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.

Using Epsom Salt for Constipation

Constipation

Author:

Mr. sc. Kristina Aralica Tušak, nutritionist

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All the fans of turning everyday substances into effective natural remedies that boost one’s health and spirits … Here’s something just for you! Why? Because this article is your go-to guide for a substance that, along with several other health benefits, effectively treats slow digestion and constipation. Can you guess what we have in mind if we tell you that this magical thing can also be described by a chemical formula? Well, if your answer is Epsom salt, don’t celebrate before reading how magnesium sulphate can be your best bet for getting your digestion back on track.

Go Natural a.k.a. Why Take Epsom Salt for Constipation 

Have you been caught up in the fast-paced life where you often don’t have time for a healthy, balanced meal? If your daily life often includes having fast food (which is, of course, full of fat, sugar, and salt), but you frequently forget to drink a glass of water and you’re having a hard time talking yourself into doing some sport activity, your digestive system surely does not work as fast as it should. And if you belong to the worst diet and lifestyle offenders, you might already feel the consequences in the form of bloating and constipation while incessant headaches and reflux also aren’t uncommon.

Unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise slow down our digestion and lead to constipation.

However, constipation does not only hit those who can’t stick to healthy eating habits. It is also a big issue for pregnant women and those who are regularly exposed to stress. But no matter the cause – what all the victims of unsuccessful toilet sessions long for is a fast and painless constipation relief. But why doesn’t everyone just grab an over-the-counter laxative and forget about their issues …?

The answer lies in the fact that such remedies can have many different effects, of which not all are, let’s say, exactly pleasant. Some can be particularly aggressive, causing stomach cramps and, if used over a longer time period, even chronic constipation or a lazy bowel syndrome.

On the other hand, Epsom salt in moderate quantities has no side effects and can only be harmful to those who truly exaggerate with its use. Therefore, it’s a particularly beneficial substance for slow digestion or constipation relief while it’s also great for colon and liver cleansing.

Let’s take a closer look at why you should take Epsom salt for constipation relief.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt might look a lot like table salt, but don’t let the similarity in names fool you. In the case of Epsom salt, we’re actually talking of magnesium sulphate, whose chemical structure differs considerably from that of natrium chloride. Its colourless crystals were originally discovered centuries ago in an English town of Epsom, which is how this compound got its name.

Taking Epsom salt for constipation relief has been a common practice for a long time as magnesium sulphate is known for its laxative effect and represents a valuable source for magnesium for those who lack it. Actually, it’s magnesium that makes this substance so beneficial for our health.

Magnesium helps us relax and fall asleep faster while it also relaxes the muscles after a gruelling training session and prevents cramps. What is more, Epsom salt baths are great for pain relief and reduce swelling. Cosmetics fans will also tell you that magnesium sulphate crystals do a great job of removing dead skin cells and are therefore a welcome addition to face masks, reducing scars and contributing to a smoother skin. And if one needs to remove a foreign object from their skin, Epsom salt is here to help too!

However, those who would appreciate more frequent toilet visits will mostly use Epsom salt for constipation relief. And rightfully so. Magnesium sulphate belongs to osmotic laxatives, which are effective in speeding up digestion without causing damage to the body. Therefore it can be used by adults as well as children from the age of six.

Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate relaxes and treats the body in a completely natural way, cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, boosting digestion and providing the organism with magnesium

Where to buy bitter salt?

Magical white crystals of bitter salt are available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and drugstores. You will often find it in the laxative section or among products for personal hygiene. If you want to use it in case of indigestion, do not reach for Epsom salt with essential oils (these products are suitable for baths), but take the one without any additives. Many online retailers also offer magnesium sulphate in the form of crystals or a soap, balms, or oils.

Epsom Salt and Water for Constipation – How Does It Work?

Taking epsom salt for constipation salt is an excellent way of speeding up our gut as magnesium sulphate absorbs water from the intestinal wall cells, thus causing the volume of the intestinal content to increase from 3 to 5 times and creating pressure on the intestinal wall. This pressure causes the gut to push the waste out of the body.

