Epsom Salts Uses, Benefits And Risks 

Epsom salts are used widely to treat conditions such as aching muscles, stiffness and stress relief. The use of  epsom salt dates back centuries after an Epsom farmer discovered that the waters containing salts in his wells seemed to help scars and wounds heal better. Its advocates are certain of its therapeutic properties. Little research has been done on why this salt appears to have a positive therapeutic effect upon the body, although there have been many theories put forward about the absorption of magnesium by the skin. Despite the lack of scientific interest,the salt remains a staple in many homes and is widely used to treat everything from joint stiffness to stress. It is even used in the garden!

So what is it and how can you use it for your benefit? This article will examine the good, the bad and even the ugly aspects of these natural salts.

An Epsom salt definition

Epsom salt derives its name from Epsom in England where it was first found and its similar appearance to table salt. Despite its name, epsom salt is not like table salt. It is a mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen and is bitter to taste. It dissolves in water.

What is epsom salts used for?

They are mainly used when dissolved in hot baths. Proponents of an epsom salt bath will testify that it helps to relieve aching muscles, relieve stress and generally promote a rested body. A good salt bath is often taken by people who have been involved in strenuous exercise or hard physical labour.

Other uses of epsom salt include:

• being used as a laxative when taken orally
• Being used to stimulate plant growth. The magnesium contained within the salt helps to stimulate the intake of nitrogen and phosphorous. This will help the flowers to bloom and plants to take on a lusher green colour.
• Being used as a slug and pest repellent in gardens.
• Being used as an exfoliant and overall improvement of skin condition.

In most cases though,  epsom products are used for the health benefits and therapeutic qualities associated with its use.

What are the benefits epsom salts has to offer

Advocates of epsom swear to the value of its health benefits. The epsom benefits most widely discussed are:

• It is a source of magnesium which is vital in facilitating over three hundred and twenty biochemical reactions which help the heart and nervous system to function properly
• Most people suffer from magnesium deficiency and western diets make it difficult to get enough magnesium into the body’s system. Users strongly believe that magnesium can be absorbed into the body by taking a long soak in an epsom salt bath. They support this assertion by pointing to an unpublished study by a British biochemist, Dr Rosemary Waring, who found increased levels of magnesium evident in sixteen out of nineteen test subjects after bathing in epsom salts. While the findings are intriguing, they are by no means conclusive and arrived at no conclusion as to how the increased magnesium levels could occur. While the science is still being settled, regular users of epsom still continue to enjoy their regular soaking
• Aids relaxation and helps to promote sleep. Again, people who take an epsom salt bath will attest that the bath helps to relieve stress and helps them sleep better. Certainly, if magnesium can be absorbed into the body through the skin then this would certainly increase magnesium levels which would help to reduce stress levels
• There is a suggestion that the smell helps people to relax the mind and assist in calming tension. Aromatherapists certainly use epsom salts in some of their treatments and claim to have had good results with them
• Regardless of whether, the body is absorbing magnesium through the bathing process, or through smell, there is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that epsom salt baths help people to relax and sleep easier
• Can relieve constipation when taken orally. It is an approved laxative by the US Food and Drug Administration. The magnesium contained within the salt helps bowel movements by drawing water into the colon. Some caution should be used when taking epsom salts as a laxative and it should only be taken in recommended dosages and used as an occasional laxative. Adults should take between 10 and 30 grams of epsom salt dissolved in at least two hundred and forty millilitres of water. Children should take no more than 10 grams dissolved in 240 ml of water
• Assists with muscle recovery. Many athletes and trainers incorporate epsom salt baths into their training regime. The hope is that the baths will help the athlete to absorb magnesium into the body. Increased magnesium levels can help to aid muscle recovery and reduce soreness
• There is strong anecdotal evidence to support the use of these baths to aid muscle recovery and while there has been insufficient research to support the claims of muscle recovery, there are many athletes who continue to regularly take epsom salt baths
• Is said to help reduce pain and swelling in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Again much of the supporting evidence is anecdotal but many sufferers of these conditions claim to gain relief from their symptoms after enjoying a relaxing soak in epsom salts
• May help soothe some skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is also said to be effective in treating blisters and may help to reduce inflammation around splinters, making the extraction of splinters a little easier.
• Other reported health benefits include reducing inflammation of internal organs and potentially helping with the relief of migraines and headaches as it is said to work as a muscle relaxant and can help to relieve tension around the neck, shoulders and skull

