OVERVIEW:
Have you ever noticed what happens in your pedicure tub at the salon? When you have pain or swelling in your feet, what salt water do the elders in the house tell you to put your feet in? If you think that it is everyday salt or rock salt, then you are wrong. This special salt is called Epsom salt. Although, it is also known as sendha or rock salt, but it is not rock salt. Magnesium sulfate is found mainly in Epsom salt and sodium chloride in fasting rock salt. In this article, we will tell the benefits of Epsom salt, about which few people may know. In this article, we will also tell in detail about the properties of Epsom salt.
WHAT IS EPSOM SALT?
What is Epsom salt, this question often arises in people's mind. It is not a salt but a naturally occurring mineral, which is made up of magnesium and sulfur. Its scientific name is magnesium sulfate.
Epsom salt is named after the city of Epsom in England, where high amounts of magnesium sulfate are naturally present in water. This easily soluble mineral gets charged as soon as it is mixed with water and releases sulfate and magnesium ions.
HOW DOES EPSOM SALT WORK?
As we have already mentioned above that this Epsom salt gets charged as soon as it dissolves in water. When this happens, it releases positively charged magnesium and negatively charged sulfate ions.
It is believed that it can help reduce and prevent many problems related to the body. Let us know in detail below what are the benefits of Epsom salt.
BENEFITS OF EPSOM SALT:
Epsom salt can have both advantages and disadvantages. It just depends on how it is being used, as it is considered safe for bathing and dipping feet more than its consumption. We will discuss the benefits and proper use of Epsom salt in detail below.
1. Epson Salt to Reduce Stress:
Taking a bath with Epsom salt water or taking floatation-rest therapy can reduce stress to a great extent. During this therapy, the victim is made to lie down in a tank filled with lukewarm water containing Epsom salts. Not only the stress but also found a decrease in muscle pain, depression and anxiety during the research. The benefits of bathing with Epsom salts can be reaped two to three times a week. This can provide relief from stress to a great extent.
2. Epsom Salt for Insulin Production and Diabetes Control:
Sometimes the lack of magnesium ( magnesium deficiency) in the body also becomes the cause of diabetes. Magnesium is excreted from the body of diabetic people through urine. This can cause tissues to become insensitive to insulin, which can lower insulin hormone levels and increase the risk of diabetes.
For this reason, Epsom salt is believed to reduce the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. For this, a supplement of Epsom salt can be consumed. Keep in mind that before using it, you must consult a doctor once, because its excessive consumption can cause poisoning.
3. For Muscle Aches, Leg Pain and Mild Scratches:
The benefits of bathing with Epsom salts include muscle stretching and relief from leg pain. Taking a bath or dipping your feet in warm water by adding Epsom salts can provide relief. This will not only reduce leg pain but can also provide relief from muscle strain, cramps and pain. It is believed that it can give relief even on bruises i.e. light scratches and peeling of the skin. However, more research is still needed in this regard.
4. Laxative Properties and Constipation:
Epsom salt has laxative properties. This property can help in cleaning the stomach. A scientific research says that there is strong evidence that Epsom salt exerts a potent laxative effect by releasing digestive hormones and neurotransmitters. In the same research, it has also been told that no trial has been done on how beneficial it is in clearing constipation.
Another research mentions that magnesium is used for constipation, but long-term use in high amounts can lead to toxicity. For this reason, constipation is also counted among the benefits of drinking Epsom salt water.
5. Epsom Salt for Digestive Health:
Many people have problems related to digestion due to wrong eating habits. Epsom salt can be used to improve digestion power. According to a research, Epsom salt releases digestive hormones. For this reason, it is believed that the benefits of drinking Epsom salt water include helping and improving digestion.
6. Epsom Salt for Toe Nail Fungus and Inflammation:
Epsom salt can also be used to get relief from toe nail infections. It can reduce swelling and pain caused by infection. Putting Epsom salt in warm water and putting it on the affected part for about 30 minutes can provide relief. This keeps the skin hydrated and can also prevent skin related inflammation.
7. Headaches and Migraines:
In today's era, headache and migraine are the common problems. It is believed that a lack of magnesium can cause migraine pain. In such a situation, Epsom salt can fulfill the deficiency of magnesium to some extent, which can reduce headaches and migraines. For this, supplements of Epsom salt can be taken on the medical consultation. For now, more research is needed to be done on this topic.
Another study states that sometimes magnesium sulfate is given by injection to relieve the problem of headaches. Note that at home it should not be used as an injection but as a bath and supplement. If it is consumed for food, then pay attention to the quantity, as we have also mentioned above that its excessive intake can cause toxicity.
8. Pain Relief:
Epsom salt can also help relieve pain. It is considered beneficial for muscle and joint pain. We have mentioned above that Epsom salt can also be beneficial for muscle cramps. Apart from this, people can feel better by bathing and soaking with Epsom salt water even if they have stomach pain.
