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Epsom Salt
What is it?
The mineral mixture,
named for a saline spring in England, is actually a combination of magnesium and
sulfate. This popular mineral is touted for its health benefits as well as uses
in cleaning and gardening projects. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a natural compound that
people claim can treat constipation, relieve pain, and relax
muscles. However, research into its therapeutic use is
limited.
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring compound that people may
refer to as magnesium sulfate or bath salts. It is a common
ingredient in several complementary therapies, such as baths and
exfoliants. Despite its name, it is a completely different compound to table
salt, although it may resemble it in appearance. People may
recommend diluting Epsom salts in water to create a bath, or an
oral solution.
Epsom salt uses
People sometimes soak their bodies in Epsom salt baths or drink
Epsom salt after dissolving it in water. 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. The Food and Drug Administration approves magnesium
sulfate in a limited
number of instances, including the
treatment of:
- hypomagnesemia (low magnesium)
- constipation
- prevention of seizures in eclampsia/preeclampsia
- acute nephritis in pediatric patients
- minor cuts or bruises
Some people claim that bathing in Epsom salt solutions allows
the skin to absorb the magnesium while providing the local pain
relief of warm water soaking. However, there is little to no
evidence to back up these claims.
Treating constipation:
Magnesium sulfate has FDA approval for the treatment of
constipation.
As a result, many people use Epsom salt solutions as an oral
laxative to treat constipation at home. This treatment
method involves dissolving a small amount of Epsom salt in
water and drinking the mixture.
Improving exercise performance and recovery:
People may claim that taking an Epsom salt bath post-exercise
can aid in recovery. Warm baths post-exercise may enhance muscle
recovery, but the effects of diluting Epsom salts in these baths
are unclear.
Research does, however, support claims that magnesium
supplementation can aid performance and recovery. Older
studies show that ensuring adequate magnesium intake may aid
in aerobic and nonaerobic performance and energy metabolism.
A 2024
literature review
found that
physically active individuals benefited from supplemental
magnesium. Researchers concluded supplemental magnesium may have
a positive effect on muscle soreness, recovery, and performance.
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which is essential for athletic
performance, but there is little evidence to suggest that
bathing in such a solution will provide these benefits.
Pain relief:
Some proponents of Epsom salt soaks claim that it can aid
muscular pain relief. It is true that magnesium supplementation
may help treat some pain symptoms in those with a chronic
deficiency, and warm water bathing may help reduce muscular
pains.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that Epsom salt baths
can provide a combination of these benefits.
Sleep:
There is a link between dietary magnesium intake and sleep
quality. A 2017 review notes that having low levels of magnesium
could harm a person’s quality of sleep and, additionally, their
ability to cope with stress.
As a result, some people claim that oral Epsom salt solutions
and Epsom salt baths may aid in these endeavors. However, there
is no research to support these claims. In
the garden:
-
Houseplants: 2 tablespoons per gallon of water;
feed plants monthly.
-
Roses: 1 tablespoon per foot of plant height
per plant; apply every two weeks. Also scratch 1/2 cup
into soil at base to encourage flowering canes and
healthy new basal cane growth. Soak unplanted bushes in
1 cup of Epsom Salt per gallon of water to help roots
recover. Add a tablespoon of Epsom Salt to each hole at
planting time.
-
Shrubs (evergreens, azaleas, rhododendron): 1
tablespoon per 9 square feet. Apply over root zone every
2-4 weeks.
-
Lawns: Apply 3 pounds for every 1,250 square
feet with a spreader, or dilute in water and apply with
a sprayer.
-
Trees: Apply 2 tablespoons per 9 square feet.
Apply over the root zone 3 times annually.
-
Garden Startup: Sprinkle 1 cup per 100 square
feet. Mix into soil before planting.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be
weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your
doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Also tell your health care professional if you have any
other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes,
preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products,
read the label or package ingredients carefully. Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated
pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness
of magnesium sulfate to relieve constipation in children 6
years of age or older. However, safety and efficacy have not
been established in children younger than 6 years of age.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated
pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness
of magnesium sulfate as a soaking solution in children. Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to
the effects of magnesium sulfate in geriatric patients. Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at
all, in other cases two different medicines may be used
together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases,
your doctor may want to change the dose, or other
precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare
professional if you are taking any other prescription or
nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time
of eating food or eating certain types of food since
interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with
certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur.
Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your
medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of
this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have
any other medical problems, especially:
- Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be
increased because of slower removal of the medicine from
the body.
