Epsom Salt: What Is Epsom Salt?
You may be wondering why I am going to discuss Epsom salt on a site that is all about magnesium. Well, Epsom salt is actually a form of magnesium. Therefore, everything you may have heard about using it is directly tied to magnesium. Epsom salts have long been touted by naturalists and homeopaths for their many uses and benefits in treating several health conditions naturally.
So what is this salt and what does it contain? It is simply magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate in a hydrate form which is generally a heptahydrate (MgSO4 7H2O). This means that it has a high affinity for absorbing water and thus contains several water molecules, seven in this case. So Epsom salt is basically just another name for magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate was found in the springs of Epsom, England, and distilled out of the water giving rise to the common name of Epsom salt
Epsom Salt Uses
There are many different uses for this salt. The most common way it is used is in a bath or for soaking certain body parts such as your feet. It is also effective as a laxative especially when consumed as a beverage. Some of its other uses include using it as a fertilizer for your potted plants and gardens in order to provide them with additional magnesium and sulfur. I will get into the details for some of these uses in future posts.
Epsom Salt Benefits
Since Epsom salt is another name for magnesium sulfate, it provides many of the typical magnesium benefits and also some benefits related to sulfates (sulfur). Most of the benefits pertain to using it in a bath or soaking certain body parts. Epsom salt baths are particularly good at relaxing your body and relieving stress. They are also great for detoxifying your body. Sulfates help your body get rid of heavy metals that have built up in your system. Epsom salt soaks are great for giving you healthy looking skin, and may also help with the healing process of wounds when used wisely. Last, but not least, magnesium is absorbed through the skin helping to restore magnesium levels and fix magnesium deficiency.
Salts Side Effects
This salt can affect everyone in different ways. I would suggest using great caution when first using it in a bath, soak, or drinking it as a laxative. Use the Epsom salt on a night where you have nothing going on and you are able to stay home the next day if needed. The main side effect you may experience is diarrhea or loose stool so it is nice to be at home close to a bathroom rather than at work, outside, or out and about running errands. When using Epsom salt in a bath, you need to make sure you don’t fall asleep and drown since it really can be that relaxing.
Most of the beneficial characteristics of this salt pertain to the fact that it contains magnesium in the form of magnesium sulfate. It doesn’t provide magnesium when used orally, but it can provide beneficial results when used in a bath allowing it to soak in through your skin. Remember to use caution when first starting to use this salt because it can cause some side effects that need to be taken into consideration.
How Does this Salt Laxative Work?
This salt, which is magnesium sulfate, is effective as a laxative because it is poorly absorbed by the body when taken in orally. The reason it relieves constipation is because it causes an osmotic effect and acts as an osmotic purgative (laxative). Magnesium sulfate pulls water into the small and large intestines and thus causes a watery bowel movement that helps clean out your digestive tract.
Using an Epsom Salt Laxative
The process of using this salt as a laxative is rather easy to implement. All you have to do is mix 2-6 teaspoons of Epsom salt in about 8 ounces of water, stir, and drink. If you would like to improve the taste in order to mask the Epsom salt you can add lemon juice, lime juice, or even any kind of water enhancer to the mixture. I would suggest starting out on the low end (2 teaspoons) and seeing how you react when first trying this salt laxative. Children (6-12) should use only 1-2 teaspoons of this salt. You should consult with your doctor before giving an Epsom salt laxative to your child.
Using laxatives to relieve constipation is only a short term solution to your problem. This is no different with this salts laxative. You need to remember that this should only be used briefly to get normal bowel movements again. If you are constantly suffering from constipation, you should address those issues with a proper eating plan that includes an adequate amount of fiber. When eating a healthy diet, it is very unlikely that you will suffer from constipation. There are some cases where medications may be causing your constipation. If this is true for your case, consult with your physician to find out what can be done to fix the problem. It is important to address the cause of your constipation instead of just addressing the symptoms with a laxative or medication. Eating healthy will cure a majority of the cases while providing many additional health benefits in the process.
Side Effects
I am including this part mostly to warn you that ingesting this salt orally can cause diarrhea and loose stools. However, this may be the desired effect when using an Epsom salt laxative. I just thought you should know that sometimes it can be overly effective and give you diarrhea. With that being said, I would suggest you take it when you are able to stay home for a fair amount of time and not right before going to work.
Drinking an Epsom salt laxative is an effective way to relieve constipation and get you regular again. However, remember that it is only a short term solution that should be used once in a while. If you suffer from chronic constipation, I would suggest addressing your diet and including more fiber (vegetables, fruits, beans, etc.). Most cases will improve with a healthy eating plan, but if not, talk to your doctor to find out what is causing your constipation and take the necessary steps to correct the problem.
