Epsom Salt

Epsom Salt is actually Magnesium Sulfate. It works by replacing magnesium in the body and increasing water in the intestines.
See also : Magnesium

Special Precautions of Epsom Salt

Using Epsom salt can be a problem in particular situations. It is essential to know the symptoms when you have to avoid Epsom salt. Some of them are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Colitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Irregular heartbeat
• Severe constipation
• Toxic Megacolon
• Severe stomach pain
• Perforated bowel
• Sudden change in bowel habits lasting two weeks or longer

These are some common factors to be kept in mind while using Epsom salt. Some of the other factors that should be considered are:

• If you have sulfur allergies, do not use Epsom salt as you might experience skin irritation and itchiness
• Frequent Epsom salt baths lasting for more than 30 minutes can dry your skin of moisture also they can cause dehydration or diarrhea at times
• People on cardiac medication are strictly advised to avoid Epsom salt as it may interact with the current medicines and create complications
• People suffering kidney and heart problems should avoid Epsom salt as can cause electrolyte imbalance and toxicity of magnesium and phosphorus can happen
• Older people have higher chances of gastrointestinal side effects and also tend to get magnesium toxicity easily so they should avoid drinking Epsom salt

While drinking Epsom salt, these facts should be kept in mind. If you suffer from any of the above problems, it is necessary to avoid Epsom salt to avoid the adverse side effects

Health Benefits and uses of Epsom Salt

• Hypomagnesemia, low magnesium levels can be caused by alcoholism, severe diarrhea, malnutrition, or high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Symptoms include fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, convulsions, and erratic eye movement (nystagmus).
• The medicine can be used intravenously (through an IV) to control seizures in pregnant women and certain children. It can also be used to treat a dangerous arrhythmia, lower high blood pressure, slow down contractions during labor, and treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
• Arthritis : Magnesium is a mineral that has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers from New England had revealed that an arthritic pain sufferer can actually find comfort in an Epsom Salt bath. The heat helps in relieving the swelling and helps by promoting proper blood circulation all throughout the body.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) : Warm soaks in the tub before bedtime with Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, or baking soda.
• Edema : It has been suggested that concentrations of magnesium in the tissue between cells affects enzymes that control swelling and inflammation. When magnesium diffuses through the skin during soaking, the extracellular magnesium increases and could decrease the inflammatory response. (ref#2) Salty water is also able to draw out the liquid from a surface edema through osmosis, causing the water to diffuse from the edema into the salty water.
• Cataract : Twice daily, close your eyes and bathe them with hot (but not scalding) water containing Epsom salts. In addition, take an Epsom salts bath at least twice a week. Remain in the bath from twenty-five to thirty-five minutes till you perspire freely. After the bath, cool off gradually.
• Blisters : Take a warm bath with plenty of Epsom salts to help soothe your blister. This can also help reduce the swelling by encouraging it to drain naturally. Be warned: if your blister has popped, the salts might sting!
• Itchiness : Taking an Epsom salt bath will help in relieving the itchiness caused by fungal skin infections like eczema. Epsom salt is different from other regular salts since it's primarily made up of magnesium sulphate and not sodium chloride which can cause your skin to dry. Magnesium sulphate is an electrolyte that stimulates the function of nerves and muscles. For fungal infections, Epsom salt helps in soothing the skin and in reducing inflammation. The magnesium sulphate in Epsom salt can also assist in washing out the acids from the skin, relieve muscular pains and reduce stress. After a few minutes of soaking in Epsom salt bathwater, just let yourself dry and avoid using soap.
• Hypotension : A hot Epsom salt Bath is advisable before retiring for the night to relieve the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure.
• Anal Fistula : Multiple sitz bath in hot water with Epsom Salt, Dettol and Betadine liquid (a full cap) to remove infection and reduce any (potential) inflammation. After the bath, it should be ensured that the area is kept dry and clean by wiping through a cotton soaked in diluted Dettol. For an abscess, depending on the stage and size, it will either subside down on its own or pop with hot presses. You can use Quret Drawing Salve to draw out the pus to the top.
• Relax Your Body : Epsom salts dissolved in warm water – like those in an Epsom salt bath – are easily absorbed through the skin where they immediately go to work inside our bodies. The magnesium ions break apart from Epsom salt molecules and begin to relieve stress by promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline. Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, helping us to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety.
• Relieve Pain and Cramping : Epsom salts absorbed through the skin also work to relieve muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints. Submerge yourself in a warm Epsom salt bath to alleviate tension headaches or soothe abdominal cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the therapeutic warmth of an Epsom salt soak.
• Muscle and Nerve Function : Aside from relieving tension, pain, and cramping, Magnesium sulfate has several other positive effects on the human body. It aids in many enzymatic functions, helps to regulate fluid retention in cells, and facilitates the body’s use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system.
• For Arterial Health : Epsom salts may help to improve circulation and prevent serious cardiovascular illness by decreasing inflammation and protecting the elasticity of arteries. Healthier arteries means less risk of blood clots, plaque build-up, and damage to arterial walls. Try soaking in an Epsom salt bath three to four times per week to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve your cardiovascular health.
• Regulate Blood Sugar : Both magnesium and sulfate help to improve the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. Regular intake of Epsom salts – either orally or transdermally – may help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes and improving your overall daily energy levels.
• Relieves Constipation : One of Epsom salt’s more popular uses is as a saline laxative. Dissolve one teaspoon of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always recommended to consult with a physician.
• Helps to Remove Splinters : To dislodge a stubborn splinter, simply soak the affected body part in warm water and Epsom salts for a few minutes. Magnesium sulfate will reduce the inflammation around the wound and soften up the splinter, making it much easier to remove.
• Soothe Sprains and Bruises : Anti-inflammatory Epsom salts can be used to alleviate the soreness from sprains and bruises. Just add two cups of salts to your warm bath water and soak away the ache.
• Keep Feet Healthy : It’s pretty common knowledge that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for soothing away aches and pains. But did you know that it can also help to treat athlete’s foot and toe nail fungal infections? Simply add a half cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster.
• Ease Discomfort of Gout : Add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts to hot water and soak body parts affected by gout. Magnesium sulfate quickly soaks through skin and into the swollen, aching joints to help alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Exfoliate Your Skin : By rubbing a handful of Epsom salts over damp skin, you can easily remove dead cells, helping your skin to look healthier and feel softer. Use this treatment on hands, feet, and everything in between.
• Natural Face Cleanser : At night before bed, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts with your regular cleanser for an easy daily treatment or use this recipe for an exfoliating face mask, compliments of preparednessmama.com: Finely chop a small ripe tomato and mix in one pureed egg white, half a teaspoon of vitamin B5 powder, one teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and Epsom salts, and a couple of drops of Thyme essential oil. Apply mixture to face for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water for an excellent clarifying skin treatment.
• Dislodge Blackheads : Use Epsom salts to remove dead skin and oil from your pores. First, you’ll want to exfoliate to remove any dead skin from around the outsides of the blemishes. Then mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts and four drops of iodine into half a cup of hot water. Stir until salts are completely dissolved and let the mixture cool until it is still warm, but not hot. Massage the mixture into skin affected with blackheads, let it dry completely, then wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
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