Epsom salts are used in soothing baths or body soaks designed to draw toxins from the body. By sprinkling a few tablespoons of epsom salts into the warm water, a small amount of magnesium is released from the salts and absorbed into the body. Both of these remedies involving epsom salts are used by many people practicing holistic living and health. If epsom salts aren't available, however, there are easy-to-find substitutes.
Pool Rock Salt
Some recipes for bath salts that call for epsom salts state that a fine-grade pool rock salt may be used instead. This is typically available at many hardware or home and garden stores and costs significantly less than epsom salts.
Sea Salt
Since sea salt carries most of the same components as epsom salts, it may be used in baths or soaks for detoxification purposes. It also is very soothing to the skin and helps it retain moisture. Sea salt is available at health food stores as well as in most regular grocery stores.
Prune Juice
Epsom salts (2 tablespoons) may be mixed in an eight-ounce glass of water for use as a natural constipation remedy. For people who have been told to avoid hydrated magnesium sulphate, a good substitute for epsom salts is all-natural prune juice. When purchasing it in a grocery store, it is wise to double check to make sure it is really all-natural. Otherwise it should be purchased in a health food store.