Epsom salt is also called magnesium sulfate. It is a chemical compound of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. It gets its name from the town of the Epsom in Surrey in England, where it was originally discovered.
Despite its name, Epsom salt is a different compound than table salt. It was more likely termed salt as it has a chemical structure.
It has an appearance comparable to table salt and often melted in baths, which may also be called a salt bath. While it looks nearly to table salt, it tastes different. Epsom salt is more bitter and unpalatable. Some people still eat it by dissolving the salt in the water and consume it. However, because of its taste, you probably do not wish to include it to your food. For decades, this salt has been used for treating ailments, such as insomnia, constipation, and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effects over these conditions are not fully researched.
Most of the stated benefits of Epsom salt are connected with magnesium, a mineral, which people do not know enough. You can get Epsom salt online and most grocery and medicine stores. It is usually located in the cosmetic area and pharmacy.
Epsom salt is a good remedy for multiple ailments. People use Epsom salt to ease health conditions like stress and muscle soreness. It is very affordable, harmless, and easy to use when used appropriately.
Provides Magnesium
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Magnesium is the 4th most plentiful mineral in the body, which is the first is calcium.
It is included in more than 325 biochemical reactions, which benefit to nervous system and heart. Most of the people avoid consuming enough magnesium. Even if you do, factors like dietary oxalates and phytates can interfere with what quantity your body absorbs.
While magnesium sulfate has value as a magnesium supplement, some individuals claim that magnesium may be good to absorbed via Epsom salt baths than consumed by mouth. This claim is not based on any proof.
Defenders of the theory point to an unexplored analysis in 19 healthy people. The researchers insisted that all but 3 of the participants found high blood magnesium levels after soaking in the Epsom salt bath.
However, no statistical tests were done, and the research lacked a control group.
As a result, its conclusions were untrue and highly questionable. Researchers agree that magnesium is not getting through people’s skin – at least not in any scientifically linked amounts.
Promotes Sleep and Reduce Stress
Image SourceEnough magnesium levels are important for sleep and stress regulation, likely because magnesium helps the brain generate neurotransmitters that reduce stress and trigger sleep. Magnesium may also lower the melatonin production, a hormone, which promotes sleep. Low magnesium levels may affect stress and sleep quality. Some people claim that consuming Epsom salt baths can reverse the issues by making the body to absorb magnesium in the skin. It also provides calming effects and relaxation after taking hot baths.
Relieve Constipation
Image SourceMagnesium also helps for constipation. It serves to remove the water in the colon, which promotes bowel action. Most often, magnesium is eaten by mouth for relieving constipation in the form of magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide. However, utilizing Epsom salt also works efficiently, even it is not completely studied. The FDA classifies it as one of the supported laxatives. It can be used by mouth with water depending on the control given on the package.
Adults are commonly urged to apply 2-6-teaspoons Epsom salt at earlier, mollified in at any rate 8-ounces of water, and consumed rapidly. You can feel a diuretic influence about 30 minutes to 6-hours. A few people may encounter the ill effects of symptoms like liquid stool and swelling. It should just be utilized periodically as a diuretic and not for additional time.
Exercise and Recovery
Image SourceSome people insist that consuming Epsom salt baths can lower muscle soreness and relieve cramps, which are important for exercise performance and recovery.
It is good that sufficient magnesium levels are helpful for a workout because magnesium helps the body to use lactic acid and glucose. While relaxing in a hot bath, it can also soothe your painful muscles. There is no proof that people absorb the bathwater magnesium from their skin.
On the other hand, supplements taken orally can work effectively to reduce magnesium deficiency.
Athletes are more likely to lower the magnesium levels, so health professionals often suggest that they consume magnesium supplements to ensure basic levels.
While magnesium is essential for a workout, the use of salt in bath promotes fitness is not completely researched. These benefits are purely anecdotal.
Reduced Swelling and Pain
Image SourceAnother general claim is that Epsom salt helps to lower swelling and pain. Many people reported that consuming Epsom salt baths helps to improve fibromyalgia and arthritis symptoms. Again, the magnesium is considered responsible for these effects, since different people with arthritis and fibromyalgia are deficient in this mineral. One study in 15 women experiencing fibromyalgia assumed that applying magnesium chloride over the skin helps to lower the symptoms. However, this research was based on questionnaires and required a control group.
Detox
Image SourceEpsom salts are generally used in the detoxification process. You can use it by taking orally or applying over the skin. The sulfate component present Epsom salt helps in removing toxins and heavy metals from your body. Absorbing Epsom salts in the skin is a very mild way to detox. Occasionally it can cause subtle feelings of headaches or nausea.
Heart Health
Image SourceMagnesium is popularly known to improve your heart health, prevent stroke and heart disease. It also improves your circulation and regulates arteries elastic. Magnesium helps to normalize your heartbeat and blood pressure. There is large evidence to show that a high intake of magnesium is frequently correlated to reduce cardiovascular disease levels.
Recover Magnesium Levels
Magnesium is quickly absorbed from the skin. From here, it stimulates the muscles and the bloodstreams. Floating and soaking is an ideal way to manage magnesium levels and promote relaxation. Afloat tank provides 350+kgs of Epsom salt| whilst this volume is difficult to copy at home and make you feel like hold out on the salt bath. Therefore, using more is better.
Sunburn Relief
Image SourceSpending a long day out in the sunlight or on the beach can often cause sunburn. Using Epsom salt work as anti-inflammation qualities make it a good alternative for relief from more sun exposure. Take an empty spray bottle, combine 2-tablespoons of Epsom salt with one cup of water and then spray on the affected area.
