How Does Epsom Salt Work

You must have heard about Epsom salt as it is one of the most popular natural remedy today. Epsom salt, scientifically known as compound magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring salt. It derived its name from a place known as Epsom in England, where the compound was first discovered. There are several uses associated with Epsom salts. Let us take a look at it in detail.

One of the most common uses of Epsom salt is its use in having a smooth and supple skin. The Epsom salt baths are very popular these days for its many uses. These salts are natural scrubs and help in exfoliating skin. They contain magnesium which is useful in getting rid of the dead cells from the skin. Just like an ordinary exfoliator, the Epsom gets rid of dead cells, opens pores and makes skin look younger. However, the Epsom salt exfoliator is more useful than others because it is natural.

Secondly, having Epsom salt bath not only helps in having a soft skin, but, also helps in getting rid of muscle and joint pain. When one has an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium in it gets absorbed in the body. One should note that low levels of magnesium in the body can cause muscle cramps and muscle pain. Therefore, on having an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium levels are brought back to normal, which eases the muscle pain.

Thirdly, Epsom salts are also popularly used as laxatives to treat constipation. These salts work in two ways for treating constipation. Firstly, it helps in drawing water into colon to make the stools softer. Secondly, the magnesium found in these salts leads to contraction of the muscles or the bowel walls, which helps in easy movement of the stools. Therefore, its use as a laxative is one of the most common medical uses of this salt

Lastly, having an Epsom salt bath helps in relieving stress completely. Stress indirectly affects the magnesium level in the body and reduces it. Now, magnesium in the body is essential for boosting or binding serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter required for elevating mood. In absence of magnesium, adequate amounts of magnesium is not bound, which leads to depression. Therefore, having an Epsom bath can bring about a feeling of relaxation and calmness.

For having an Epsom salt bath, you can add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a bath of warm water and soak into it. Secondly, for exfoliating skin or foot, you can use some salt on your hand and massage on your face, feet, arms, etc. Make sure that you rinse off with water in a couple of minutes or have a bath to rinse it off. Lastly, if you wish to take it as a laxative, you should consult the doctor because there are potential side effects associated with laxatives containing Epsom salts.

Epsom salt is one natural product that has several uses, and very little potential side effects. Lastly, one should note that the Epsom salt is definitely different from the ordinary table salt; and is commonly available in several parts of the world. Therefore, make sure that you buy the genuine product. Good luck!