Should i drink epsom salt

To take an Epsom salt bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt when running a bath in a standard size bathtub. The salt will quickly dissolve if put under running water. The water should be warm but not too hot. A person can then soak in the bath for 12 to 20 minutes, or longer if desired, and they should avoid using soap.

People should rest for at least 1 hour after a detox bath or take a bath at bedtime so that they can go to sleep afterward. Olive oil contains antioxidants and can also help soften the skin when added to a bath.

Using olive oil in a bath is not recommended for children or older adults who are prone to falling. Essential oil needs to be diluted before being applied to skin, and so it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil before bathing. Carrier oils can be sweet almond oil, coconut oil , or even olive oil. A little essential oil goes a long way, so it is important to add only a few drops of the diluted oil into a full bath. Baking soda has been shown to have antifungal properties and may help reduce irritating germs.

It may also soften the skin and reduce itchiness. Epsom salt baths are normally safe, even for children. However, oral consumption of Epsom salt may be dangerous for pregnant women, children, and people with kidney conditions. More research is needed to prove the benefits and detoxifying effects of Epsom salt baths. However, people who use Epsom salt baths for detoxification believe in their benefits, such as relaxation, pain relief, and softening the skin. Warm baths can help to reduce stress and promote better sleep.

Adding Epsom salt can be a part of a healthy relaxation routine. Eczema is a condition that causes inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin.

A person with any underlying medical condition should speak to their doctor before trying Epsom salt. People living with kidney disease must not consume Epsom salt. Magnesium from oral supplements or an Epsom salt bath may provide the following health benefits:. Some people take magnesium before a workout.

This may help remove the lactic acid that builds up in muscles during exercise and improve future performance. In a small study , researchers found short-term magnesium supplementation was associated with improved bench-press performance among 13 athletes. When a person takes magnesium after a workout, it may also reduce recovery time and prevent muscle soreness. In a animal study , researchers treated rats with either magnesium sulfate or saline before placing them on a treadmill.

The rats that received magnesium sulfate had higher glucose levels during exercise and cleared lactic acid faster during recovery. People who do not have enough magnesium may experience painful muscle cramps and chronic inflammation.

An Epsom salt bath may help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. However, experts are unclear whether Epsom salt is directly responsible for these effects. Magnesium contributes to the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transport signals between neurons, or nerve cells. These chemical messengers impact every aspect of daily life, including sleep, mood, and concentration.

If a person takes an Epsom salt bath, it may help their skin absorb magnesium, which could relieve stress and promote relaxation. But, other studies investigating this show conflicting results. For many people, drinking Epsom salt is generally safe. However, those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children should not consume it.

A person should speak with their doctor if they are unsure about drinking Epsom salt. People can use Epsom salt as a laxative to treat constipation. This treatment method involves dissolving a small amount of Epsom salt in water and drinking the mixture. People may not experience any side effects after taking an Epsom salt bath. One study in 15 women with fibromyalgia concluded that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be beneficial for reducing symptoms 9.

However, this study was based on questionnaires and lacked a control group. Its results should be taken with a grain of salt. Most of the purported benefits of Epsom bath salts are anecdotal. On the other hand, oral magnesium supplements may benefit sleep, stress, digestion, exercise, and pain in people who are deficient.

While Epsom salt is generally safe, there are a few negative effects that can occur if you use it incorrectly. This is only a concern when you take it by mouth. First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative effect.

Consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach. If you use it as a laxative, make sure to drink plenty of water , which may reduce digestive discomfort. Furthermore, never take more than the recommended dosage without first consulting your doctor.

Some cases of magnesium overdose have been reported, in which people took too much Epsom salt. Symptoms include nausea , headache, lightheadedness, and flushed skin 2 , In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death. This is unlikely as long as you take it in appropriate amounts as recommended by your doctor or listed on the package 2 , Contact your doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects.

The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can produce side effects when taken by mouth. You can prevent these by using it correctly and talking with your doctor before increasing your dosage. To do this, add 2 cups about grams of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub and soak your body for at least 15 minutes.

While hot baths can be relaxing, there is currently no good evidence for the benefits of an Epsom salt bath in itself. Epsom salt may be used as a beauty product for skin and hair. To use it as an exfoliant, just place some in your hand, dampen it and massage it into your skin.

Simply combine it with your own cleansing cream and massage onto the skin. It can also be added to conditioner and may help add volume to your hair. For this effect, combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. Work the mixture through your hair and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse. These uses are entirely anecdotal and unsupported by any studies.

Remember that it works differently for everyone and that you may not experience the reported benefits. Most brands recommend taking 2—6 teaspoons 10—30 grams per day, dissolved in water, as a maximum for adults. Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:. It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether magnesium sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Magnesium sulfate taken orally can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth, especially antibiotics. Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or after you take magnesium sulfate as a laxative.

Use Magnesium Sulfate Epsom Salt exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.