Use of epsom salt as laxative. Epsom Salt as a Laxative: Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

25.11.202113.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the benefits of using Epsom salt as a laxative. How to use Epsom salt safely for constipation relief. What are the potential side effects of Epsom salt laxatives. Is Epsom salt an effective natural remedy for digestive issues.

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Understanding Epsom Salt: Composition and Properties

Epsom salt, scientifically known as magnesium sulfate, is a mineral compound that has gained popularity for its various potential health benefits. Despite its name, Epsom salt differs significantly from table salt in both composition and taste. This crystalline substance consists of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, forming a unique chemical structure that lends itself to diverse applications.

The mineral’s bitter taste makes it unpalatable for direct consumption, yet its solubility in water allows for easy incorporation into baths and other topical treatments. Epsom salt’s versatility extends beyond its use as a bath additive, finding applications in supplementation, beauty regimens, and even horticulture.

Chemical Composition of Epsom Salt

Magnesium (Mg)
Sulfur (S)
Oxygen (O)

Is Epsom salt the same as table salt. No, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is chemically distinct from table salt (sodium chloride), despite their similar appearances. This difference in composition contributes to their contrasting properties and uses.

The Laxative Effect of Epsom Salt: Mechanism of Action

Epsom salt’s efficacy as a laxative stems from its primary component: magnesium. When ingested, magnesium sulfate exerts an osmotic effect in the intestines, drawing water into the bowel. This increased water content softens stool and stimulates bowel movements, providing relief from constipation.

The laxative action of Epsom salt is relatively rapid, often producing results within 30 minutes to 6 hours after ingestion. This quick-acting nature makes it a popular choice for those seeking fast relief from occasional constipation.

How Epsom Salt Works as a Laxative

Magnesium sulfate attracts water to the intestines
Increased water softens stool
Bowel distension triggers peristalsis
Stimulated bowel movements relieve constipation

Can Epsom salt be used for chronic constipation. While Epsom salt can effectively relieve occasional constipation, it is not recommended for long-term use or treatment of chronic constipation without medical supervision. Prolonged use may lead to electrolyte imbalances and dependence.

Proper Usage and Dosage for Constipation Relief

When using Epsom salt as a laxative, proper dosage and administration are crucial for both safety and efficacy. The recommended dose for adults is typically 2-4 teaspoons (10-20 grams) dissolved in 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. This solution should be consumed on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.

It’s important to note that Epsom salt solutions for internal use should always be prepared with food-grade Epsom salt, not the variety intended for external use or gardening. Additionally, adequate hydration is essential when using Epsom salt as a laxative to prevent dehydration and ensure optimal results.

Steps for Using Epsom Salt as a Laxative

Measure 2-4 teaspoons of food-grade Epsom salt
Dissolve in 8 ounces of room temperature water
Stir until completely dissolved
Drink the entire solution quickly
Follow with additional water intake throughout the day

How quickly does Epsom salt work as a laxative. Epsom salt typically produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after ingestion. However, individual responses may vary, and it’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage or frequency of use.

Potential Benefits Beyond Constipation Relief

While Epsom salt is primarily known for its laxative properties, proponents suggest it may offer additional health benefits. Although scientific evidence is limited for many of these claims, some potential advantages have garnered attention in both traditional and complementary medicine circles.

Magnesium Supplementation

Epsom salt contains magnesium, an essential mineral involved in numerous bodily functions. Some believe that Epsom salt baths or oral supplementation can help address magnesium deficiencies. However, the absorption of magnesium through the skin remains a topic of debate in the scientific community.

Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Epsom salt baths may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. While these effects could be attributed to the general soothing nature of warm baths, some propose that magnesium absorption plays a role in stress reduction and sleep enhancement.

Muscle Soreness and Pain Relief

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use Epsom salt baths to alleviate muscle soreness and reduce inflammation. The warm water, combined with the potential anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium, may contribute to post-exercise recovery.

