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Jai Ganesh

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Epsom

Epsom

Gist

Epsom salts, also known as hydrated magnesium sulfate (MgSO4·7H2O), are a naturally occurring mineral used for a variety of purposes, including as a laxative and in bathwater to soothe muscles and relieve pain.

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a natural compound that people claim can treat constipation, relieve pain, and relax muscles. However, research into its therapeutic use is limited. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring compound that people may refer to as magnesium sulfate or bath salts.

Summary

(also called bitter salts), hydrated magnesium sulfate with cathartic properties; white or colorless crystalline salts; used as an osmotic laxative in cases where bowel evacuation is desired; paste can be used as an application to assist drainage of boils; occurs naturally as the mineral epsomite; large source of medicinal magnesium sulfate were mineral springs at Epsom, Surrey, England.

Epsomite

epsomite, a common sulfate mineral, hydrated magnesium sulfate (MgSO4·7H2O). Its deposits are formed by evaporation of mineral waters, as at Epsom, Surrey, Eng., where it was discovered in 1695. It also is found as crusts and efflorescences in coal or metal mines, in limestone caves, and in the oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits. The purified compound is used in medicine as Epsom salts.

Details

The main use of magnesium sulfate is in agriculture, to correct soils deficient in magnesium (an essential plant nutrient because of the role of magnesium in chlorophyll and photosynthesis). The monohydrate is favored for this use; by the mid 1970s, its production was 2.3 million tons per year. The anhydrous form and several hydrates occur in nature as minerals, and the salt is a significant component of the water from some springs.

Epsomite, Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, is a hydrous magnesium sulfate mineral with formula MgSO4·7H2O.

Physical properties

Epsomite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. The normal form is as massive encrustations, while acicular or fibrous crystals are rarely found. It is colorless to white with tints of yellow, green and pink. It is a soft mineral with variable Mohs hardness around 2.0~2.5, and it has a low specific gravity of 1.67.

It is readily soluble in water, and absorbs water from the air. It converts to hexahydrate with the loss of one water molecule and a switch to monoclinic structure.

The epsomite group includes solid solution series with morenosite (NiSO4·7 H2O) and goslarite (ZnSO4·7 H2O).

Etymology

It was first systematically described in 1806 for an occurrence near Epsom, Surrey, England, after which it was named. It has been also referred to as "cave cotton" when in its fibrous form.

Occurrence

Epsomite forms as encrustations or efflorescences on limestone cavern walls and mine timbers and walls, rarely as volcanic fumarole deposits, and as rare beds in evaporite layers such as those found in certain bodies of salt water. It occurs in association with melanterite, gypsum, halotrichite, pickeringite, alunogen, rozenite, and mirabilite.

Naturally occurring epsomite in caverns can potentially produce particulates of inhalable size, and may contain significant amounts of toxic impurities.

Uses

Epsom salt is commonly sold as the main ingredient in bath salt, with additives such as glycerin (used as a humectant) and fragrances. The purpose of bath salts is mostly to make the bathing experience more enjoyable and serve as a vehicle for cosmetics, though they are said to improve cleaning and aid in exfoliation.

Research on topical magnesium (for example Epsom salt baths) is very limited. The trade organization 'Epsom Salt Council' recommends bathing 2 or 3 times/week, using 500–600 g (18–21 oz) Epsom salts each time.

Additional Information

Epsom salt can be used as a supplement, bath salt, or beauty product. It’s also associated with very few side effects and may offer several potential health benefits.

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments.

People use it to ease health problems, such as muscle soreness and stress. It’s also affordable, easy to use, and safe when used appropriately.

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable.

Most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium, a mineral that many people do not get enough of.

Epsom salt can be purchased online and at most drug and grocery stores. It’s typically located in the pharmacy or cosmetic area.

How does it work?

When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions.

The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through your skin, providing you with magnesium and sulfates — which serve important bodily functions.

Despite claims on the contrary, there is no evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into your body through the skin.

Yet the most common use for Epsom salt is in baths, where it is simply dissolved in bathwater.

It can also be applied to your skin as a cosmetic or taken by mouth as a laxative or magnesium supplement. However, because of its laxative effects, it may not be an ideal choice as a magnesium supplement if your goal is to prevent deficiency.

Reported health benefits and uses of epsom salt

Many people, including some healthcare professionals, claim Epsom salt is therapeutic and use it as an alternative treatment for several conditions.

Provides magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, the first being calcium.

It is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions that benefit your heart and nervous system.

Still, many people do not consume enough magnesium.

While magnesium sulfate can be used as a magnesium supplement, some people claim that magnesium may be better absorbed via Epsom salt baths than when taken by mouth.

However, this claim is not based on any available evidence, and more high quality studies are needed.

Promotes sleep and stress reduction

Adequate magnesium levels are essential for sleep and stress management, likely because magnesium helps your brain produce neurotransmitters that induce sleep and reduce stress.

Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reverse these issues by allowing your body to absorb magnesium through the skin. However, this hasn’t been scientifically proven.

It’s also possible that the calming effects of Epsom salt baths are simply due to the relaxation caused by taking hot baths.

Helps with constipation

Magnesium is often used to treat constipation. It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements.

Most often, magnesium is taken by mouth for constipation relief in the form of magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, or magnesium oxide.

Taking Epsom salt may also be effective, although it is not as well-studied as other forms. Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration lists it as an approved laxative. It can be taken by mouth with water according to the directions on the package.

You should also know that consuming Epsom salt may produce unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and liquid stool. It should only be used occasionally as a laxative, not for long-term relief.

Exercise performance and recovery

Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps — both important factors for exercise performance and recovery.

It is well known that adequate magnesium levels are helpful for exercise because magnesium helps increase the availability of glucose in the blood, muscles, and brain while reducing the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles.

While relaxing in a hot bath may help soothe aching muscles, there is no high quality evidence that people absorb bathwater magnesium through their skin.

On the other hand, oral supplements can effectively stave off magnesium insufficiency or deficiency.

Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels.

While magnesium is clearly important for exercise, the use of bath salt to enhance fitness is not well researched. At this point, the supposed benefits are purely anecdotal.

Safety and side effects

While Epsom salt is generally safe, it can have a few negative effects when taken orally.

First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative effect. Consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach.

If you use it as a laxative, make sure to drink plenty of water, which may reduce digestive discomfort. It is important to never take more than the recommended dosage without speaking with a doctor.

In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, altered mental status, and death. This is unlikely as long as you take it in appropriate amounts as recommended by a doctor or listed on the package.

You should seek medical support if you experience signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects.

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