Can you eat Epsom salt?
In this brief guide, we will answer the query “can you eat Epsom salt?”. Moreover, we will discuss the health benefits of Epsom salt.
Can you eat Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is full of health benefits if used in a safe and mindful manner. Yes, it is safe to consume Epsom salt whilst taking small amounts when mixing with water and drinking since it acts as a laxative.
Epsom salt is made up of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen compounds which when mixed with water release magnesium and sulphate ions which have many bodily benefits if absorbed by the human body.
Some people with magnesium deficiency are advised by doctors to intake Epsom salt in a prescribed quantity. One should be careful that excess use of Epsom salt can cause lots of health hazards.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt as the name suggests is not similar to the table salt that we use on a daily basis. The name salt is given because of its chemical structure. Epsom salt looks almost the same as table salt i.e. grainy crystals and white.
One should not confuse Epsom salt with table salt. Unlike table salt, Epsom salt tastes bitter and unpalatable.
Epsom salt got its name from the place it was first discovered about 400 years ago in the small town of Epsom in Surrey, England.
How can you use Epsom salt?
Epsom salt has a lot of health benefits and there are different ways it can be used in order to get the maximum benefit of the salt.
Here we discuss the ways Epsom salt can be applied in our life routine to benefit from its health wonders.
Laxative
The Epsom salt acts as a laxative if consumed orally. 10-20 gms of Epsom salt should be mixed in 237 ml of water to drink as a laxative.
Overuse or excess consumption can lead to other health issues so one should be careful while drinking Epsom salt.
The salt helps increase the water content in the intestines which helps relieve constipation. It starts working within 30 minutes to 6 hours after drinking the mixture.
Salt baths
Salt baths are the main use of Epsom salt as the magnesium and sulphate ions released when mixed with water can easily be absorbed by the skin pores which benefits better health. 30 minutes to 1 hour of soaking in the hot water bath with Epsom salt brings lots of health benefits.
Magnesium and sulphate are very much vital compounds needed for the proper functioning of the human body but these are not consumed in adequate amounts o a daily basis. A salt bath is the best way for getting those compounds into your body.
Beauty
Epsom salts have an exfoliating trait to it. Mixing Epsom salt with face wash exfoliates the skin to make it soft and shiny.
It is good for the hair too, mixing Epsom salt with hair conditioner and massaging makes the hair increase in volume. Soaking feet in warm water with Epsom salt helps relieve pain and toenail fungus.
Who should avoid Epsom salt?
Epsom salt though having so many health benefits is not always beneficial for everyone. Pregnant women, children, and people with ailments like kidney issues, eating disorders or are taking antibiotics or other forms of laxatives.
What are the health benefits of Epsom salt?
Epsom salt has a lot of health and medical benefits either taken orally for relieving constipation or used during the bath to help relieve stress, muscle pain, ache, cramps, or other ailments.
Removes stress
Taking an Epsom salt bath can help remove stress and stabilise mood. Some claim magnesium ions absorbed by the skin during the bath increase the serotonin in the brain which is also known as the happy hormone.
Relieves Constipation
The Epsom salt acts as a laxative if consumed orally. 10-20 gms of Epsom salt should be mixed in 237 ml of water to drink as a laxative.
Overuse or excess consumption can lead to other health issues so one should be careful while drinking Epsom salt.
Eases body pain and cramps
A warm water bath relaxes the mind and body from any pain and aches. Adding the Epsom salt to it takes the experience to a whole new level.
The magnesium and sulphate ions that get released when mixed in water have lots of health benefits.
Helps nerves and muscles function properly
Magnesium, which is the primary compound in the Epsom salt, contributes to the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are responsible for communicating between the nerves, neurons, and muscles.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the query, “can you eat Epsom salt?”. We also talked about the health benefits of Epsom salt.
I hope you find this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.
