Does Epsom salt deliver on improving health?

Anyone who currently or has ever used integrative medicine, may have been recommended to use Epsom salt. Epsom salt is one tool often used by integrative medicine specialists for its physical and mental health benefits. This makes sense since integrative medicine focuses on a personalized approach taking into account a patient’s unique condition, needs, and circumstances by utilizing effective interventions that are natural and less invasive whenever possible.

But what is the appeal of Epsom salt and does it deliver on improving one’s health and well-being?

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is composed of naturally occurring minerals of magnesium and sulfate – there is no salt in it.  The name “Epsom salt” is derived from the time of Shakespeare’s day in Epsom, England.  The word “salt” refers to the specific chemical structure of the compound and not to its similar appearance to the crystalline structure of table salt.

What health benefits does it offer?

Whether the use of Epsom salt for health is pure folklore, there are plenty of people who trust and believe in the power it contains.  While no clinical trials have confirmed the benefits of Epsom Salt, many doctors promote it or its ease of use, reasonable price, and minimally invasive delivery. A few studies have found that the combo of magnesium and sulfate do appear to have a wide-range of health benefits.  Here are claims of what Epsom salt can do for your health:

·      Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt allows magnesium and sulfate to absorb into your skin. About 68 percent of Americans consume less than what the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium.  Magnesium is necessary to help regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body and a lack of it can lead to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, and heart problems. By soaking in a bath containing Epsom salt, the magnesium and sulfate can be absorbed through the skin and is considered a safe, easy method to increase the body’s amount of magnesium and sulfate.  Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to running water in a bathtub and soak for at least 12 minutes. 

·      If you follow the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” there’s a good chance some of them are resorting to Epsom salt for soothing sore muscles.  Claims have been made that soaking in a bath of Epsom salt can ease pain and aches in muscles and joints. 

·      Those same soaking baths with Epsom salt may help fight off colds and the flu.  The soaks increase the body’s temperature, causing a person to sweat which helps the body’s immune system fight off germs along with killing bacteria and fungus

·      If you have trouble with sleeping due to muscle tension, soaking in Epsom salt before bedtime can improve blood flow relaxing muscles and the extremities lulling you to a good night’s sleep.

Beauty benefits of Epsom salt

Your health is not the only thing that benefits from Epsom salt.  There are several ways Epsom salt is known for beauty benefits to your skin and hair. The crystal form of magnesium and sulfate can gently exfoliate skin smoothing rough patches if used regularly.

·      Epsom salt’s natural exfoliating properties giving facial pores a deep cleaning.  Mix and add one-half teaspoon of Epsom salt to any face cleanser using gentle circular motions.  Rinse with cold water and dry.

·      Do your own low-cost at-home pedicure using Epsom salt. Mix a half-cup of Epsom salt with warm water soaking for a few minutes.  Remove any nail polish, cut and file toenails and soak again for five minutes. Any rough and calloused skin will be softened and smoothed with your feet looking and feeling great.

·      If you don’t take baths, you can use Epsom salt right after taking a shower. Gently massage Epsom salt onto wet skin. The coarse texture and rich nutrients help soften and slough off dead skin cells leaving skin silky smooth.

·      If you have extra dry skin, mix 2 cups of Epsom salt with a quarter cup of petroleum jelly.  Apply to extra dry, rough skin avoiding areas of skin that is broken or irritated.

A word of caution

While Epsom salt may have significant health benefits for some people, there are a few precautions everyone should be mindful of if using this product:

·      Epsom salt is for external use only.  Some people claim drinking Epsom salt is good for detoxification, however it is advised not to.  Severe diarrhea can occur if it is taken by mouth which can cause sudden and dramatic changes in bowel behavior that can be very dangerous causing dehydration and discomfort.  There are no studies proving that taking Epsom salt orally is safe or beneficial.

·      Anyone with a severe skin inflammation, infection, open would, or severe burn should use Epsom salt. 

·      Buy Epsom salt from a reputable source.  Look on the label for 100% magnesium sulfate and beware of online retailers who may offer great deals but cannot guarantee quality or purity.