Epsom salt is one of those home remedies that has been around for a long time. Home remedies are popular among preppers because they know access to medical care could be sporadic during an emergency.
So having a few bags of this stuff stored away might not be a bad idea. When it comes to Epsom Salt, there are three common questions that most people ask:
- What is it?
- What is it used for?
- What is its expiration date?
I will be covering these three questions in this article, as well as my experiences using Epsom Salt.
Please note that the following article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
What To Know About Epsom Salt
When I was kid, about the only thing I knew about salt was that I used it to season my French fries, popcorn, or any other food that didn’t appeal to my taste buds. I didn’t know there were other salts out there.
Then one day, I saw my mom walking to the bathroom with a big bag of Epsom Salt. On that day, I learned that there are other salts out there, and that there is a difference between table salt and Epsom salt.
What is Epsom Salt?
In the image below, the top is Epsom salt and the bottom is table salt; both are okay for human use.
Table salt is made of sodium chloride, or NaCl, and it tends to have small granules. Salt has a very distinct taste but interestingly it can taste sweet to some people. Table salt is primarily used as a seasoning and a food preservative.
The chemical composition of Epsom salt is Magnesium Sulfate, or MgSO4. Its granules are larger, and most people describe it as having a bitter taste.
What is Epsom Salt Used For?
Epsom salt has long been used as a home remedy for a variety of ailments, some of which include:
- muscle soreness
- relieve swelling
- treat constipation (natural laxative)
- relieve sunburn
- relieve inflammation
- promoting better sleep
- exfoliant
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. It is essential in our bodies, and since Epsom salt is composed of magnesium sulfate, it makes sense that using it would be beneficial.
Baths
The most common use of Epsom salt is as an additive to a bath to help sooth sore muscles. Many people report that soaking in a bath with Epsom salt helps to relieve general aches and pains, and it is very relaxing.
However, according to Healthline.com, these reports are mainly anecdotal. There isn’t much evidence to support the salt being absorbed through the skin.
My Experience
On many occasions in my life, I have taken an Epsom salt bath. The only…