As magnesium sulphate increases the water content in the intestines, it also softens up food waste, thereby enabling our bodies to push it out faster.

How to Drink Epsom Salt for Constipation Relief

To treat slow digestion or constipation, Epsom salt is normally ingested diluted in water. And before you ask, let us come clean – it does not taste pleasant. But don’t despair! Even a few drops of lemon can make the concoction a lot more bearable, especially for the youngsters.

If mixing epsom salt and water for constipation relief, dilute two to four teaspoons of magnesium sulphate in dvo deciliters of tap water. For children under the age of 12, reduce the amount of Epsom salt to between one and two teaspoons but keep the amount of water the same. Drink immediately.

If there are no results, you can drink another glass of water with Epsom salt, but only 4 hours after having the first glas. However, don’t go for the third glass as two glasses daily are the maximum safest amount. If you cross the limit, the side effect can include nausea or even bloating.

Drinking Epsom salt and water for constipation relief has no side effects, but only if we don’t exceed the recommended daily amount.

And how much Epsom salt does one have to drink for constipation relief? Well, we recommend that your magnesium sulphate therapy does not last longer than one week. If there are no results, you want to first visit a doctor and then – should the GP agree – continue with taking Epsom salt.

And despite the fact that it normally causes no side effects, Epsom salt is not an appropriate remedy for anyone. If you suffer from kidney-related chronic diseases, chronic stomach pain or other nausea as well as if you’ve been prescribed a low-magnesium diet, do consult your doctor before even thinking about magnesium sulphate.

Oh, and another valuable piece of info: Usually, the results of taking Epsom salt for constipation can show as quickly as a few hours after ingesting it. If you’re lucky, you’ll be running for the toilet almost immediately after emptying the glass of water.

Magnesium Sulphate is the Main Ingredient of the Natural Mineral Water Donat

If you want to use Epsom salt for constipation relief or even just to give your digestion a little boost, there is a very simple way to do it – by drinking Donat natural mineral water! Magnesium sulphate is actually the main ingredient of Donat and its secret to speeding up the digestive process.

It is for this reason that experts treat Donat as a sulphate-based laxative. Along with magnesium sulphate, it also contains sodium sulphate, which also helps to speed up the gut while also cleansing the intestinal tract.

Clinical tests prove that Donat has a beneficial effect on our digestion.

Donat is also an excellent source of magnesium. Just imagine that 1 litre of this natural mineral water can provide your organism with more than 1000 mg of this vitally important element. What is more, magnesium takes part in more than 300 biochemical processes in the body and is crucial for a healthy heartbeat, strong bones and proper gut activity, which makes Donat even more important for those who don’t get enough magnesium through their diet.

Donat is Clinically Proven to Boost the Digestive System

It has been clinically proven that drinking Donat regulates digestion due to the presence of bitter salt in its natural form. It is recommended to drink around 0,5 l on a daily basis. Optimally, we should drink 3 dl in the morning on an empty stomach and 1 dl before sleeping.

Would you like to find out more about how to properly consume Donat to help you regulate your digestion or even alleviate some other health problems? Read our instructions for consummation!

However, as there are different levels of constipation, the exact daily amount of Donat also depends on the individual’s specific needs. To get just the right amount of Magnesium (prescribed by your doctor depending on your issues), you can also use our Donat Moments app, which allows you to choose one of the available drinking regimes and then makes sure you never forget to stick to them. It’s completely free and available for iOS as well as Android users.

Beat Constipation With Epsom Salt and a Healthy Lifestyle

Although drinking water and Epsom salt for constipation is a wonderful strategy for speeding up your gut, the best long-term solution is a healthier lifestyle.

The best long-term solution for constipation is a healthy lifestyle.

