Epsom salt is one of the trendy therapy for curing many diseases & health related issues. Mainly used to reduce muscle soreness and stress.
This salt is very cheap in price in every part of the world, and easily available. It is very beneficial & harmless when it is used properly.
Epsom Salt- What is it?
Epsom salt is also known by its chemical name magnesium sulfate. It is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulfur & oxygen. This name is originated from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, the place where it got discovered.
Epsom salt is very different than the normal salt, but we call it salt due to its chemical arrangement. But it looks very much alike to table salt, specially used in baths and also identified as “bath salt”, much bitter and indigestible in taste.
Since many years, epsom salt is used to take care of illnesses, including constipation, sleeplessness, and fibromyalgia.
It is observed that when Epsom salt is liquefied in water, it discharges magnesium and sulfate ions, which can easily be absorbed through an individual’s body due to which number of important bodily tasks get improvised.
It is used in cosmetic items, for improving the skin conditions, or also taken by mouth for laxative issues.
Benefits and Uses of Epsom Salt
According to research it is stated that Epsom salt is therapeutic, due to which it helps to cure numerous illness symptoms.
1- Magnesium Absorption
Magnesium is said to be vital mineral in a body, after calcium. Since it operates in more than 325 biochemical reactions which improvise heart & nervous system. Epsom salt is said to be rich in magnesium supplement, some people declare that magnesium can easily be absorbed by Epsom salt baths.
2- Reduces Stress & Encourage Sound Sleep
For a better & sound sleep, it is very important that a body must have sufficient magnesium levels for management of stress, as magnesium assist a brain manufacture neurotransmitters that encourage sleep and diminishes stress.
Furthermore, magnesium may also facilitate a body to generate melatonin, a hormone which is most important to support sleep.
Regular Epsom salt baths with proper assistance may help to fight stress & results in better and sound sleep.
3- Aid to Constipation
Magnesium plays vital role in curing constipation & related matters, since it draws water into the colon, in order to accelerate bowel movements.
The widely used remedy is to take Epsom salt orally for constipation relief as magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide. It can be taken by mouth with water as per the directions, but sometimes it is not beneficial for people with high blood pressure levels.
Note: It is advised that adults can take 2–6 teaspoons (10–30 grams) of Epsom salt at a time, dissolved in about 8 ounces (237 ml) of water and consumed immediately, then the laxative effect can be expected in just 30 minutes to 6 hours depending upon one’s health.
Please note that consumption of Epsom salt may lead to unpleasant side effects, which includes bloating & liquid stool. Therefore, it is recommended to use Epsom salt sporadically as a laxative, but not for a long time relief.
4- Recovery of Muscle soreness after workout
One of the unpleasant surprise after workouts are the muscles soreness, for which it is believed that taking Epsom salt baths can trim down muscle soreness and alleviate cramps.
Since athletes are on the verge of low magnesium levels, therefore, they are recommended to take magnesium supplements in order to guarantee its most favorable levels.
5- Compress Pain & Swelling
It is very well believed that Epsom salt plays vital role in reduction of pain and swelling. Epsom salt baths recover symptoms related to fibromyalgia and arthritis.
According to a study, application of magnesium chloride to the skin helped in reduction of arthritis symptoms.
6- Use for Beauty care products
Epsom salt can also be used in beauty related products for skin & hair care. It can be used as an exfoliant, in a face wash for cleaning of pores, in conditioner to add up the volume to your hair.
Side Effects of Epsom Salt usage
It is generally considered safe, but there are some negative effects which can take place if it is not used properly. But it only matters when taken orally.
– Since it has a laxative effect, its consumption may cause diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach.
– If used as a laxative, ensure to drink abundant water, which can lessen digestive distress. Also, it is recommended not to take more dosage without consulting any doctor.
– Over dosage of Epsom salt may result in nausea, severe headache, lightheadedness, and bad skin.
– Over dose of magnesium overdose can be a reason to heart problems which may lead to coma, paralysis, and death.
However, Epsom salt is mainly a safe product, which is easily available anywhere and safe to use, if proper directions are followed.
