A: Definitely. My mother loves Epsom salt. Aside from reducing inflammation, it's a good exfoliant for rough skin, removes toxins from the body, can help increase the volume of hair and reduce stress, and works as an FDA-approved laxative. It also softens skin and rinses away easily without drying the skin.

Epsom salt, more technically known as magnesium sulfate, is natural, easy to find and inexpensive to buy. Here are a few other ways it can be used in lieu of pricier spa products:

For a good body scrub, mix Epsom salts with petroleum jelly and a few drops of fragrant essential oil, such as lavender. For a cheap facial, mix it into a cleansing cream, gently massage across the face and rinse with cool water. Want a relaxing bath? Dump a couple of cups of the salts in the bath water, along with a little eucalyptus oil, and immerse yourself up to your neck.

There are even uses for your houseplants, lawn and garden. For more information about Epsom salts, check out www.epsomsaltcouncil.org.