This includes a more balanced diet with less fatty foods as well as cutting down on sugar and salt while increasing the amount of fibre to at least 20 g daily (If you’re interested in healthy habits that also help you overcome several digestion issues, make sure to also learn how to put an end to slow digestion and read about The best ways to deal with constipation).

Fibre is crucial for increasing the volume of waste, enabling it to pass through our intestines with ease. To make this even easier, you need enough water and regular exercise. Remember – move your body and your gut will move with it. But be careful and increase the amounts of fibre in your food gradually. This way, you’ll avoid cramps, pain or even bloating and gas. And if it’s too late for this warning, let us help you with the article on Easy ways to reduce abdominal bloating.

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Is Epsom salt expired? (And 14 daily household needs)

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This is a product that everyone should have at home, especially preppers who need to know the value of versatile equipment and products that can perform multiple functions very effectively.

This can not only save space for more supplies, but also make it easier to keep track of your inventory and manage your resources, helping you be more organized and therefore better prepared for any contingency.

In this guide, we’ll go over some details about Epsom salt to help you decide if you want to add it to your prep materials, as well as review some of the potential uses and benefits of using it. that you can get the most out of it.

But let’s first see how fast it expires.

Epsom salt expired?

Epsom Salt, or Magnesium Sulfate as it is more formally known, has excellent longevity and will not lose its potency or usefulness when stored properly. To do this, keep your salts dry and protected from moisture, as this can affect the salts and their consistency.

The advantage of these salts is that they naturally repel bacteria and other unwanted microbes so they won’t get moldy or dirty because the salt inhibits the growth of most organic materials.

This means your salts will last a very long time, but how long? We will see this in the next section.

How long can Epsom salts be stored?

Epsom salt does not degrade or lose its effectiveness when stored in a cool, dry place.

Even if your salt has an expiration date on its packaging, it often remains effective for several years after that, even if it becomes lumpy and hard. Despite this, you can easily break it into usable pieces and dissolve it very quickly and easily, and there will be no significant changes in how the salts work.

You can prevent the salts from hardening by storing them sealed in the package or in an airtight sealed container, but this is not required and failure to do so will not seriously affect its performance or durability.

However, salts are available in several different versions, some for everyday home use and others for industrial and agricultural use.

You can list homemade versions because they will have a drug information area on the package or a USP label, which means they are suitable for home use and approved by the FDA.

Why does Epsom salt expire?

Interestingly, the expiration date on Epsom salt packaging does not mean it will become useless, but simply means that the product should still look like it was originally shipped and not have any stains, lumps, or related problems. with salt, which may appear after a very long storage period.

While this hardness and clumping may be unpleasant, it does not significantly affect the product, so expiration date is largely irrelevant and only serves to ensure that you get a relatively fresh and new product.

What are Epsom salts used for?

Epsom salts are very often used as a solution for body aches, to relieve various types of inflammation and help relieve stiffness and pain in various parts of the body.

Adding 2 cups of salt to your bath and soaking in it for about half an hour is a great way to use the salts and benefit from the salt’s properties.

The magnesium in the salt can help reduce stress and promote relaxation by increasing serotonin levels when taking an Epsom salt bath. These salts are even thought to improve circulation and lower blood pressure, as well as help regulate the body’s natural electrolytes. It can help your muscles perform better, make them work longer and recover faster.

Soaking your feet in these salts can also help get rid of athlete’s foot, nail fungus, body odor, rough skin, and relieve foot pain.

Epsom Salt can also be used as a laxative, using 1 teaspoon with 8 oz of water, followed by plenty of water to prevent dehydration, cramps, or abdominal pain.

Salts can also be used to relieve sunburn by spraying a solution of 2 tablespoons Epsom salts mixed in a cup of water to help reduce inflammation.

Salt can also help pull out a stubborn splinter by shrinking the swelling around the splinter, making it less painful and difficult to remove.

You can also relieve a poison ivy rash by applying a cold compress soaked in Epsom salt to the affected area, and you can stop itching by mixing half a glass of warm water with half a glass of salt. It is great for insect bites and other minor irritations.

