Epsom Salt: What is it, Benefits, Uses

Whether it's pain relief, skin care, hair care, or anxiety and stress treatment, Epsom salt is your one-stop solution. Epsom salt is a mineral compound composed of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Therefore, it can take the form of effective bath salts, health supplements, or something that relaxes those muscles.

However, although Epsom salt has many health benefits, it should be used with caution as there are also some side effects associated with this compound. Health Shots reached out to nutritionist Kejal Shah and dermatologist Dr. Priyanka Kuli to understand how using Epsom salt can benefit us and the side effects associated with it.

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is another name for magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is a mineral that you don't get enough of in your daily diet, so Epsom salt can help you get the amount you need. Although it is essentially a chemical, it is very different from the regular table salt that we use on a daily basis. In fact, the taste is so bitter that most people hesitate to add it to their food.

How does Epsom salt work?

Epsom salt works by providing magnesium and sulfate ions that are absorbed by the body and plants. “In the body, magnesium is essential for various enzymatic reactions, plays a role in nerve and muscle function, and sulfates aid detoxification processes. Additionally, the presence of these ions makes it easier to use in bath and skin care products. This, in turn, helps reduce inflammation and promote relaxation,” explains Shah.

Epsom salt benefits

There are many benefits to using Epsom salt.

1. Muscle relaxation

Epsom salt can help relieve and soothe muscle pain by increasing magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function, and a magnesium deficiency can cause muscle spasms and tension.

2. Pain relief

Epsom salt's anti-inflammatory properties reduce many types of pain, including muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches. Reduces inflammation and swelling, promotes comfort, and reduces discomfort.

Read also: Want to feel as fresh as a daisy? Take a salt water bath and relax your mind and body

3. Reduce stress and anxiety

Magnesium in Epsom salt promotes relaxation and calmness. It reduces stress levels and reduces anxiety by regulating neurotransmitters that promote relaxation.

4. Benefits for hair and skin

Epsom salt baths soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and soften the skin. Soaking your feet in hot water with Epsom salts is an effective way to treat fungal infections. It can also be used for dry skin such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. For hair, Epsom salt dissolved in water and used as a mask can help remove excess oil and product buildup. You can also mix Epsom salt with a carrier oil to create an exfoliating scrub to increase blood circulation and remove dead skin cells.

Can you eat Epsom salt?

It is not recommended to include Epsom salt in your diet without consulting a medical professional. Epsom salt is used as a laxative, but primarily for external applications such as bath salts and skin care products. “If you are considering using Epsom salts orally, you should consult your doctor who can provide proper guidance on dosage and usage,” says Shah.

Also read: Sitz bath: An effective home remedy for vaginal itching

How can I use Epsom salt on my skin and hair?

Here's how to use Epsom salt on your skin and hair.

1. Epsom salt bath

For your skin, soaking Epsom salt in a warm bath can soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and soften your skin. For hair, you can also dissolve Epsom salt in water and use it as a hair mask. This will help remove excess oil and product buildup from your scalp.

2. Exfoliating scrub

Mix Epsom salt with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) to make an exfoliating scrub. Gently massage into wet skin to remove dead skin cells and increase blood circulation. Applying a similar mixture to your scalp can help exfoliate and improve the overall health of your scalp.

3. Increase hair volume

Combine Epsom salts and conditioner for a volumizing hair treatment. Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

What are the side effects of Epsom salt?

Although Epsom salt is generally safe for most people, it can cause side effects in some cases.

1. Diarrhea

If taken orally or in excessive amounts, Epsom salt can cause diarrhea due to its laxative effects.

2. Dehydration symptoms

Diarrhea caused by Epsom salt can lead to dehydration, especially if not enough fluids are ingested to replace lost fluids.

3. Skin irritation

For some people, using Epsom salt in baths and skin care products can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. We recommend performing a patch test before using on large areas of skin.

4. Magnesium toxicity

Excessive use or overconsumption of Epsom salt can cause elevated magnesium levels in the body, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.

5. Drug interactions

Epsom salt can interact with certain medications such as antibiotics, diuretics, and anticoagulants. If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult a medical professional before using Epsom salt.