Have you ever wondered “does Epsom salt expire?”. Epsom salt has been one of my favorite home remedies for decades. It works wonders for muscle aches. Epsom salt can relieve sunburn. You can even use Epsom salt as a laxative or to help fertilize your garden.
These are just a few ways you can use Epsom salt. Epsom salt is one non-food-related thing I keep in my emergency supplies. It’s just too valuable not to.
What if you have Epsom salt in your cabinet for a long time? No need to worry. Epsom salt will not expire if stored in a cool, dry place like your cabinet.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral made of magnesium sulfate and water. People discovered Epsom salt bubbling out of a spring in England around 1600. There are many places where naturally derived Epsom salt is found.
How Long Does Epsom Salt Last?
You may have noticed your Epsom salt package has an expiration date. The FDA requires an expiration date, but Epsom salt will not lose its efficacy or potency over time.
If stored in a cool, dry place, Epsom salt will not expire.
How to Store Epsom Salt
Storing Epsom salt is pretty straightforward. Keep your Epsom salt in a waterproof container. If you are not using an airtight container, moisture exposure will eventually cause your Epsom salt to clump. Clumping is not a big deal, and your Epsom salt will work fine.
I keep mine in the original package and then place those in a bucket with a lid for long-term storage. I don’t worry much about the expiration date on the packages.
Store your Epsom salt in a cool, dry place, and it will last nearly indefinitely. If you want more info on storing salt long-term, check out our post.
Uses for Epsom Salt in Survival Kits
Soaking bath for relaxation
The magnesium sulphate in Epsom salt absorbs through your skin and helps relieve muscle soreness and body aches. One of my favorite uses for Epsom salt is in a soaking bath after a long day out in the woods. It helps with stress relief. It can even help improve your sleep.
To use Epsom salt for a bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes. An alternative to the bath is soaking your feet in the Epsom salt solution. You will still reap most of the benefits with just a foot soak.
Epsom salt sunburn relief
If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and you’re feeling the effects of a sunburn, you can use Epsom salt to relieve the pain.
Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a cool bath and soak in the water. You can also use a cool compress soaked in Epsom salt for small areas if you don’t want to make a full bath.
Allergic Reactions
Epsom salt can help relieve itching and inflammation from allergic reactions. You can either create a soaking back using 2 cups of Epsom salt or make a compress and apply it to the affected area.
I once had a reaction caused by a medication allergy that covered most of my body in an itchy rash. One of the only reliefs I found was soaking in an Epsom salt bath. It was a godsend.
Skin exfoliation
You can make an excellent skin exfoliant using Epsom salt and oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Gently rub the salt scrub on your skin to remove dead skin cells.
Reduce swelling and inflammation with Epsom salt
An Epsom salt bath can help relieve pain and swelling in joints and muscles. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. You will notice how incredibly relaxed you will feel. Your pain and discomfort will fade away.
For targeted relief, use a compress saturated with Epsom salt water.
Use Epsom salt as a laxative
You can treat constipation and stomach pain by drinking an Epsom salt solution. Epsom salt is a natural laxative. Mix two tablespoons with water and stir. Once the Epsom salt is dissolved, drink the liquid on an empty stomach.
Use Epsom salt in your garden
The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt helps seeds germinate. It will also make your plants grow bushier and produce more fruit. The Epsom salt will also help deter pests such as slugs and voles.
Mix one cup of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and water your plants every two weeks. You will see notable improvements in your harvest.
FAQ
How long does Epson salt last?
If stored properly, Epsom salt can last indefinitely.
Does Epsom salt come with expiration dates?
Yes, the FDA requires the expiration date listed on Epsom salt containers. The Epsom salt can last much longer than the listed expiration date.
Why Does Epsom Salt Have an Expiration Date?
The FDA requires manufacturers to include an expiration date.
How does Epsom salt work?
Epsom salt enters your body by absorbing into your skin.
What happens if you use expired bath salts?
There is minimal risk of using expired Epsom salts unless it is contaminated.
Which is better for cooking: Epsom salt or table salt?
Do not use Epsom salt for cooking.
Does Epsom salt lose its potency?
No, Epsom salt will not lose its potency over time.