Epsom salts are also great for cleaning kitchen utensils that need to be thoroughly cleaned, and can also be an effective grout or bathroom cleaner if rubbed into dirt, left for 10 minutes, and then cleaned.

You can also prevent slugs from attacking your plants by adding a small amount to the soil, but be careful not to use too much or with some plants as salt can be detrimental to soil health.

Finally, it can also help clean a smelly washing machine by running a hot cycle with a quart of vinegar and a cup of Epsom salts, removing dirt and other coarse particles that build up inside the washing machine.

Are there any side effects of Epsom salts?

Not really, Epsom salt is considered incredibly safe most of the time when used correctly.

However, some people may experience stomach problems or bloating if they use it as a laxative, so be sure to drink plenty of water if you try this.

Some people can overdose on magnesium if they overdo it with salt, which can lead to headaches and redness of the skin, as well as nausea, so don’t overdo it!

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benefits, uses and side effects

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments.

People use it to relieve health problems such as muscle pain and stress. It is also affordable, easy to use, and harmless when used properly.

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

• What is it?

  Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen.

  It takes its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was originally discovered.

  Despite the name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. Most likely, it was called “salt” because of its chemical structure.

  Similar in appearance to table salt, it is often dissolved in baths, so you may also know it as “bath salt”. Although it is similar to table salt, its taste is noticeably different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and tasteless.

  Some people still use it by dissolving salt in water and drinking it. However, because of its taste, you probably won’t want to add it to your food.

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

  Most of the claimed benefits of Epsom salts come from its magnesium, a mineral that many people don’t get enough of.

  Epsom salts can be found online, in most pharmacies and grocery stores. It is usually located in a pharmacy or cosmetic area.

  Summary: Epsom salt, also known as bath salt or magnesium sulfate, is a mineral compound believed to have many health benefits.

  How does Epsom salt work?

  When Epsom salt dissolves 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 that perform important bodily functions.

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  Despite claims, to the contrary, there is no conclusive evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into the body through the skin.

  However, Epsom salts are most often used in baths, where they are simply dissolved in bath water.

  However, it can also be applied to the skin as a cosmetic or taken orally as a magnesium supplement or laxative.

  Summary: Epsom salt is water soluble, so it can be added to baths and used as a cosmetic. However, there is no evidence that your body can absorb minerals through the skin.

  Health Benefits and Uses of Epsom Salt

  Many people, including some healthcare professionals, claim that Epsom salts are therapeutic and use them as an alternative treatment for several conditions.

  Epsom salt contains magnesium

  Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body after calcium.

  It is involved in over 325 biochemical reactions that benefit your heart and nervous system.

  Many people do not get enough magnesium. Even if you do, factors like dietary phytates and oxalates can affect how much your body absorbs.

  Although magnesium sulfate has value as a magnesium supplement, some people claim that magnesium may be better absorbed by Epsom salt baths than by mouth.

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  This claim is not based on any available evidence.

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

  However, no statistical tests were performed and there was no control group in the study.

  As a result, his conclusions were unfounded and highly questionable.

  Researchers agree that magnesium is not absorbed through human skin – at least not in any scientifically proven amounts.

  Epsom salts may promote sleep and reduce stress

  Adequate magnesium levels are important for sleep and stress management, likely because magnesium helps your brain produce neurotransmitters that induce sleep and reduce stress.

  Magnesium can also help your body produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

  Low magnesium levels can affect sleep quality and stress. Some people claim that Epsom salt baths can reverse these problems by allowing the body to absorb magnesium through the skin.

  It is more likely that the calming effect of Epsom salt baths is due simply to the relaxation caused by hot baths.

  Epsom salts can help with constipation

  Magnesium is often used to treat constipation.

  This seems to be beneficial because it draws water into the colon, which helps with bowel movements.

  Magnesium is most commonly taken by mouth as magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide to relieve constipation.

