Uses for Epsom Salt: Learn the Benefits of Epsom Salt
Benefits of Epsom Salt
Magnesium and sulfate are the two major components of Epsom salt. In fact, the scientific name for Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. The name Epsom came about in the days of Shakespeare when the discovery of magnesium sulfate occurred in Epsom, England. Table salt, sodium chloride, is completely different from Epsom salt.
The benefits of Epsom salt are numerous. Magnesium plays an important role in many bodily functions, including electrical impulses, muscle control, elimination of toxins, and energy production. Sulfates eliminate toxins from the body, improve nutrient absorption, and are important in the formation of joint proteins, brain tissue, and proteins in the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates are very difficult to get from food sources.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, the average American does not get enough magnesium. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to stress, fatigue, arthritis, stroke, and heart disease.
Internal and external uses of Epsom salt are safe. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be taken internally to treat constipation. However, when getting the benefits of Epsom salt to prevent and treat magnesium deficiency, it is best to use externally. According to studies, people who soaked in Epsom salt had higher levels of magnesium than people who dranked it.
Uses for Epsom Salt
• To treat constipation, add 1-2 teaspoons of Epsom salt into an 8 ounce glass of water, stir until it dissolves, and drink. Give half of this dose to children 6-12 years of age. You can do this 2 times a day, waiting at least 4 hours before taking the second dose. To increase its benefits and make it a little easier to drink, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the mixture. You should see results within 6 hours. Do not use if experiencing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• To use externally, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water or add 1/2 cup to a basin of warm water (soak the affected area or soak a wash cloth and apply to the affected area). The benefits of Epsom salt being used externally include soothing aching feet, relaxing sore muscles, relieving stress, treating skin problems, neutralizing body odor, and releasing toxins from the body.
Other uses for Epsom salt include:
• Treating oily hair. Mix 8 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1/2 cup of shampoo, wash your hair using 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and rinse well with cold water.
• Treating thinning hair. Add equal parts of hair conditioner and Epsom salt, warm the mixture, apply, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse well with warm water.
• Exfoliating skin. Rub Epsom salt directly on your body while wet.
Precautions when Using Epsom Salt
When getting the benefits of Epsom salt, do not overuse it. It should not be given to children under the age of 6. Consult with a doctor before using Epsom salt if you have a kidney disorder, are taking medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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This post is part of the series: Natural Remedies
Natural remedies for common ailments.