Is drinking Epsom salt safe. What are the benefits of Epsom salt baths. How can Epsom salt be used for constipation relief. What are the potential side effects of using Epsom salt.

Understanding Epsom Salt: Composition and Uses

Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that has been used for centuries as a remedy for various ailments. Its name originates from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was first discovered in natural springs. Despite its name, Epsom salt is not actually a salt in the traditional sense, but rather a combination of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

How is Epsom salt typically used? The most common applications include:

• Bath soaks for relaxation and muscle relief
• Oral consumption for constipation relief
• Gardening as a fertilizer and soil amendment
• Beauty treatments for skin and hair

The Safety of Drinking Epsom Salt: What You Need to Know

Can Epsom salt be safely consumed orally? While drinking Epsom salt dissolved in water is sometimes recommended for its laxative effects, it’s crucial to approach this practice with caution. The safety of ingesting Epsom salt depends on several factors, including dosage, individual health conditions, and proper preparation.

Who should avoid drinking Epsom salt?

• People with kidney disease
• Individuals with heart conditions
• Pregnant women
• Children

Why is caution necessary when consuming Epsom salt? The high magnesium content can interfere with certain medications and may cause adverse reactions in people with specific health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Epsom salt into your oral health regimen.

Epsom Salt Baths: A Soothing Remedy for Body and Mind

How can an Epsom salt bath benefit your health? Soaking in a warm bath infused with Epsom salt is believed to offer numerous advantages:

1. Muscle relaxation and pain relief
2. Reduction of inflammation
3. Stress reduction and improved sleep quality
4. Potential magnesium absorption through the skin

To prepare an Epsom salt bath, follow these steps:

1. Fill a standard bathtub with warm water
2. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt as the water is running
3. Stir to ensure the salt dissolves completely
4. Soak in the bath for 15-30 minutes, or up to an hour for maximum benefit

For an enhanced relaxation experience, consider adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, rose, bergamot, jasmine, or eucalyptus to your Epsom salt bath.

Exploring the Potential Benefits of Epsom Salt

What are the purported health benefits of using Epsom salt? While scientific evidence is still limited in some areas, many people report positive effects from incorporating Epsom salt into their wellness routines:

1. Improved Exercise Performance and Recovery

How might Epsom salt enhance athletic performance? Some athletes use magnesium supplements, including Epsom salt, before workouts to potentially improve performance and reduce recovery time. A small 2015 study found that short-term magnesium supplementation was associated with improved bench-press performance among 13 athletes. Additionally, a 2014 animal study suggested that magnesium sulfate treatment before exercise might help clear lactic acid faster during recovery.

2. Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

Can Epsom salt alleviate pain and inflammation? Many people find that Epsom salt baths help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, the magnesium content in Epsom salt may play a role in these effects. Individuals with chronic conditions that affect magnesium absorption, such as type 2 diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may particularly benefit from topical magnesium application.

3. Stress Relief and Better Sleep

How does magnesium impact stress and sleep? Magnesium is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for regulating mood, sleep, and stress responses. A 2017 review in the journal Nutrients suggested that low magnesium levels could negatively affect sleep quality and stress coping abilities. While more research is needed, some people report improved relaxation and sleep after Epsom salt baths.

Epsom Salt for Constipation Relief: Dosage and Precautions

How can Epsom salt be used to alleviate constipation? When consumed orally, Epsom salt can act as a laxative due to its magnesium content. However, it’s crucial to use the correct dosage and follow proper guidelines:

• Adults should mix 2-6 teaspoons of Epsom salt with 8 ounces of water
• Drink the solution on an empty stomach
• Effects typically occur within 30 minutes to 6 hours

Is Epsom salt safe for regular use as a laxative? While occasional use may be safe for most healthy adults, it’s not recommended as a long-term solution for constipation. Overuse can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dependency. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using Epsom salt for constipation relief, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Epsom Salt Use

What are the possible adverse effects of using Epsom salt? While generally considered safe when used as directed, Epsom salt can cause side effects in some individuals, particularly when consumed orally:

• Diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Allergic reactions (rare)

When using Epsom salt topically in baths, some people may experience skin irritation or dryness. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Other Uses of Epsom Salt: Beyond Baths and Digestion

