and it becomes impossible to get out and hang out with your friends or even present yourself to clients.
Eucalyptus Epsom salt for your soothing bath. If you have eczema, you may also have scaly peeling feet. Having itchy skin all over is not an interesting thing especially if you have to hang around people who will keep asking you what is happening to your skin. The good news however, is that you do not have to live with this condition. You can get rid of it at home with an Epsom salt bath. The benefits of Epsom salt baths are many not just for eczema, but also any aches and pains on your body and feet. Here are the prose of using this healing bat on eczema and others. What are Epsom Salt Bath Benefits for Eczema Epsom salts are minerals comprising of Magnesium sulphate. This is 1 molecule of magnesium sulphate, which is surrounded by 7 molecules of water. These salts are named after a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey England. If you have eczema, you may find relief from bathing in water with these salts. These are the Epsom salt bath benefits for eczema. For starters, they have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Fungal and bacterial germs are responsible for causing eczema. The salts destroy these microorganisms by drawing water from them. Similarly, the magnesium in the salts has anti-inflammatory properties. This relieves any itching on your skin. Consequently, the inflamed lesions will be reduced. The Magnesium in the salts is also alkaline therefore making the decrease in acidity levels. High acidity levels contribute greatly to eczema. This element further removes toxins causing eczema in the blood. Other benefits for eczema are found in the sulphates compounds, which remove heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that cause eczema. |
In The Garden - Magnesium sulphate may be used to fertilize your plants, green up your lawn, remove unwanted insect pests, and prevent slugs among other things.
What many people don’t realize is that Epsom salt also has several uses in organic gardening. It is almost impossible to use too much Epsom salt in your garden. Magnesium sulphate is pH neutral, so it won’t harm your soil. The crystals break down into water, magnesium, and sulphur – three components which are beneficial in some way to most plants. Epsom salt is safe, easy to apply, and works fast to correct a variety of problems and increase the overall health of your garden. As if that weren’t enough, Epsom salt is also inexpensive making it one of the most perfect tools for the health-conscious, responsible gardener. 1. Improve Seed Germination Using Epsom salt as a soil amendment before seeding will give your garden a powerful boost right from the start. Magnesium aids in seed germination and helps to strengthen cell walls, leading to more and stronger seedlings. For best results, incorporate 1 cup of salt per 100 square feet of tilled soil or mix 1 – 2 tablespoons into the soil at the bottom of each hole before dropping in seeds. 2. Increase Nutrient Absorption Many commercial fertilizers add magnesium to help plant roots take up vital nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur.) For those using all organic materials to feed their gardens, adding Epsom salt to soil will improve absorption naturally, eliminating the need for processed chemical fertilizers. 3. Counter Transplant Shock We’ve all seen how our plants and seedlings wilt when we move them from a small pot to a larger one, from indoors to outside, or from greenhouse to ground. Try feeding transplants with Epsom salt once they’re in their new environment to help injured roots overcome transplant shock. Remember to add a layer of soil on top of salt sprinkled in holes so roots don’t come into direct contact with these concentrated minerals right away. 4. Green Up Foliage Plants that aren’t getting enough magnesium can be identified by their yellowing leaves. This is because magnesium is an essential component in the production of chlorophyll. Try sprinkling Epsom salt around your plants to achieve healthier foliage. About 1 tablespoon per 12 inches of height once a month will benefit the plants in your vegetable garden, as well as any trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses you want to green up. 5. Prevent Leaf Curling Leaf curling may also be caused by magnesium-deficiency in plants. Again, add Epsom salt to the soil around the base of the sick plant. Alternately, for faster absorption you can mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and apply directly to the leaves. 6. Deter Garden Pests While Epsom salt won’t dehydrate slugs and snails like table salt (sodium chloride), it can still be used to deter pests. Hydrated magnesium sulphate crystals are sharp and when sprinkled around plants, they can scratch and irritate the bodies and feet of unwanted critters in much the same way as diatomaceous earth. (Keep in mind that Epsom salt dissolves very easily in water, thus any amount of rain will likely wash them away.) 7. Grow Sweeter Fruit The production of fruiting bodies is the most taxing process in the life cycle of a plant. Apply Epsom salt to fruit and nut trees, bushes, and vines using the same methods and quantities stated above to boost chlorophyll levels inside the plant cells. Increased energy means more sugar, allowing the plant to produce higher yields of sweeter, healthier fruit. 8. Tastier Tomatoes Tomato vines are one of a handful of common garden residents whose fruit to plant size ratio is heavier than average, leading to an even higher likelihood of magnesium-deficiency. For this reason, tomatoes should be fed Epsom salt twice as often as other plants. Also, because tomato vines are prone to calcium-deficiency (blossom end rot), the majority of tomato fertilizers contain calcium which will compete with magnesium for root absorption. Therefore, foliar feeding is the more efficient method for delivering magnesium to these plants. Water tomato vines with dissolved Epsom salt – 2 tablespoons per gallon of water, every 2 weeks. 9. More Plentiful Peppers Peppers are another popular garden plant with a higher-than average fruit to plant size ratio. As such, they should also be fed magnesium every two weeks to achieve higher yields of larger fruits. For hot peppers, over-watering can lead to fruit with less heat, thus the soil amendment method may be preferable in this case. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for every foot of height around the drip line of your pepper plants once per week. 10. Beautiful, Bountiful Roses Ever wonder why your neighbours’ rose bushes are fuller than yours and sport so many more blossoms? It is highly likely that the answer is Epsom salt. Not only does it help roses to produce larger blossoms in greater numbers, many successful rosarians will agree that magnesium also aids in the growth of new canes from the base of the plant. And of course, Epsom salt increases chlorophyll production meaning darker leaves. For maximum benefit, roses should at the least be fed with Epsom salt at time of planting, then again at the first sign of new growth, and once more when the flowers are in full bloom. Bare root roses may also be soaked in water containing dissolved Epsom salt before planting. 11. Get Rid of Tree Stumps Though Epsom salt often gets a lot of glory (misplaced, as it turns out) for helping physical ailments, it actually is far more useful as a horticultural tool. Epsom salt gives plants magnesium, which helps prevent yellowing of plants. Though it has positive benefits, it can also help you get rid of that old tree stump by dehydrating it and causing decay. With a drill and a saturated solution of Epsom salt and water, your pesky stump will be dead in three to four months. |