17 Benefits Side Effects of Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has several uses, from relieving hurting feet after a long day at work to providing a relaxing pedicure. Epsom salt (also known as epsomite) is a mineral that can be utilized for a variety of applications. It rapidly soothes stress, efficiently combats foot discomfort and dryness, and cures all types of pain. Because of the benefits it provides, it is employed in a variety of beauty treatments. As a result, it is known as the spa’s star. In the article below, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Epsom salt, as well as the numerous benefits it provides. Continue reading!
What Is Epsom Salt and How Does It Work?
Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate, which dissolves in water to release magnesium and sulfate ions. These magnesium ions flow right through the layers of your skin and into your bloodstream, where they immediately start working. Isn’t that such an interesting shortcut?
So, how does this mystical salt function?
Magnesium ions abound in Epsom salt. The ions in salt move through many dermal layers and into the bloodstream when they come into touch with your skin. The GI (Gastrointestinal) tract is not involved in this method.
Epsom salt is used in medicine to treat hypomagnesemia because of this transdermal transport of magnesium (low levels of magnesium).
What other ways do you see this attribute being applied and used? Gardening, cookware maintenance, machine and equipment maintenance, beauty, and so on.
Read on to learn more about all of these topics and more!
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What Are The Advantages Of Epsom Salt?
1. Soothes aching feet, strained muscles, and bruises
If you have foot soreness, muscular tightness, or bruises, nothing beats a calming foot bath in hot water with Epsom salt.
Magnesium works to restore magnesium levels in muscle cells. Along with the healing, this boost has a calming impact. You know what goes into that pedicure tub now, don’t you?
Recommendation
Dip your feet in a tub filled with hot water and 50 grams of Epsom salt per liter of water. Stay for at least 30 minutes.
Because of the high sugar content, dipping your feet in salt water might not be a good idea if you have sores or blisters (diabetes-related). Before using the foot soak, talk to your doctor.
2. Assists in the removal of splinters and the treatment of toenails Inflammation and Fungus
One of the reasons I dislike working with wood is the splinters (shards in the skin). I had to soak my hands in hot water many times to get rid of them. I had no idea that the water contained Epsom salt!
Inflammation caused by injury, infection, stress, or allergies can be effectively combated with adequate magnesium levels in the body.
Recommendation
To get rid of infection or inflammation, soak the affected area in hot water with Epsom salt for about 30 minutes three times a week.
3. Skin Exfoliates And Repairs
You’re probably aware that magnesium may easily flow through your skin. Magnesium ions interact with water to moisturize the skin when applied topically. In a 2005 study, participants discovered that using seawater high in magnesium for bathing and washing reduced skin roughness and irritation substantially.
Epsom salt exfoliates your skin thoroughly, removing accumulated dead skin patches, blackheads, sunburn, wounds, and infections that cause inflammation.
4. Help In Regulating Insulin Production
Magnesium is commonly lost in the urine of diabetics. Magnesium deficiency causes tissues to become hypersensitive to insulin. In the lack of magnesium and sulfate, the cells also fail to transfer glucose to the locations where insulin is created.
Glucose stays in the blood without being digested by insulin as a result of these difficulties, aggravating the condition of a diabetic.
Epsom salt has enough magnesium and sulfate to help with such problems. The amount and route of administration, however, are critical. Before taking Epsom salt for this purpose, talk to your doctor.
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5. De-stresses and relaxes your body
Epsom salt relaxes your body and relieves tension.
Magnesium restores the electrolytic balance in the cells since it is easily absorbed by the skin. This shift in equilibrium has a direct impact on your muscles, brain, and hormones.
These hormones could have several roles, including scavenging free radicals, activating ion channels, and so on. Overall, Epsom salt and hot water are a perfect combination!
Recommendation
See what happens if you add two cups of Epsom salt to your hot water bath twice or three times a week.
6. Is A Fantastic Laxative
Epsom salt is a fantastic laxative.
You’ve come to the right place if you can’t sleep because of stomach pains and haven’t passed stools in over a day. Epsom salt acts on the muscles to ease cramps when taken internally.
When taken in the proper doses, it increases the water content in your intestines and flushes out colon waste by triggering digestive enzymes and neurotransmitters.
Recommendation
For optimal results, combine a teaspoon of Epsom salt with a squeeze of lemon in a glass of water. Constipation can also be relieved by taking a hot water bath with Epsom salt.
7. It strengthens and volumizes hair.
Epsom salt helps to strengthen and volumize hair.