9. Benefits of Epsom Salt for Skin:
As we have already mentioned above that Epsom salt can help hydrate the skin. For this, Epsom salt can be dissolved in water and applied on the face with the help of cotton or you can keep the skin soaked in Epsom water while taking a bath. Some people also use a warm compress of Epsom salts for skin disorders.
In addition, the mild roughness of Epsom salts can also exfoliate the face. For this, its paste can be made and applied as a mask on the face. Although there is no exact scientific evidence for this, but folk belief is that it can be beneficial for the skin.
10. Epsom Salts for Hair:
The benefits of Epsom salt can also be seen here. It is said that magnesium is one of the essential minerals for hair growth. For this reason people clean their hair with this solution. Also use it as a hair spray. It is believed that magnesium can easily enter the body from the hair follicles.
OTHER BENEFITS OF EPSOM SALT:
Due to the properties of Epsom salt, it can also have many other benefits for the body. Come, know about some more benefits of Epsom salt:
- Can make up for magnesium deficiency.
- Can help relieve depression and anxiety.
- Magnesium deficiency can lead to low bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis. For this reason, it is believed that Epsom salt, rich in magnesium, can relieve this problem.
- Lack of magnesium also leads to a decrease in the quality of sleep. For this reason, it is believed that taking a bath with Epsom salt can reduce sleep problems. However, it still needs to be further researched.
EPSOM SALT - HOW TO USE:
Now, you know about the benefits of Epsom salt. But, it is also necessary to have accurate information about using Epsom salts. Let's know about it.
- You can use Epsom salts to soak the feet. For this, half a cup of Epsom salt and warm water is needed. The water should be as hot as the feet can bear.
- We have already told above about the benefits of bathing with Epsom salts. Epsom salt can also be used for bathing. For this use only Epsom salt and warm water.
- Its paste can be made and used as a skin mask.
- It can also be used to enhance the brightness of teeth or remove bad breath.
- Some people believe that eating Epsom salt also has benefits, so tell them that there is no solid scientific research related to the benefits of eating Epsom salt. Instead of eating it, it is advised to take a bath and dip hands and feet in it.
HOW TO PRESERVE EPSOM SALT FOR A LONG TIME?
To preserve Epsom salt for a long time, store it in an airtight container. Failure to do so may result in moisture getting into it and causing it to deteriorate.
WHERE TO BUY EPSOM SALT?
You can buy Epsom salts from nearby local markets and grocery stores. Apart from this, it can also be purchased online.
Eating Epsom salts can have both advantages and disadvantages. You have come to know about the benefits of using this salt, let us now look at the side-effects.
SIDE EFFECTS OF EPSOM SALT:
Excessive use of Epsom salt can also cause some side-effects. Below we are telling about some possible side-effects of Epsom salt:
- If someone has diabetes, then feet should not be immersed in Epsom salt water without the advice of a doctor.
- As we have mentioned above that it has laxative properties, so its excessive consumption can cause diarrhea.
- Pregnant women should avoid using Epsom salt or use it only after consulting a doctor.
- Its prolonged use can lead to poisoning.
FINAL WORDS
If Epsom salt is used properly, then the benefits of Epsom salt can be to the body in many ways. There is no need to panic after reading its side-effects, because excessive use of anything is harmful. The benefits of Epsom salt will be beneficial only if it is used properly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
Q. What are the alternatives to Epsom salt?
A. Sea salt is a safe option for foot soaks or baths. You can use oatmeal, apple cider vinegar or essential oil to keep your skin, feet and scalp healthy.
Q. Can Epsom salt be eaten?
A. It is not advised to eat it without medical consultation. Eating it can cause problems like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or stomach pain.
Q. Can Epsom salts be used to cure arthritis?
A. Epsom salts can be used to relieve the pain caused by arthritis. Epsom salt can relieve inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
Q. Is Epsom salt safe in pregnancy?
A. Magnesium is an essential mineral during pregnancy. That's why doctors recommend including dietary magnesium-rich things in the diet. But Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate. At the same time, it should be used only on the advice of the doctor, otherwise it can also have negative consequences.
Q. Can feet be soaked in Epsom salt for a long time?
A. No, soaking feet in Epsom salt for a long time is not recommended.
Q. Can Epsom salt water be drunk?
A. It can be drunk in small quantities to get relief from the problem of constipation. As soon as you drink it, more and more water should also be drunk. Yes, consuming it more often and in more quantity is prohibited. Consult your doctor for more details regarding its dosage.
Q. Does Epsom salt contain iodine?
A. As we mentioned above, Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate. For this reason it does not contain iodine. The salt we use for cooking at home contains iodine.
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