Difference between revisions of "Epsom Salt"

Revision as of 14:23, 10 November 2017

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

• Magnesium sulfate can be used orally as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation, and to treat low levels of magnesium. Known as 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).
• Some people use Epsom salts as a bath soak. It may help to relieve sore muscles, draw out splinters, and to ease the pain of sprains and bruises.
• 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.