What are some alternative applications for Epsom salt? This versatile compound has found its way into various aspects of daily life:

1. Gardening and Plant Care

How can Epsom salt benefit plants? Many gardeners use Epsom salt as a natural fertilizer and soil amendment. It can potentially help:

• Improve seed germination
• Enhance nutrient absorption
• Promote greener, lusher foliage
• Increase fruit and flower production

2. Beauty and Skincare

What beauty applications does Epsom salt offer? Some people incorporate Epsom salt into their beauty routines for various purposes:

• Exfoliating body scrubs
• Hair volumizing treatments
• Foot soaks for softening skin
• Face masks for potential pore cleansing

3. Household Cleaning

Can Epsom salt be used for cleaning? Its mild abrasive properties make it useful for certain cleaning tasks:

• Scrubbing bathroom tiles
• Cleaning outdoor furniture
• Removing soap scum from shower doors

Choosing and Storing Epsom Salt: Quality Matters

How can you ensure you’re purchasing high-quality Epsom salt? While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially approved Epsom salt for medicinal use, there are ways to identify reputable products:

• Look for the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) label, indicating independent quality evaluation
• Choose products specifically labeled for human use, rather than agricultural or industrial-grade Epsom salt
• Check for any additional ingredients or additives that may not be suitable for your intended use

How should Epsom salt be stored? To maintain its effectiveness and prevent moisture absorption, store Epsom salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, Epsom salt can maintain its quality indefinitely.

Epsom Salt and Magnesium Supplementation: Is There a Difference?

How does Epsom salt compare to other forms of magnesium supplementation? While Epsom salt contains magnesium, it’s important to understand the distinctions:

• Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is primarily used topically or as a laxative
• Oral magnesium supplements come in various forms, such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, or oxide
• The absorption and bioavailability of magnesium can vary depending on the form and method of administration

Is Epsom salt an effective way to address magnesium deficiency? While some studies suggest that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin during Epsom salt baths, the evidence is not conclusive. For individuals with diagnosed magnesium deficiency, oral supplements prescribed by a healthcare provider are typically the most reliable method of increasing magnesium levels.

Integrating Epsom Salt into a Holistic Wellness Routine

How can Epsom salt complement other wellness practices? When used responsibly, Epsom salt can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive approach to health and well-being:

• Combine Epsom salt baths with aromatherapy for enhanced relaxation
• Use Epsom salt soaks as part of a post-workout recovery routine
• Incorporate Epsom salt into meditation or mindfulness practices for stress relief

What lifestyle factors can enhance the benefits of Epsom salt use? To maximize the potential advantages of Epsom salt, consider:

• Maintaining proper hydration
• Following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Practicing stress management techniques

By integrating Epsom salt into a well-rounded wellness routine, individuals may experience a synergistic effect that supports overall health and vitality.

The Future of Epsom Salt Research: What’s on the Horizon?

What areas of Epsom salt research show promise? As interest in natural remedies and complementary therapies grows, scientists continue to explore the potential benefits and mechanisms of Epsom salt:

• Investigating the efficacy of transdermal magnesium absorption
• Exploring the impact of Epsom salt baths on chronic pain conditions
• Examining the potential role of magnesium in mental health and cognitive function
• Studying the long-term effects of regular Epsom salt use on overall health outcomes

How might future research influence Epsom salt use? As more scientific evidence emerges, we may see:

• Refined guidelines for Epsom salt dosage and application
• New therapeutic applications in both conventional and alternative medicine
• Improved understanding of the interactions between Epsom salt and various health conditions

While Epsom salt has a long history of traditional use, ongoing research will help clarify its place in modern healthcare and wellness practices.

Benefits, baths, other uses, and side effects

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Epsom salt is a natural remedy for muscle aches, inflammation, and stress. People sometimes use an Epsom salt bath to relax.

In this article, we discuss the uses of Epsom salt. We also cover the benefits of Epsom salt, its possible side effects, and more.

Share on PinterestBathing with Epsom salt may help relieve inflammation and stress.

People sometimes soak their bodies in Epsom salt baths or drink Epsom salt after dissolving it in a glass of water.

However, some people should not consume Epsom salt at all. These include those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Epsom salt, so there are no official guidelines regarding the proper dosage or how to consume it.

However, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention have independently evaluated the product, so when purchasing Epsom salt, look for products that have a USP label.

How to take an Epsom salt bath

If a person is unsure about how to use Epsom salts in their bath, they can follow these steps:

• Use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard-size bathtub.
• Pour the Epsom salt into warm running water.
• Soak in an Epsom salt bath for 15–30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

A person may consider adding the following essential oils to help them relax and get to sleep:

• lavender
• rose
• bergamot
• jasmine
• eucalyptus

Drinking Epsom salt

If a person drinks Epsom salt, they could experience a laxative effect, which may help relieve constipation.

Adults should combine 2–6 teaspoons (tsp) of Epsom salt with 8 ounces of water and then drink.

When people drink small doses of Epsom salt, they may not experience any side effects. However, there is not enough evidence supporting its use for treating any health conditions other than constipation.

Learn more about using Epsom salt to relieve constipation here.

A person with any underlying medical condition should speak to their doctor before trying Epsom salt. People living with kidney disease must not consume Epsom salt.

Magnesium from oral supplements or an Epsom salt bath may provide the following health benefits:

Improving exercise performance and recovery

Some people take magnesium before a workout. This may help remove the lactic acid that builds up in muscles during exercise and improve future performance.

In a small 2015 study, researchers found short-term magnesium supplementation was associated with improved bench-press performance among 13 athletes.

When a person takes magnesium after a workout, it may also reduce recovery time and prevent muscle soreness. In a 2014 animal study, researchers treated rats with either magnesium sulfate or saline before placing them on a treadmill.

The rats that received magnesium sulfate had higher glucose levels during exercise and cleared lactic acid faster during recovery.

Pain relief

People who do not have enough magnesium may experience painful muscle cramps and chronic inflammation. Underlying health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may also affect magnesium absorption.

An Epsom salt bath may help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. However, experts are unclear whether Epsom salt is directly responsible for these effects.

Stress relief

Magnesium contributes to the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transport signals between neurons, or nerve cells. These chemical messengers impact every aspect of daily life, including sleep, mood, and concentration.

According to a 2017 review in the journal Nutrients, having low levels of magnesium could harm a person’s quality of sleep and ability to cope with stress.

If a person takes an Epsom salt bath, it may help their skin absorb magnesium, which could relieve stress and promote relaxation. But, other studies investigating this show conflicting results.

Treating constipation

For many people, drinking Epsom salt is generally safe. However, those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children should not consume it. A person should speak with their doctor if they are unsure about drinking Epsom salt.

People can use Epsom salt as a laxative to treat constipation. This treatment method involves dissolving a small amount of Epsom salt in water and drinking the mixture.

People may not experience any side effects after taking an Epsom salt bath. However, people with sensitive skin could develop a skin rash or contact dermatitis.

The following people should avoid consuming Epsom salt orally as they may experience unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects:

• people who are pregnant
• people who have kidney disease
• people who have heart disease
• children

If a person drinks Epsom salt, they may experience the following side effects:

• dizziness or fainting
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• blurry vision
• changes in bladder habits
• irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• muscle weakness
• extreme fatigue

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring compound that contains magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It has a crystalline structure similar to that of common table salt, or sodium chloride.

Epsom salt is unlike table salt as it tastes bitter and is not a suitable ingredient for cooking. People use Epsom salt for its supposed healing and detoxifying properties.

The theory suggests that dissolving Epsom salt in water helps the skin absorb magnesium ions. These regulate numerous essential bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure, and inflammation.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claims that the body absorbs magnesium ions through the skin. Scientists need to perform more in-depth studies to confirm the effectiveness of using Epsom salt to treat various ailments.

Some research suggests the skin may absorb magnesium and sulfate ions dissolved in water. The authors of one 2017 review article cited several studies with conflicting results about whether or not magnesium can pass through the skin barrier.

While magnesium transporters carry magnesium ions across cellular membranes, the outermost layer of the skin consists of dead cells that do not have these transporters.

The authors also claim that magnesium ions are nearly 400 times larger when hydrated, making it almost impossible for them to penetrate the skin.

However, in a 2016 study, researchers found that magnesium can pass through the outer layer of skin. They also reported that the concentration of magnesium and the length of exposure directly affects how much magnesium the skin can absorb.