Some health professionals also recommend them to chronic fatigue sufferers, although there appears to be no known study to support this recommendation.

Do epsom salt baths work?

While the science is a little ambiguous as to how epsom baths work, the anecdotal evidence of many people suggest that there is certainly something going on with these baths.

Certainly the baths feel different - offering a silken luxurious touch to your bathing and the feelings of relaxation that the experience of taking an epsom salt bath evoke may be entirely attributable to these sensations.

Regardless of whether you believe the claims that advocates make in regards to transdermal absorption and the resultant benefits of increased magnesium absorption or you are a little skeptical, taking a nice long hot epsom salt bath will certainly help you to relax and unwind ..and that can’t be a bad thing.

Just 300 grams of  bath salt placed into a warm bath will give you the opportunity of experiencing the benefits of epsom salt for yourself. Make sure you allow at least fifteen minutes to relax and soak in the goodness.

Epsom Salt Foot Baths

It is generally well known that taking foot baths is both therapeutic and relaxing. Adding some epsom salts to a foot bath will make the experience even more enjoyable and give you an opportunity to take advantage of the potential benefits. There are becoming ever more popular than the relaxation that magnesium flakes baths offer.

Read here for more on the difference between  epsom salt and magnesium flakes. 

If you would like to take an epsom salt foot bath, simply fill your tub with enough warm water to cover your feet fully . Add approximately half a cup of per 10 litres of water. Allow the salt to fully dissolve and then soak your feet for between thirty and sixty minutes. You can also add a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil to the solution to add an aromatherapy boost to the experience. It is a good idea to moisturise your feet after the foot bath.

Foot baths are widely used to relieve stress and tension. They are also often recommended and used in the following circumstances:

• The treatment of foot and toenail fungal infection. The bath solution helps to draw the infection out of the body. Caution needs to be exercised in this area as bath salt can actually make matters worse with some infections like staph infection. Salt foot baths are, however, often used to complement other treatments prescribed by a physician.
• To exfoliate rough cracked feet. You can complement the process by massaging a small handful of salt directly into the affected area.
• Pain relief for conditions such as corns. Regular soaking can help to draw toxins out of the feet and ease pain.
• Splinter removal - helps to soften skin around the splinter, making extraction easier

Epsom salt and magnesium deficiency

As epsom salt is a soluble magnesium sulfate, the links between soaking in epsom salts and addressing a magnesium deficiency are easy to draw.

Advocates for epsom salt replenishing magnesium levels rely on a theory known as transdermal absorption which suggests that the skin absorbs the magnesium within the bathwater. There has been some studies to support the idea with science proving that hair follicles actually aid the absorption of magnesium into the body. The jury remains out on how much magnesium is absorbed while bathing, but there is some evidence to support the idea that some magnesium at least is entering the body.

While this may help reduce magnesium deficiencies, there is little evidence to suggest that bathing in epsom salts should be the sole treatment to address magnesium deficiencies.

Epsom salt can be taken orally in liquid form. However, you have to be careful about the quantities that you consume.

Epsom Salt Detox

Some advocates of epsom salts claim that taking epsom salt baths helps to draw toxins from the body. While there are many magnesium bath benefits, there is no evidence to support the detox theory, although many people still claim that epsom salt detox works.

It is not advisable to drink this product for detox purposes

Using epsom salt as a beauty aid

One of the lesser known magnesium salt uses is to use it as a beauty aid. It can be used to smooth and exfoliate skin and strengthen hair. Bathing in magnesium salts also helps to soften the skin and keep it hydrated.

