5 Proven Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt

I love to use Epsom salt in many remedies and I always stock it at home. Epsom salt is generally used in bath salts but it also has other uses. It is used for treating constipation, foot fungus, swollen feet, reducing itching and pain in eczema, psoriasis and hives, for promoting good sleep, for reducing muscle soreness, foot pain and knee pain. Since it helps soften the skin, it is wonderful to use in bath and foot salts too.

Epsom salt whose chemical name is magnesium sulfate is a chemical compound that consists of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Epsom salt is commercially produced by dissolving magnesium carbonate into sulfuric acid. The majority of magnesium sulfate produced is used as a fertilizer in agriculture.

Though it is termed as salt it is entirely different from table salt and since it is bitter it is never used in cooking. Though it is consumed internally as a medicine to treat constipation, internal consumption should be done only in the prescribed dosage.

# Reduces Stress

Epsom salt baths are very very relaxing and calming. Magnesium deficiency can also be one of the reasons for depression. Adequate levels of magnesium helps our brain produce neurotransmitters that helps us get peaceful sleep and deal with stress better. If you feel you are stressed out often and are not able to relax, consider taking Epsom salt bath regularly.

# For Constipation

Epsom salt is taken orally for treating constipation and it is a very popular home remedy. It is effective because magnesium helps stimulate bowel moments. But I would suggest you consult a physician before consuming Epsom salt for treating constipation on a regular basis. The one thing about consuming Epsom salt is it should never be over consumed and it also does not taste good. You can also try Epsom salt bath wherein magnesium is absorbed through the skin which in turn helps draw water into the gut which helps ease bowel movement.

# Reduces Pain & Swelling

If your legs, knees or feet hurt or if you are suffering from arthritis or other painful conditions soaking in Epsom salt bath will be a great comfort. One of my aunts suffer from severe leg and foot pain. I made and gave her Epsom salt foot soak blend and she mentioned that it gave a good relief for her. If you are suffering from leg pain, arthritis or fibromyalgia, consider using Epsom salt foot soak.

# Promotes Good Sleep

Adequate magnesium levels in our body is very essential for good sleep. If you are low in magnesium, you’ll find yourself not getting a good night sleep and you will feel lethargic the whole day. Try taking Epsom salt bath before going to bed and very soon you will be sleeping very well.

# Provides Magnesium

If you are low in magnesium you can consider taking magnesium supplements after consulting a physician. But if you don’t want to take magnesium orally, you can take Epsom salt bath regularly too. Since magnesium is absorbed through the skin, it will help improve magnesium levels in our body effectively.