Many people have heard of Epsom salt but are not sure what it is or does. Epsom salt isn’t like table salt; it is a naturally occurring mineral compound that can be used for various purposes, including gardening, beauty treatments, and home remedies.
It is made up of magnesium sulfate and water. Epsom salt technically does expire, but what happens if it does?
In this article, we will discuss the expiration date of Epsom salt and what to do if it expires.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is used for various things such as treating muscle soreness, stress, constipation, and many other ailments. You’ll want to stockpile Epsom salt for SHFT scenarios as a prepper.
Before we get into whether Epsom salt expires, let’s discuss what Epsom salt is and its many uses. Epsom salt is a chemical compound with healing properties.
Epsom salt is popular because it’s easy to use, affordable, and offers excellent results. The FDA has approved it for human use and consumption
Different Uses for Epsom Salt in Survival Kits
Salt baths to promote relaxation
Soaking in a hot water Epsom salt bath is one of the best ways to target stress relief and relaxation. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can help to relieve anxiety, muscle aches and improve sleep.
To use Epsom salt for relaxation, add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. You can also add essential oils to your bath after the Epsom salt dissolved for an extra relaxing experience.
If you don’t have a bathtub, you can still reap the benefits of Epsom salt by adding one cup of Epsom salt to a bucket of warm water and soaking your feet for 20 minutes.
Epsom Salt for Exfoliation
Epsom salt baths improve skin health by exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting new cell growth.
Epsom salt also effectively treats skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
You can make a DIY Epsom salt scrub by mixing equal parts Epsom salt and a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
Soak swollen or inflamed body parts in Epsom Salt Water
Epsom salt can also help to reduce swelling and inflammation or muscle soreness. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes.
A soak can also act as a pain reliever and soothe body aches or an upset stomach.
You can also make a compress by soaking a clean cloth in an Epsom salt solution and applying it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
Epsom Salt for Sunburn
If you’ve been out in the sun too long and are starting to feel the effects of a sunburn, Epsom salt can help.
Add two cups of Epsom salt to a cool bath and soak for 20 minutes. You can also make a compress by soaking a clean cloth in an Epsom salt solution and applying it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
Help bring a splinter to the surface of your skin
If you have a splinter buried deep under your skin, Epsom salt can help.
Add two cups of Epsom salt to a cup of warm water and stir until the salt is dissolved. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
Cleaning pots and pans and cooking utensils
Epsom salt can also be used as a natural dish detergent. To clean your pots and pans, add one cup of Epsom salt to a sink full of warm water and soak for 20 minutes. You can also use Epsom salt to scrub away stubborn food stains.
To clean your cooking utensils, add one cup of Epsom salt to a sink full of warm water and soak for 20 minutes. You can also use Epsom salt to scrub away stubborn food stains.
Sanitizing yourself
If you’re looking for a natural way to sanitize yourself, Epsom salt can help.
To sanitize your hands, add one cup of Epsom salt to a sink full of warm water and soak for 20 minutes. You can also use Epsom salt to scrub away stubborn dirt and bacteria.
Is Epsom salt good for killing bacteria? Yes! You can also kill bacteria with Epsom salt. So if you are suffering from ailments like toenail fungus or allergic reactions, you can apply the sale to the irritated areas and let the Epsom salt work at killing bacteria.
Fertilizer to increase food production
Epsom salt can also be used as a fertilizer to increase food production in your garden. Add one cup of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and mix well. Apply the solution to your plants once every two weeks.
You can also add Epsom salt to your compost pile to help speed up the decomposition process.
Alleviate stomach pains and constipation
Epsom salt can also be used to alleviate stomach pains and treat constipation because it is a natural laxative. To use, add two tablespoons of Epsom salt to a glass of warm water and stir until the salt is dissolved. Drink the solution on an empty stomach.
This is a must if you are suffering from severe diarrhea.
So, does Epsom salt expire?
Now that you know why your prepper kit should include Epsom salt and the many uses for Epsom salt, we need to know whether Epsom salt expires.
The answer is no, Epsom salt does not expire if kept in a dry, dark place, away from humidity.
Epsom salt packages have an expiration date on them because the FDA requires that, but Epsom salt maintains its efficacy long past the expiration date.
If you store Epsom salt for a long period of time, you may notice that the salt has clumped up or is hard.
No worries! You can still use the salt even if it is clumped up as long as it is not contaminated or exposed to the elements.
Tips for storing Epsom salt
We’ve put together some tips for storing your Epsom salt for best use.
Store it in a dry place without humidity. An airtight container or waterproof container is a must. If you can, keep the sealed container in a dark area and out of direct sunlight, as the light will degrade the quality of your salt.
That’s all there is to it! With these tips, you can be sure that your Epsom salt will last as long as you need it to.
How to choose between the different types of Epsom salt
With the knowledge of how to store Epsom salt and what it does for you, it’s time to decide what type of Epsom salt is right for you.
There are two types of salt: manufactured or naturally derived. Naturally derived Epsom salt meets the Food Chemicals Codex, and it is all-natural with no artificial ingredients.
It is thought to be safer and better for you because it is 100% natural. Food grade standards are very hard to meet, so you can rest assured that naturally derived is the choice you should go with.
You can find naturally derived salts at grocery stores, and in bags ranging from one to five gallons. You’ll want to have some in any first aid kit you make for your go-bag.
Checking your Epsom salt
Though we’ve just told you that Epsom salt can last decades, if it is exposed to the elements, it could go bad. The best way to tell if Epsom salt has been exposed is by looking at it.
If you see discoloration or notice it is a bit lumpy, your Epsom salt has been exposed to moisture, and you might want to replace it.
Though you can still use the salt safely, it’s always good to prevent further moisture from entering your salt storage.
Prepare the Epsom salt for use
Epsom salt is easy to prepare. You have to add some salt to warm water and mix. Follow the instructions we detailed above for best results.
Let it dissolve, and start using the Epsom salt how you need to, whether that is drinking it, on a wound or cut, to soak, or to clean your cooking utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions about Epsom Salt in Survival situations
Epsom salt is a great addition to any prepper kit. It has many uses and does not expire if stored properly.
You can use Epsom salt to clean, disinfect, scrub, or even as a fertilizer. Choose between manufactured or naturally derived Epsom salt, and make sure to check your salt for moisture exposure every few years.
How long do Epsom salts last for?
Epsom salt does not have a hard expiration date. It should last for decades as long as the salt is stored in a dry, dark place.
Does Epsom salt lose its potency?
No, Epsom salt does not lose its potency.
What happens if you use expired bath salts?
Epsom salt can be used as a bath salt, and it is perfectly safe after the expiration date is reached.
The expiration date on Epsom salt is a requirement of the FDA and does not mean that the salt is actually bad.
When should you not use Epsom salt?
The only time you shouldn’t use Epsom salt is if you are trying to use it as a laxative without medical guidance. Otherwise, Epsom salt is very safe for human consumption and use.
