About this item

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments.

People use it to ease health problems, such as muscle soreness and stress. It’s also affordable, easy to use, and harmless when used appropriately.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable.

How Does It Work?
When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions.

The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through your skin, providing you with magnesium and sulfates — which serve important bodily functions.

Despite claims on the contrary, there is no good evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into your body through the skin (1Trusted Source).

Yet the most common use for Epsom salt is in baths, where it is simply dissolved in bathwater.

However, it can also be applied to your skin as a cosmetic or taken by mouth as a magnesium supplement or a laxative.

Active ingredient: Magnesium sulphate