Are you familiar with the term Epsom salt?

If not, team Mykare Health is here to help you to provide some ideas about it.

This blog is an earnest effort to analyse the benefits, the uses and the side effects of Epsom salts.

So let us begin with the very basics.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom is chemically known as Magnesium Sulphate. Epsom sulphate is composed of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. This mineral occurs naturally and has many benefits for human health.

What are the benefits of Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate)?

There are multiple health benefits associated with Epsom Salt like

• Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief

• Stress Relief

• Detoxification

• Good Skin Health

• Constipation Relief

• Plant Fertiliser

• Improved Sleep Cycles

1.Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief

Epsom Salt is widely known for its ability to reduce muscle pain. When dissolved in lukewarm water, the magnesium and sulphate ions are absorbed in the skin which helps in improving the conditions of muscle and nerve function. It is why people who are suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia are advised to take baths in Epsom Salt water.

2. Reduce Stress

Magnesium plays a vital role in the body’s ability to control stress. Epsom salt can help in increasing magnesium levels, which will help in reducing stress and promotes overall health of the individual .

3. Improved Sleep

With the ability to improve relaxation and reduce stress, soaking Epsom salt just before bed may help to improve the sleep quality of the person . The relaxing effects on body and mind facilities falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper sleep cycles.

4. Skin Care

Epsom Salt plays an inevitable role in skin care routine to exfoliate dead cells and gives smoother and good skin. It can be mixed with oil and other ingredients to make a mask. Some people find it beneficial to treat some skin conditions like acne, wrinkles and pimples.

5. Detoxification

It is believed that Eposom salt have some detoxing elements by flushing out harmful toxins from the body and promotes a healthy living.

6. Constipation Relief

If Epsom Salt is taken orally with the prescription of a medical practitioner it helps one to get relieved from problems associated with constipation.

7. Plant Fertiliser

It is very common that Epsom salt can be used in gardening as the epsom salt is rich in magnesium which promotes plant growth within a short span of time .

Now let us dive into methods to use Epsom Salts.

How to use Epsom Salts?

Epsom Salts can be used in three different ways and are listed below

• Epsom Salt Baths

• Topical Applications

• Foot Soaks

• Household Uses

1. Epsom Salt Baths

To get the maximum benefits of a salt bath, one can simply add two to three cups of Epsom salt to the warm water and keep it in a rest for 30-40 minutes. This will provide ample time for magnesium sulphate to be absorbed by the skin. Which inturn gives muscle relaxation and overall health benefits.

2. Topical Applications

Yes, you heard it right, it can be used as a scrub or as a compressor to get relieved from problems associated with muscle to a great extent. Apart from this it improves the skin conditions and helps to prevent Inflammation to a great extent.

3. Foot Soaks

It is proven that Epsom salt has positive benefits on foot health. For this one can dissolve epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.

4. Household Uses

It can be used in households too and it has multiple health benefits like acts a natural cleanser for tiles, helps in removing stains and deodorise shoes.

What are the side effects of epsom salts?

Though it is safe for most individuals the side effects on few can't be neglected. These include

• Skin Irritation

• Gastrointestinal Issues

• Allergic Reaction

• Magnesium Overdose

• Drug Interactions

1. Skin Irritation

It is observed that people who are having sensitive skin face issues like skin irritations when he or she is directly exposed to concentrated epsom salt.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

It is mandatory that oral intake of epsom salt should be strictly done only under medical supervision. Problems like diarrhoea, dehydration and so on may develop if it is taken in overdose and it can lead to serious health issues especially for those who are having other medical conditions.

3. Allergic Reaction

There are some individuals who are allergic to epsom salts and these individuals may experience skin reactions or breathing trouble when exposed to Epsom salts. So doctors always recommend doing a patch test before handling an excess amount of Epsom salt.

4. Magnesium Overdose

Excessive use of Epsom in any way can increase the level of magnesium in blood and this condition is termed as hypermagnesemia. The common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion and cardiac abnormalities.

5. Drug Interaction

Epsom salt can interact with medicines including antibiotics. If you are taking any medicines consult your doctor before using magnesium.

In conclusion, Epsom salt has multiple benefits in human life such as promoting health, vitality in household things and vital role in skin care.But it is always better to consult a doctor before using Epsom salt as it can have adverse health effects on a few.