What Is Epsom Salt?

What is Epsom salt? Epsom salt is a chemical compound that is made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It’s a compound that looks like table salt but is dissolved in baths. For many centuries it has been used to treat aches, ailments, soreness, etc.

What is Epsom salt? iStock-photo credit: Pavel Iarunichev

The particles in Epsom salt are supposed to absorb in your skin providing the body with magnesium and sulfates. But the truth is there is no scientific evidence that reveals that magnesium or sulfates actually absorb into your body through the skin.

The magnesium that is used in Epsom salt is used to manage constipation. Magnesium is mostly taken by mouth for constipation relief and how this happens is it pulls water into your colon while promoting bowel movements.

There is anecdotal evidence that shows that Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness from exercise performance and recovery. Relaxing in a hot bath with Epsom salt can help you soothe and relieve aching muscles based on anecdotal evidence.

There is no validated research that shows when you take an Epsom bath that the magnesium in it absorbs in your skin. Many people have reported via anecdotal evidence that Epsom baths can improve symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.

How to create an Epsom salt bath is the following:

• Add two cups of Epsom salt in water in a normal size bathtub and then soak your body for about 15 minutes.
• Epsom salt can also be taken by mouth in a laxative.
• Many brands recommend you take 2 to 6 teaspoons dissolved in water which is the maximum for adults or 1 to 2 teaspoons for children.

The Bottom Line is Epsom salt, a compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It’s a compound similar to table salt that is dissolved in a standard size bath to help with aches and soreness as a recovery technique from exercise performance.

If you have any interest in trying any of our Ethical Supplement  products to help you heighten your immune system or assist you with your fitness, weight loss or health goals. You can get a discount below at this link.

About Author- Obi Obadike

About – Ethical Inc

Sharecare Names Top 10 Fittest Cities in America – Sharecare

References

1. Dupont C, Hébert G. Magnesium Sulfate-Rich Natural Mineral Waters in the Treatment of Functional Constipation-A Review. Nutrients. 2020 Jul 10;12(7):2052. doi: 10.3390/nu12072052. PMID: 32664341; PMCID: PMC7400933.
2. Portalatin M, Winstead N. Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012 Mar;25(1):12-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1301754. PMID: 23449608; PMCID: PMC3348737.
3. Boulis M, Boulis M, Clauw D. Magnesium and Fibromyalgia: A Literature Review. J Prim Care Community Health. 2021 Jan-Dec;12:21501327211038433. doi: 10.1177/21501327211038433. PMID: 34392734; PMCID: PMC8371721.
4. Kuang X, Chiou J, Lo K, Wen C. Magnesium in joint health and osteoarthritis. Nutr Res. 2021 Jun;90:24-35. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2021.03.002. Epub 2021 Apr 1. PMID: 34023805.
5. Mori H, Tack J, Suzuki H. Magnesium Oxide in Constipation. Nutrients. 2021 Jan 28;13(2):421. doi: 10.3390/nu13020421. PMID: 33525523; PMCID: PMC7911806.
6. Gröber U, Werner T, Vormann J, Kisters K. Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium? Nutrients. 2017 Jul 28;9(8):813. doi: 10.3390/nu9080813. PMID: 28788060; PMCID: PMC5579607.
7. Hicks MA, Tyagi A. Magnesium Sulfate. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554553/
8. DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH, Wilson W. Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis. Open Heart. 2018 Jan 13;5(1):e000668. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2017-000668. Erratum in: Open Heart. 2018 Apr 5;5(1):e000668corr1. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2017-000668corr1. PMID: 29387426; PMCID: PMC5786912.