Scientists need to conduct further research to confirm the health benefits of magnesium products, specifically Epsom salt.

Epsom salt is a natural remedy that may help relieve muscle pain, inflammation, and constipation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims.

Epsom salt is generally safe for most adults and children. However, certain people should avoid drinking Epsom salt solutions. Consuming Epsom salt can lead to side effects, including diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness.

Epsom salt is available to purchase in stores and online.

Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Epsom salt can be used as a supplement, bath salt, or beauty product. It’s also associated with very few side effects and may offer several potential health benefits.

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments.

People use it to ease health problems, such as muscle soreness and stress. It’s also affordable, easy to use, and harmless when used appropriately.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Epsom salt, including its benefits, uses, and side effects.

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable.

Some people still consume it by dissolving the salt in water and drinking it. However, due to its taste, you probably don’t want to add it to food.

For hundreds of years, this salt has been used to treat ailments, such as electrolyte abnormalities, constipation, and eclampsia. Unfortunately, its effects on many other conditions are not well researched (1).

Most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium, a mineral that a lot of people do not get enough of (2).

You can find Epsom salt online and at most drug and grocery stores. It’s typically located in the pharmacy or cosmetic area.

Summary

Epsom salt — otherwise known as bath salt or magnesium sulfate — is a mineral compound believed to have many health benefits.

When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions.

The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through your skin, providing you with magnesium and sulfates — which serve important bodily functions.

Despite claims on the contrary, there is no good evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into your body through the skin (3).

Yet the most common use for Epsom salt is in baths, where it is simply dissolved in bathwater.

It can also be applied to your skin as a cosmetic or taken by mouth as a laxative or magnesium supplement. However, because of its laxative effects, it might not be an ideal choice as a magnesium supplement if your goal is to prevent deficiency (4).

Summary

Epsom salt dissolves in water and can be added to baths or used as a cosmetic. However, there is no evidence that your body can absorb its minerals through the skin.

Many people, including some healthcare professionals, claim Epsom salt is therapeutic and use it as an alternative treatment for several conditions.

Provides magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, the first being calcium (5).

It is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions that benefit your heart and nervous system (5).

Still, many people do not consume enough magnesium (2).

While magnesium sulfate can be used as a magnesium supplement, some people claim that magnesium may be better absorbed via Epsom salt baths than when taken by mouth.

However, this claim is not based on any available evidence and research shows that magnesium sulfate is very poorly absorbed, even when taken orally (6).

Proponents of this theory point to an unpublished study in 19 healthy people. The researchers claimed that all but three of the participants showed higher blood magnesium levels after soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

However, no statistical tests were performed and the study lacked a control group (7).

Some other studies have also evaluated the effects of Epsom salt baths on blood magnesium levels, but these studies have turned up conflicting results and are of questionable quality (3).

Therefore, while it may be possible for magnesium to be absorbed through the skin, more large, high quality studies are needed (3).

Promotes sleep and stress reduction

Adequate magnesium levels are essential for sleep and stress management, likely because magnesium helps your brain produce neurotransmitters that induce sleep and reduce stress (8, 9).

Low magnesium levels may negatively affect sleep quality and stress. Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reverse these issues by allowing your body to absorb magnesium through the skin. However, this hasn’t been scientifically proven.

It’s also possible that the calming effects of Epsom salt baths are simply due to the relaxation caused by taking hot baths.

Helps with constipation

Magnesium is often used to treat constipation.

It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements (10).

Most often, magnesium is taken by mouth for constipation relief in the form of magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, or magnesium oxide (11).

Taking Epsom salt may also be effective, although it is not as well-studied as other forms. Nevertheless, the FDA lists it as an approved laxative (4, 12).

It can be taken by mouth with water according to the directions on the package.

You should also know that consuming Epsom salt may produce unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and liquid stool (13).

It should only be used occasionally as a laxative, not for long-term relief.

Exercise performance and recovery

Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps — both important factors for exercise performance and recovery.

It is well known that adequate magnesium levels are helpful for exercise because magnesium helps increase the availability of glucose in the blood, muscles, and brain while reducing the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles (14).

While relaxing in a hot bath may help soothe aching muscles, there is no high quality evidence that people absorb bathwater magnesium through their skin (3).