  However, Epsom salt is also considered effective, although it has not been well studied. However, the FDA lists it as an approved laxative.

  It can be taken by mouth with water as directed on the package.

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  Adults are generally advised to take 2-6 teaspoons (10-30 grams) of Epsom salts at a time, dissolved in at least 8 ounces (237 ml) of water and consumed immediately. You can expect a laxative effect in 30 minutes – 6 hours.

  You should also be aware that Epsom salt can cause unpleasant side effects such as bloating and loose stools.

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

  Epsom salt can improve physical performance and recovery

  Some people claim that Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness and ease cramps, both important factors for exercise and recovery.

  It is well known that adequate magnesium levels are beneficial for exercise because magnesium helps your body use glucose and lactic acid.

  Although relaxing in a hot bath may help soothe sore muscles, there is no evidence that people absorb magnesium from bath water through their skin.

  On the other hand, oral supplements can effectively prevent magnesium deficiency or deficiency.

  Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so they are often advised by healthcare professionals to take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels.

  Although magnesium is important for exercise, the use of bath salts to improve fitness has not been well studied. At this point, the alleged benefits are purely anecdotal.

  Epsom salts can reduce pain and swelling

  Another common claim is that epsom salts help reduce pain and swelling.

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

  Again, magnesium is thought to be responsible for these effects, as many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in this mineral.

  One study in 15 women with fibromyalgia found that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be helpful in reducing symptoms.

  However, this study was questionnaire based and did not have a control group. Its results should be taken with a grain of salt.

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

  Epsom salt safety and side effects

  Although Epsom salts are generally safe, there are several negative effects that can be caused by misuse. It’s only a concern when you take it by mouth.

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  First, the magnesium sulfate it contains may have a laxative effect. Its use can cause diarrhea, bloating, or indigestion.

  If you are using it as a laxative, be sure to drink plenty of water as this may reduce digestive discomfort. Also, never take more than the recommended dosage without first consulting your doctor.

  Some cases of magnesium overdose have been reported when people took too much Epsom salt. 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. This is unlikely if you are taking it in the appropriate amounts recommended by your doctor or listed on the package.

  Call your doctor if you have signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects.

  Summary: Magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts can cause side effects when taken orally. You can prevent them by using it properly and by consulting your doctor before increasing your dosage.

  How to use Epsom salts

  Here are some of the most common ways to use Epsom salts.

  Bath

  The most commonly used so-called Epsom salt bath.

  To do this, add 2 cups (about 475 grams) Epsom salts to the water in a standard size bath and immerse your body in the bath for at least 15 minutes.

  You can also rinse the Epsom salt under running water if you want it to dissolve faster.

  Although hot baths can be relaxing, there is currently no conclusive evidence for the benefits of an Epsom salt bath per se.

  Beauty

  Epsom salt can be used as a skin and hair cosmetic. To use it as an exfoliator, simply take a little in your hand, dampen it, and rub it into your skin.

  Some people claim that this is a useful addition to a facial wash as it can help unclog pores.

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  Just 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) will do the trick. Just mix it with your cleansing cream and rub it into your skin.

  It can also be added to conditioner to add volume to hair. To do this, mix equal parts conditioner and Epsom salts. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.

  This usage is completely anecdotal and not supported by any research. Keep in mind that this works differently for everyone and you may not experience the claimed benefits.

  Laxative

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

  Most manufacturers recommend 2-6 teaspoons (10-30 grams) per day, dissolved in water, as the maximum for adults.

  Children usually need 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams).

  Consult your doctor if you need a more personalized dosage or if you want to increase the dose to a higher value than indicated on the package.

  Unless you have your doctor’s approval, never take more than the upper limit printed on the package. If you take more than you need, it can lead to magnesium sulfate poisoning.

  If you want to start taking Epsom salts by mouth, start slowly. Try taking 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 and what exactly you are using it for.

  Also, when consuming Epsom salts, make sure you are using pure Epsom salts that are compatible with the additives, without any added flavors or colors.