Medical uses of epsom salts

About Epsom Salts

Epsom salts, which are widely used for making the soothing baths, are also known by the scientific name of magnesium sulphate. The name comes from the town of Epsom, England, where the compound was first distilled. Epsom salts are inexpensive and available in most supermarkets and drug stores. They have many uses that range from household cleaning and organic gardening to health and beauty treatments.

Medical uses of Epsom salts

Studies which focused on magnesium and its compounds, like magnesium sulfate, can cause quite a bit of problems if they are deficient. Magnesium deficiency can lead to kidney problems, poor blood circulation and heart problems, including heart attack.

Increasing the levels of magnesium regulates the electrolyte balance and increases the production of serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin work against stress and promote healthy sleep.

On the other hand, sufficient levels of sulfate contribute to flushing the toxins out of the body and to cleaning the blood. Sulfates are also important for people who suffer from migraine.

Experiments with magnesium and sulfates have shown that they can be absorbed externally as well, which means that Epsom salts bath can offer many health benefits.

Epsom salts baths are particularly recommended for people who have arthritis. Regular daily baths in water enriched with these salts improves circulation and reduces swelling of the joints. Another option is to massage oils that contain Epsom salts.

Skin can greatly benefit from Epsom salts too. They can be used for skin exfoliation, as massaging them removes dead skin cells, cleans the pores, improves the circulation and oxygen flow to the skin.

These salts can be used for colon cleansing and as a laxative in case of constipation. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Epsom salts for these purposes.

Athlete’s foot is another condition that can be treated with Epsom salts. This condition is caused by fungi and it can be cured by applying the Epsom salts paste or soaking the feet in water with Epsom salts.

According to some, Epsom salts can even prevent premature labor. They also prevent cerebral palsy in prematurely born babies and pre-eclampsia, which is hypertension and high levels of protein in urine in pregnant women.

Acute asthma attacks can be treated with Epsom salts too. These salts, in form of gel, reduce the pain associated with osteoporosis.

It is obvious that medical uses of Epsom salts are many. These salts are widely available and every household should have some at hand.