On the other hand, oral supplements can effectively stave off magnesium insufficiency or deficiency.

Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels (15).

While magnesium is clearly important for exercise, the use of bath salt to enhance fitness is not well researched. At this point, the supposed benefits are purely anecdotal.

Reduced pain and swelling

Another common claim is that Epsom salt helps reduce pain and swelling.

Many people report that taking Epsom salt baths improves symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Again, the magnesium is deemed responsible for these effects, since many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in this mineral (16, 17).

One 2015 study in 15 women with fibromyalgia concluded that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be beneficial for reducing symptoms (18).

However, this study was based on questionnaires and lacked a control group. Its results should be taken with a grain of salt.

Summary

Most of the purported benefits of Epsom bath salts are anecdotal. On the other hand, oral magnesium supplements may benefit sleep, stress, digestion, exercise, and pain in people who are deficient.

While Epsom salt is generally safe, there are a few negative effects that can occur when you take it by mouth.

First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative effect. Consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach (4, 13).

If you use it as a laxative, make sure to drink plenty of water, which may reduce digestive discomfort. Furthermore, never take more than the recommended dosage without first consulting a doctor.

In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, altered mental status, and death. This is unlikely as long as you take it in appropriate amounts as recommended by a doctor or listed on the package (19, 20).

Contact a doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects.

Summary

The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can produce side effects when taken by mouth. You can prevent these by using it correctly and talking with a doctor before increasing your dosage.

Here are a few of the most common ways to use Epsom salt.

Bath

The most common use is taking what’s called an Epsom salt bath.

To do this, add 2 cups, or about 475 grams (g), of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub and soak your body for at least 15 minutes.

You can also put the Epsom salt under running water if you want it to dissolve more quickly.

While hot baths can be relaxing, there is currently no good evidence for the benefits of an Epsom salt bath in itself.

Beauty

Epsom salt may be used as a beauty product for skin and hair. To use it as an exfoliant, just place some in your hand, dampen it and massage it into your skin.

Some people claim it’s a useful addition to facial wash, since it may help cleanse pores.

Just a 1/2 teaspoon (tsp), or 2.5 g, will do the trick. Simply combine it with your own cleansing cream and massage onto the skin.

It can also be added to conditioner and may help add volume to your hair. For this effect, combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. Work the mixture through your hair and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.

These uses are entirely anecdotal and unsupported by any studies. Remember that it works differently for everyone and that you may not experience the reported benefits.

Laxative

Epsom salt can be taken by mouth as a magnesium supplement or as a laxative.

Though there are no official guidelines for how much you should take, many brands recommend taking 2–6 tsp (10–30 g) per day, dissolved in water, as a maximum for adults, or around 1–2 tsp (5–10 g) for children.

Consult with a doctor if you need a more individualized dosage or if you want to increase the dose to more than what is listed on the package.

Unless you have the consent of a doctor, never ingest more than the upper limit of intake stated on the package. Taking more than you need could lead to magnesium sulfate poisoning.

If you want to begin taking Epsom salt by mouth, start slowly and gradually increase the dose as needed.

Remember that everyone’s magnesium needs are different. You may need more or less than the recommended dose, depending on how your body reacts and what exactly you are using it for.

Additionally, when consuming Epsom salt, make sure to use pure, supplement-grade Epsom salt that does not have any added scents or coloring.

Summary

Epsom salt can be dissolved in baths and used as a beauty product. It can also be consumed with water as a magnesium supplement or laxative.

Epsom salt may be helpful for easing constipation when taken as a supplement. It can also be used as a beauty product or bath salt.

There isn’t a lot of evidence to support all of its reported benefits. Its positive effects are mostly anecdotal at this point, and more research is needed on its functions.

However, Epsom salt is generally safe and easy to use.

how and why to use Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments. It can be used to alleviate health problems, as well as in beauty treatments. Here’s why you should stock up on Epsom salt.

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Epsom salt is a real trend in the field of beauty and wellness, and the scope of its application is truly impressive.

Contents of the article

Epsom salt is an affordable and harmless product for relieving muscle pain, relieving stress and even losing weight. We looked at all the nuances of using Epsom, as well as the pros, cons and side effects of this tool to improve well-being.