Do you have a horrible hair day? Or a whole week of frizzy hair? Your salvation is Epsom salt! Use this salt in conjunction with your hair products to remove excess oil that causes your hair to seem flat and limp. It adds volume and bounce to your hair. Frizz and dullness in dry and damaged hair can also be controlled using it.
If your hair is dyed, keep in mind that the magnesium in Epsom salt may react with the pigments. If you wash color-treated hair with Epsom salt, the color may fade.
Recommendation
In a mixing bowl, combine three teaspoons each of hair conditioner and Epsom salt. Mix thoroughly and apply from the roots to the tips of the hair. Allow it to sit for about 2 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Say hello to your new best friend: joyful hair!
Other uses of Epsom salt
Epsom salt has a variety of uses in the garden and the bathroom, in addition to improving your health. These are as follows:
- Epsom Salt is a great way to get rid of aches and pains.
- Epsom salt, which is high in magnesium and sulfate, improves soil fertility and speeds up plant growth.
- Do you have clogged washing machines? Add some Epsom salt to the hot water in the washing tub. To get rid of detergent and hard water salt build-up, run the entire wash cycle.
- To keep garden pests at bay, sprinkle Epsom salt in your garden and at entry points.
- Are you fed up with washing unclean bathroom tiles? Scrub bright and sparkling tiles with an equal mixture of Epsom salt and detergent.
- Epsom salt, when sprinkled on lawns, keeps the grass healthy and green by replenishing the soil’s nutrients.
- Is your automobile trapped in the driveway due to ice sheets? Watch it work by sprinkling Epsom salt liberally.
- One of the cheapest deodorants is Epsom salt. Say goodbye to odor by putting a few crystals in your sweaty shoes or soaking your feet in a hot salt water bath.
Historical Facts about Epsom salt
Some interesting historical facts about Epsom salt are as follows.
- Magnesium sulfate was named after a little town in Surrey, England, where it was discovered. A local cowherd crossed through a puddle while traveling through Epsom. Thirsty cattle refused to drink the water because it was so bitter. It did, however, have a laxative effect after evaporation.
- The water from a natural hot spring, on the other hand, was found to heal the wounds of animals who waded in it.
- People from nearby towns began to flock to Epsom to take advantage of the numerous health benefits. Years of research led to the identification of the explanation for Epsom water’s healing properties.
- Epsom salt is now widely recognized as one of the best, cheapest, and most effective treatments for arthritis, sprains, heart abnormalities, and mental illnesses.
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Side Effects of Epsom salt
1. It has the potential to aggravate foot wounds.
If you have diabetes-related foot sores, avoid Epsom salt baths or foot soaks. Epsom salt may cause inflammation and aggravation of the wound by drying out the skin.
2. Has the Potential to Cause Diarrhea
Magnesium sulfate is a strong laxative that can cause constipation and diarrhea. In such circumstances, magnesium oxide and similar salts might be used to relieve constipation.
However, if you have regular, persistent constipation, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Fortunately, these adverse effects are extremely uncommon.
Epsom salt is useful in a variety of ways. Its magnesium ions can help the body relax and relieve tension. Epsom salt also helps to reduce aches and pains in the feet, as well as bruises and strained muscles. It works wonders as a laxative. It can also help treat toenail fungus and remove splinters. It fights inflammation, strengthens hair, increases hair volume, acts as an exfoliant, and aids in skin restoration. Epsom salt, on the other hand, has been known to exacerbate wounds and cause diarrhea in some people. As a result, vigilance is urged. To gain the benefits of Epsom salt, incorporate it into your beauty routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to use Epsom salt to treat arthritis?
Yes. Another inflammatory ailment that Epsom salt can help with is arthritis. Epsom salt, in reality, relieves inflammation caused by a variety of causes – bacterial infections (cellulitis), athlete’s foot, minor cuts and bruises, and so on – by delivering magnesium, which inhibits the synthesis of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is an inflammatory marker in the body. CRP levels are lower when magnesium levels are higher.
2. What are some Epsom salt substitutes?
In foot soaks or baths, sea salt is a healthy substitute for Epsom salt. To condition and treat your skin, scalp, and feet, you can use oatmeal, apple cider vinegar, or aromatic oils.
3. Is Epsom salt safe to drink or eat?
Epsom salt is rarely suggested for oral consumption. Because of the quick influx of magnesium in the blood, it has severe negative effects. That’s why you should drink plenty of water when doing this.
Under the watchful supervision of your physician, one dose can be dissolved in roughly 200 mL (8 oz.) of water for immediate ingestion.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not to be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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