Magnesium sulphate, or Epsom Salt โ or even bath salt โ is a chemical compound of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. Named after the English town it was originally discovered in, Epsom salt is called salt solely based on its chemical structure โ it doesnโt have much in common with our regular table salt.
Epsom salt may sometimes look like table salt but taste-wise it is quite bitter and highly unpalatable. It is most commonly dissolved in baths for various leisurely and medicinal purposes. Although historically Epsom salt has been associated with treatment of various ailments such as insomnia and, most commonly, constipation, there isnโt any evidence well-rooted in science to vouch for the safety and efficacy of such oral use. Despite the lack of research, its medicinal properties are still considered important and people tend to consume it by dissolving it with water.
Common Uses For Epsom Salt
Much research is required to say, with absolute authority, that Epsom salt is a blessing for mankind. However, there are various ways people use this compound in their day-to-day life. Chief among them are:
- Relief from sunburn โ Epsom salt dissolved with water makes for an effect soothing remedy for sunburnt skin.
- Exfoliation โ the coarseness of this compound makes it a great exfoliator as it easily and effectively removes dead skin and other impurities.
- Acne & Pimple treatment โ is said to have enough anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties to make for a cleansing natural face cleanser that has the ability to rid the skin of many problems.
- Poison Ivy & Bug Bites Treatment โ is another day-to-day use that arises out of the various medicinal properties commonly attributed to Epsom salt.
- Green Use โ Epsom salt is God-sent for places with magnesium-deficit soil; spraying plants with Epsom salt water not only fertilizes plants to keep the bugs away, it also contributes to the overall health of plants.
Benefits
Most of benefits associated with Epsom salt come from its main chemical Magnesium that, despite being required in very small quantities in human bodies, isnโt easily, or even abundantly, found in natural resources. Some of the key benefits are as:
- Mental Relaxation โ Some studies have suggested that Epsom salt has the ability to relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia and even depression. Some have even claimed that this salt stimulated the brain to make happy hormone.
- Physical Relief โ Epsom salt, when used as a bath salt, relieves various sorts of muscle and body aches and sprains related swellings. People also claim that Epsom salt baths improve exercise performance and recovery by relieving muscle soreness and cramps.
- Bowel Health โ A vast majority of people well-versed with Epsom salt claim that ingesting it helps in relieving constipation. This claim, however, does not find any support in scientific research and may very well be an old wivesโ tale.
Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with Epsom salt revolves around its laxative ability; some people on ingesting this salt complain of nausea, diarrhoea and general discomfort in the digestive track.
A commonly available compound, Epsom salt is easily available over-the-counter, however, it is advisable to procure it from trusted sources to avoid risk of any side-effects whatsoever.