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. It takes its name from Epsom, Surrey, UK, where it was originally discovered.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than regular salt. Most likely, it was called salt only because of its chemical structure.

Epsom looks like table salt. Because of this, it is often used during water procedures and is called bath salt. In fact, Epsom salts are quite bitter and unpleasant in taste. However, some people still take it internally, dissolving it in water and drinking it. However, due to the taste, despite all the benefits, it is impossible to use Epsom salt in cooking.

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Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments such as constipation, insomnia and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effect on these conditions is not well understood.

Most of the claimed benefits of Epsom salts are due to their magnesium content, a mineral that many of us don’t get enough of.

Have you heard about the benefits of Epsom salts before?

How does Epsom salt work?

When Epsom salt dissolves in water, magnesium and sulfate ions are released. It is believed that these particles can be absorbed through the skin, providing the body with magnesium and sulfates that perform important bodily functions. But nevertheless, at the moment, scientists do not have convincing evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into the body through the skin.

Most often, this salt is used during bathing: a large amount of it (about 400-500 grams) must be dissolved in warm water. Sometimes a concentrated solution of Epsom salts is applied to the skin as a cosmetic and taken orally as a magnesium supplement or in larger quantities as a laxative.

Epsom salt proven health benefits

Epsom salt is believed to have therapeutic properties. Because of this, a number of medical professionals (most often followers of non-traditional teachings) use Epsom salt as an alternative remedy for treating diseases.

Epsom salt provides the body with magnesium

Magnesium is considered the fourth most important mineral in the body. It is involved in over 325 biochemical reactions that benefit the heart and nervous system.

Many people do not get enough magnesium. Even if you monitor the level of this component, metabolic processes can affect how magnesium is absorbed by the body. In addition, some experts claim that while taking a bath, magnesium is absorbed better than if taken orally, but this fact does not have widely known evidence.

Promotes quality sleep and stress reduction

Adequate levels of magnesium in the body are needed to improve sleep and reduce stress, probably because magnesium helps the brain produce neurotransmitters that improve these factors. Magnesium also helps produce the “sleep hormone” melatonin.

Low magnesium levels can negatively affect sleep quality and stress levels. But in the case of Epsom salts, it is more likely that the calming effect is due simply to the relaxation caused by taking hot baths.

Helps with constipation

Magnesium is often used to treat constipation. Magnesium is most commonly taken orally to relieve constipation in the form of magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide. However, taking Epsom salt is also considered effective, although not well understood. Epsom salts are on the list of approved laxatives in a number of countries.

Salt can be taken orally with water according to package directions. Adults are usually advised to take 2-6 teaspoons (10-30 grams) of Epsom salts at a time, mixed with a glass of water. The laxative effect occurs after 30 minutes – 6 hours. However, be aware that epsom salts can cause unpleasant side effects such as bloating and loose stools. Epsom salts as a laxative should be used occasionally, in emergency situations. And better on the recommendation of a doctor.

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Exercise efficiency and recovery loads.

Of course, magnesium does help the body to tolerate exercise more easily, as well as to absorb glucose and lactic acid. In addition, relaxing in a hot bath does reduce muscle pain, but there is no reliable evidence that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin.

Professional athletes tend to be deficient in magnesium. And most often, doctors prescribe them magnesium supplements by mouth. If you want to increase your magnesium levels, it’s better not to count on the full effect of hot baths with Epsom salts. Start taking dietary supplements with magnesium, but only after consulting a specialist.

Reduced pain and swelling

Another common claim is that Epsom salt helps reduce pain and swelling. Many people report that taking Epsom salt baths improves symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Magnesium baths are considered helpful in these cases, as many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in magnesium. And by the way, one study in 15 women with fibromyalgia found that applying magnesium chloride to the skin could be helpful in reducing symptoms. However, these results are considered too small and not well-tested to provide a proven benefit for Epsom magnesium salt concentrate.

Safety and side effects

Although Epsom salt is generally safe, there are several negative effects that can occur if used incorrectly, all of which relate to ingestion of salt.

First, as we have already said, magnesium sulfate can have a laxative effect. Its use can lead to diarrhea, bloating, or indigestion.