Are there scientific studies supporting Epsom salt’s benefits beyond laxative effects. While some studies suggest potential benefits, more rigorous research is needed to conclusively establish Epsom salt’s efficacy for uses beyond constipation relief. Many reported benefits are based on anecdotal evidence and traditional use.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

When used as directed, Epsom salt is generally considered safe for most adults. However, like any substance with medicinal properties, it can cause side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Understanding the potential risks and contraindications is crucial for safe usage.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal discomfort
Diarrhea
Nausea
Bloating

Serious Side Effects (Rare)

Allergic reactions
Electrolyte imbalances
Magnesium toxicity (with excessive use)

Who should avoid using Epsom salt as a laxative. Individuals with kidney problems, heart conditions, pregnant women, and those taking certain medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Epsom salt internally. It’s also not recommended for children without medical supervision.

Comparing Epsom Salt to Other Laxatives

Epsom salt is one of many options available for treating constipation. Understanding how it compares to other laxatives can help individuals make informed decisions about their digestive health management.

Osmotic Laxatives

Epsom salt falls into the category of osmotic laxatives, along with other substances like polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and magnesium citrate. These laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements.

Stimulant Laxatives

Unlike stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) or senna, Epsom salt does not directly stimulate intestinal contractions. This difference may result in a gentler action with potentially fewer side effects for some individuals.

Fiber Supplements

Fiber supplements like psyllium husk work differently from Epsom salt by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements. These are often recommended for long-term management of constipation.

How does Epsom salt compare to over-the-counter laxatives in terms of effectiveness. Epsom salt can be as effective as many OTC laxatives for occasional constipation relief. However, its rapid action and potential for electrolyte imbalances make it less suitable for regular use compared to gentler, fiber-based options.

Alternative Uses and Applications of Epsom Salt

Beyond its role as a laxative, Epsom salt has found its way into various aspects of health, beauty, and even gardening. These diverse applications showcase the versatility of this mineral compound.

Beauty and Skincare

Exfoliating scrubs
Bath soaks for relaxation
Hair volumizer

Therapeutic Uses

Soothing sore muscles
Treating minor sprains
Relieving sunburn discomfort

Gardening Applications

Soil amendment for magnesium-loving plants
Natural pest deterrent
Improving seed germination

Can Epsom salt be used safely for purposes other than as a laxative. Yes, Epsom salt is generally safe for external use in baths, compresses, and beauty treatments. However, it’s important to use products specifically labeled for the intended purpose and to follow recommended guidelines.

The Science Behind Epsom Salt: Current Research and Future Directions

While Epsom salt has been used for centuries, scientific research into its various applications and effects is still evolving. Current studies aim to validate traditional uses and explore new potential benefits, particularly in the areas of magnesium absorption and pain management.

Recent Studies

Recent research has focused on the transdermal absorption of magnesium from Epsom salt baths. While some small studies suggest possible absorption, larger, more rigorous trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine their clinical significance.

Areas of Ongoing Investigation

Efficacy in treating fibromyalgia symptoms
Potential role in athletic performance and recovery
Effects on stress reduction and sleep quality

Challenges in Epsom Salt Research

One of the main challenges in studying Epsom salt is designing controlled trials that can isolate its effects from those of warm water immersion alone. Additionally, standardizing dosages and application methods across different studies presents difficulties in comparing results.

What does current scientific evidence say about Epsom salt’s effectiveness. While there is strong evidence supporting Epsom salt’s laxative effects, many of its other purported benefits require further scientific validation. Ongoing research aims to provide more definitive answers about its diverse applications.

In conclusion, Epsom salt remains a popular and versatile substance with a wide range of potential applications. Its well-established use as a laxative is supported by scientific understanding of its osmotic effects. However, many of its other reported benefits, while promising, require additional research to fully validate. As with any health-related product, individuals should approach Epsom salt use with informed caution, consulting healthcare professionals when necessary, especially for internal use or to address specific health concerns. The ongoing scientific interest in Epsom salt suggests that our understanding of its properties and potential benefits will continue to evolve, potentially opening new avenues for its application in health and wellness.

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.