In addition to the magnesium found in Epsom salt, the Epsom Salt Council says that the sulfate it possesses is needed for many inherent processes in the body. For starters, it is known to assist the body in flushing toxins, and it can aid in the formation of protein in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.

The good news is that there is something you can do to increase your magnesium and sulfate levels. Of course, that is soaking in Epsom salt.

Just add two cups of Epsom bath salt to a warm bath. And make it a point to double the amount of Epsom salt if you’re soaking in a big tub. Then take a bath in Epsom salt about three times a week for 12 minutes. Your body will thank you later.

Use Epsom salt to relieve muscle pain and remove splinters.

Bathing in Epsom salt isn’t the only way to reap health benefits. You can use Epsom salt to relieve muscle pain and remove splinters.

To reap these benefits, make compresses by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water mixed with Epsom salt (2 tablespoons per cup), then apply to the skin.  Or create a paste to apply to the skin by adding Epsom salt to about a cup of hot water until it dissolves, then chill the solution in the fridge for about 20 minutes. The minerals should draw the splinter closer to the skin's surface and make it easier to pull out with tweezers.

Make Epsom salt a part of your gardening routine.

“Studies show that magnesium and sulfur, two naturally occurring minerals that are major components of Epsom salt, may help plants grow greener with higher yields and more blooms,” reports the Epsom Salt Council. Magnesium helps seeds to germinate. and is known to increase chlorophyll production and boost phosphorous and nitrogen uptake. Sulfur helps plants produce vitamins.