Precautions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become
worse, check with your doctor.
Laxative use: Before using this medicine, talk to your doctor
first
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that continued
for more than 2 weeks.
- If you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- If you are on a magnesium-restricted diet.
- If you have already used a laxative for longer than a week.
Laxative use: Stop using this medicine and check with your
doctor if you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement
after use.
Soaking solution use: Do not use this medicine if you are
pregnant or have diabetes, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Soaking solution use: Stop using this medicine and check with
your doctor if you have a skin irritation or infection.
Side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted
effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they
do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following
side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Confusion
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- low blood pressure
- muscle weakness
- skin infection after soaking
- sleepiness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical
attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as
your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care
professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or
reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care
professional if any of the following side effects continue or
are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- Diarrhea
- skin irritation after soaking
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you
notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report
side effects to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice
about side effects. You may report side effects to
Health Canada at 866-234-2345.
Overdose - If someone has overdosed and has
serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing , call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control
center right away. US residents can call their local
poison control center at 800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial
poison control center.
How does Epsom salt differ from salt?
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally
occurring compound containing magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Its
crystalline structure is 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.
How does Epsom salt work?
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.
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.
Summary
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. People should talk with their physician before consuming Epsom salts
for constipation relief.
20 ways to use Epsom Salt around the house
You can use Epsom salt in dozens of ways for health, beauty and cleaning
projects. Check out just a few of the beauty and health hacks below you can
do with this mineral
- Clean your hair: If your hair is particularly greasy, you can pull
excess oils right out by adding a bit of Epsom salt to your shampoo.
Wash and rinse as usual.
- Foot scrub: Winter weather can leave toes and feet dry, cracked and
gross. Get rid of dry skin by combining a cup of Epsom salt with olive
oil, castile soap and some essential oils and scrubbing your feet once
or twice a week.
- Bye bye frizz, hello volume: Mix equal parts hair conditioner and Epsom
salt together. Heat the mixture in a pan. Then starting at the roots and
working your way down, massage the mixture into your hair. Let set for
20 minutes and rinse. This works great for getting rid of frizz and
adding volume to your hair.
- Wash your face: Mix Epsom salt with liquid soap or face cream. Rub
gently into your skin and rinse. You'll get a moisture boost and remove
dead skin cells.
- Deflake the lips: Mix a bit of Epsom salt with petroleum jelly and
massage it into your lips to remove dead skin cells.
- Ease a headache: If you have an aching head after a rough day at the
office (or with the kids), try soaking in an Epsom salt bath. The
salt-soaked bath can help relieve tension in your muscles and ease your
headache.
- Nix tummy troubles: Help ease constipation symptoms by drinking a
teaspoon of Epsom salt in a glass of water. The magnesium should help
get things flowing again.
- Have a better morning after: If you had a little too much red wine last
night, you can ease hangover symptoms. Sip a teaspoon in a bit of water
to help flush out your system. Make sure to drink tons of water to stay
hydrated, though!
- Fade a bruise: Skip the raw meat compress and grab the Epsom salt
instead. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt with a little water and apply
it to the bruised area.
- Get more shut-eye: Soak in an Epsom salt bath for about 20 minutes
before dozing off to help you relax and loosen up for a better night's
sleep.
- Ease muscle pain: Enjoy an Epsom salt bath after a hard day at the gym
or working in the yard to alleviate muscle soreness and speed recovery.
- Remove a splinter: Apply Epsom salt to the skin over the splinter to help pull
it to the surface. Bid a fond farewell to the painful tweezers method!
- Plant fertilizer: Add one tablespoon of Epsom salt to tomato plant soil to
encourage bigger plant growth.
- Clean the bathroom: Mix one part Epsom salt with one part liquid dish
soap, and scrub grout and tile well.
- Water your houseplants: Mix a few tablespoons of Epsom salt with water
and feed your plants as usual.
- Deter Slugs: Sprinkle a bit of Epsom salt onto the patio to keep slugs
at bay on rainy days.
- Boost your roses: Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to your soil to promote
healthier roses.
- Clean the washer: Fill your washing machine with hot water. Add Epsom
salt and run a regular cycle to get rid of buildup on the insides of the
machine.
- Protect your plants: Add Epson salt to your grass and plants to keep
bugs at bay.
- Green up your grass: Add two tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of
water and sprinkle it on your grass to keep it green. The magnesium
prevents yellowing.
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