If you are using Epsom salts as a laxative, drink as much water as possible to reduce GI discomfort. Also, never take more than the recommended dose without first consulting your doctor. Some cases of magnesium overdose have been reported when people took too much Epsom salt. Overdose symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness, and redness of the skin. In extreme cases, an overdose of magnesium can lead to heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death. But this is unlikely if you take the remedy in the appropriate amounts recommended by your doctor or indicated on the package

If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects after taking Epsom salt, contact your doctor immediately.

How to Use Epsom Salt

Here are some of the most common uses for Epsom Salt.

Salt bath

Epsom salts are most commonly added to bath water. Pour 2 cups (about 400–500 grams) of Epsom salts into hot water and take a bath for about 15 minutes. As we’ve said before, hot baths can be relaxing, but there’s currently no convincing evidence for a greater benefit from Epsom salt baths.

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Beauty

Epsom salt can be used as a cosmetic product for skin and hair. To use it as an exfoliator, simply take the granules in your hand, moisten and rub into the skin.

• Some internet users claim that salt can be used as a pore cleanser. To do this, mix 0.5 teaspoon of Epsom salts with a regular cleanser and apply the mixture on the skin with massaging movements.
• Epsom salts can also be added to the conditioner to add volume to the hair. To do this, mix equal parts conditioner and epsom salt. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.
• In general, these uses of Epsom salts are not supported by any research and work in much the same way as adding table salt or sea salt to your beauty routine. So it’s not worth betting on the miraculous effect of epsom.

Laxative

And again, more about this method. Epsom salts can be taken orally as a magnesium supplement or as a laxative. Most brands recommend taking 2-6 teaspoons (10-30 grams) of Epsom salts per day, mixed with water. Children usually need 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams). However, it is undesirable to use the supplement without a doctor’s recommendation – especially in excess of the norm.

If you want to try taking Epsom salt by mouth, start the process slowly. Try 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams) at a time and gradually increase the dose as needed.

Remember that everyone’s magnesium needs are different. You may need more or less than the recommended dose, depending on how your body reacts to the supplement and what exactly you are using it for.

Also, when using Epsom salts internally, be sure to use pure Epsom salts that do not contain any flavoring or coloring agents.

Epsom Epsom Salt

At all times, people have used mineral salts to improve health. Today, sea, Himalayan and Epsom salts are very popular in cosmetology, psychology, as well as in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, Epsom Epsom salt is a recognized leader in this trio in terms of the number of useful properties and ease of use.

History of occurrence

For the first time this mineral, similar to sea salt, was discovered in the waters of a spring near the English town of Epsom, thanks to which it got its name. Strictly speaking, this is not salt, in the usual sense for us, as it is a compound of magnesium, sulfur, oxygen and water. And it tastes bitter. Hence the variety of names: bitter salt, Epsom salt, magnesia, Epsom.

How Epsom 9 works0156

The action of Epsom salts on the body is unique and extensive. It helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems, strengthens the musculoskeletal system, normalizes sleep, increases concentration and improves memory, helps to reduce weight and remove toxins and toxins. These properties are due to the chemical composition of Epsom, since magnesium in combination with sulfate is found here in an accessible form for the body.

Magnesium is directly involved in the functioning of all body systems, and is also necessary for the metabolism of other vital elements, such as calcium, for example. For women, the role of magnesium is even higher, since it directly affects cyclic and metabolic processes, and the risk of increased magnesium excretion in women is 20-30% higher. Magnesium levels are greatly reduced during stress and exercise. Therefore, in the conditions of megacities, people often have a shortage of it.

It has been proven that magnesium is easily absorbed through the skin, normalizing the functioning of the body, and sulfates bind harmful waste products and contribute to their safe elimination. In addition, magnesium has a neutral pH and does not dry out the skin, unlike sea water. This is why Epsom salt baths are so effective and popular.

The use of magnesium salt

Psychologists recommend Epsom salt baths in the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety and depression, as well as in the treatment of addictions. Magnesium, which is part of the salt, is actively absorbed by the body while taking warm baths and has a powerful positive effect on the functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Nutritionists include Epsom baths in body shaping programs, as they help to remove excess fluid, toxins and toxins from the body, increase skin tone, normalize metabolic processes and relieve excess stress in the process of losing weight.