Splinter Removal
Image SourceObstinate splinters usually cause painstakingly cleaning it over the skin with a pair of tweezers. Alternatively, try soaking yourself in the tub of Epsom salts. It builds the osmotic force of the skin, which will make the splinter to the outside. The magnesium will also lower the swelling near the splinter, make it easy to transport. If it is simply a finger or toe, melt 2-tablespoons of Epsom salt in the hot water to soak.
Acne Treatment
Image SourceEpsom salt is additionally a powerful characteristic face chemical, containing antibacterial, against parasitic, and antiviral properties, settling on it an incredible decision to treat skin inflammation. Prior to bed, blend a teaspoon of Epsom salt with your ordinary facial chemical and wash as typical.
Banish Blackheads
Image SourceAdditionally, remove Epsom salt helps to remove dead skin and clear the blemishes. This salt is well known for extracting blackheads. Combine 1-tsp of Epsom salt with 4-drops of iodine in a half-cup of warm water. Stire till the salt gets dissolved. Once it gets cool, massage the mix on the affected skin, wait till get dry and then wash with warm water.
Moisturizing Hand Wash
Image SourceUsing Epsom salt also makes your hand moisturized. You can mix equal Epsom salt or olive oil. Store the moisturizing hand cleanser in the bottles and keep near the sink.Â
Cold and Flu Relief
Image SourceSoaking in the Epsom bath benefits to improve the immune system, increase white blood cells to help to fight the disease. Epsom salt infused also provides relaxing muscles and pain, which support in restorative sleep to guard against infection. Blend a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the bathwater for gentle breathing.
Poison Ivy Relief
Image SourceA cold Epsom salt compress may help to get some relief from poison ivy sufferers by treating swelling and irritation. Take a cotton washcloth and soak in an Epsom salt and water with 2-tablespoon Epsom salt and one cup of cold water. Then apply on the affected skin.
Bug Bite Relief
Image SourceEpsom salt is also helpful for treating itch from bug bites. Try mixing a half cup of warm water and a half cup of Epsom salt in a spray bottle. Spray this mix on your affected skin to relieve itchy skin.
Other benefits of Magnesium Salt
Washing Pans and Pots
Image SourceThe rough texture of the salt crystals helps to remove the stuck food without affecting cookware. Simply pour some salt over pans or pots before you scrub them.
Grout Cleaner
Image SourceCombine equal parts of Epsom salt and dish detergent(liquid) to create an effective grout and tile cleaner. Apply this mix to remove the stains from the kitchen and bathroom. Leave it to soak for some time, scrub the grime, and wash.
Washing Machine Cleaner
Image SourceThe washing machine also needs cleansing. Laundry detergents and other contaminations grow in the machines. Using Epsom salt helps to prevent unwanted gunk and make run efficiently. Let the washing tub fill with warm water. Include one-quart white vinegar and one cup of Epsom salt. Let the machine move for one minute and end the cycle to get the solution. Let it sit for one hour before closing the cycle. Now wash the cycle before adding clothes.
In the Garden and Yard
Image SourceEpsom salt also benefits for yard and garden. The magnesium sulfate present in Epsom salt helps to increase greenery in the yard and fertilize your plants. It will also prevent harmful slugs and pests. Just you need to sprinkle one line around the garden to keep them away.
According to EpsomSaltCouncil.org, research tells that sulfur and magnesium are important components of Epsom salt, which help plants to grow greener.
Safety and Side Effects
While Epsom salt is commonly safe, some negative effects can happen if you use it incorrectly. It is only a matter when you take it by mouth.
First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative impact. Using it may result in diarrhea, upset stomach, or bloating.
If you use for its laxative effects, make sure to use more water, which may lower digestive discomfort. Furthermore, never consume more than the advised dosage without consulting your physician.
Some cases of magnesium with overdose have been seen, in which people took high Epsom salt. Symptoms include headache, nausea, flushed skin, and light-headedness.
In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can cause heart problems, paralysis, coma, and death. It is unlikely as long as you consume a sufficient amount advised by the doctor.
How to Use It?
Here are a few simple ways to use the Epsom salt.
Bath
Image SourceEpsom salt bath is very popular. To make this bath, you need to add 2-cups of Epsom salt to the water in the standard-sized bathtub and immerse yourself for at least 15 minutes. You can also combine Epsom salt under the running water to immediately dissolve the salt.
Beauty
Image SourceEpsom salt is also popularly used in beauty products for hair and skin. It is used as an exfoliant. You need to keep some Epsom salt in hand and dampen it on the skin and massage.
Few people claim it is a good addition to the facial wash since it helps to cleanse the pores.
Take half teaspoon Epsom salt and combine with face cleansing cream and do massage over the skin.
It also added to the conditioner to increase the hair volume. You can combine equal parts of Epsom salt and conditioner. Apply this mixture in hair and keep it for 20 minutes, then wash. These uses are completely anecdotal and not supported by studies. Please note that it works differently for everyone.
Laxative
Image SourceEpsom salt is consumed by mouth for a magnesium supplement or laxative. Most brands advise taking 2-6 teaspoons every day, dissolve in water for more adults. Around 1-2 teaspoons are generally sufficient for children.
Also, take your doctor to advise if need more dosage or wish to increase the dose to more than given on the package. Unless you have the doctor advise, never consume more than the upper limit of consumption given on the pack. Consume more than you require may cause poisoning of magnesium sulfate.
If you wish to take Epsom salt by mouth, begin slowly. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons at one time and slowly increase the dose as required.
Remember that everyone has a different magnesium requirement. You may need less or more than the advised dose, depending on how the body reacts and for what you use it.