You wouldn’t think that a common mineral could do so much. Magnesium sulphate, better known as Epsom salts, is popular for adding to bath water – whether to reduce stress, soften skin or relieve aches and pains. Outside the remedy arena, gardeners swear by it because it helps roses to thrive, while potters sometimes add Epsom salts to clay to improve its elasticity.
What’s it good for?
- acne
- calluses and corns
- foot odour
- haemorrhoids
- muscles
- cramps
- ringworm
- shingles
Epsom salts are found anywhere mineral or seawater evaporates. The name comes from a mineral spring in Epsom, Surrey. Not long ago Epsom salts were given as part of the spring round of purgatives to cleanse the body of ‘toxins’ that supposedly built up over the winter. One reason was probably their laxative effect. Until a few decades ago, when proprietary laxatives began to occupy pharmacy shelves, Epsom salts were a popular shortcut to regular bowel movements. The active ingredients in milk of magnesia, Epsom salts are a saline-type laxative; the magnesium draws fluids from the blood into the intestine, making stools softer, while triggering intestinal constructions that stimulate bowel movements.
Same people still take one or two teaspoons of Epsom salts in a glass of water to ease constipation. The problem with this remedy is that it’s often too powerful, causing diarrhea or abdominal cramps. And it can interfere with the body’s absorption of essential nutrients. So it’s best not to use Epsom salts as a laxative unless advised to do so by your doctor.