Some of the beauty uses of epsom salt include:

• Mix in equal parts with hair conditioner to add vitality and body to your hair
• To heal dry lips
• Remove dry patches of skin by dampening the salt in your hand and rubbing it gently into your skin. Then rinse off with your skin.

Are there any epsom salt health risks?

Epsom salt taken in recommended doses orally or used regularly is considered to be safe. However, as with almost everything, over exposure can have some detrimental effects.

In ordinary circumstances, immersing yourself in a salt bath for twenty minutes is not going to be in any way harmful. However, it is worth noting that people who are allergic to sulfur may suffer a reaction when exposed to epsom salts. Similarly, people on a course of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin or some heart medications like digitalis may experience adverse reactions.

Prolonged exposure to epsom salt may cause the body to dehydrate and in extreme cases, cause cases of magnesium toxicity. This toxicity will present symptoms such as low blood pressure, flushed skin and a slower heartbeat.

When taken orally, it is critical to stick to recommended dosages as taking too much epsom could result in magnesium sulfate poisoning. Pregnant women and people with poorly functioning kidneys are not advised to take magnesium (including epsom salt) by mouth as the kidneys may not be able to eliminate excess magnesium which could lead to severe health implications.

If you are in any doubt about the effects of that could have upon you or about the impact of other medications or supplements when taken while exposing your body to epsom salts, it is wise to consult a doctor.

Can soaking in Epsom salts be dangerous?

In most normal circumstances, soaking in epsom salt is perfectly safe. However, if you are on medication, it is best to seek advice from your doctor. As mentioned in the previous section, prolonged exposure to epsom salts can cause magnesium toxicity. The average person should not experience any epsom salt bath side effects if they indulge in a luxurious soak.

Can you drink epsom salts?

Epsom salts can be drunk in small quantities. Normally, drinking it will have a laxative effect upon the body and this should be taken into consideration before drinking this product. Some people who drink epsom salts claim that drinking them helps to clean the colon, however, there is no scientific evidence to support this and it is recommended that drinking epsom salt be kept to a minimum, even for laxative purposes.

How much Epsom salt to drink?

Recommended dosages of epsom salt are quite small. Typically, adults should take between ten and thirty grams of epsom salt dissolved in about two hundred and forty milliliters of water. Children should be given no more between five and ten grams dissolved in the same amount of water. When consumed, the solution will cause a bowel movement sometime within the next six hours.

Is Epsom Salt Effective as an Insect repellent?

There are many gardeners who use epsom salt to control insects and slugs. There are several ways to use epsom salt to control pests. These include.

A solution of 10 litres to half a cup sprayed directly onto the plant leaves is said to deter bugs and insects from feeding on the plants.

Dry epsom salt spreads around plants and seedlings can keep slugs away from the pants, as the abrasive nature of epsom salt can cut and harm the slug to the point where it will shrivel and die.

A similar process of spreading dry epsom salts besides a row of planted seeds is also effective in protecting new growing seeds.

Epsom can also be effective in helping plants to grow. Spraying plants with a mist solution of epsom salt if done every two weeks will help plants to thrive.

Where to buy epsom salt online

You can buy premium quality epsom salt sourced from reputable renowned suppliers at  Buy Organics Online. Choose from a wide range of products in various quantities including bulk epsom salt from the Buy Organics Online Australian store today.

By and large, epsom salt is a safe all natural product that can help relieve minor aches and pains. It also may help restore magnesium levels in the body and can act as a laxative when taken orally. As well as having these therapeutic benefits the salt also doubles as a great gardening aid, helping plants to grow and helping to control pests. While there is no scientific evidence to support some claims surrounding its health benefits, there is little doubt that epsom salts are effective in easing stress and soothing minor ailments. 

There’s nothing quite like a good relaxing salt in an epsom salt bath!