Epsom Salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a mineral that originates from natural mineral springs and evaporated, nutrient-rich lake beds. Discovered in the 17th century when a cowherd refused to drink from a bitter spring in Epsom, Surrey, England, and it was found to leave a healing residue.
Epsom salt is an inexpensive, safe, and readily available form of magnesium and sulfur, which the body needs to function, yet we rarely get enough of it through our diets. Magnesium regulates the function of over 300 body enzymes, and sulfate is useful in the flushing of toxins from the body and is important for joint, skin, and bone health. Magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, making an Epsom salt bath a very effective and efficient way to increase essential mineral levels in the body.
Epsom salt relieves muscle pain, alleviates headaches and migraines, and releases tension after exercising. Anecdotal evidence indicates that Epsom salt helps to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety and can stabilize mood by increasing serotonin. Epsom salt is beneficial in reducing inflammation throughout the body, improving digestion, and reducing cardiovascular disease. It is highly encouraged to use Epsom salt topically, as ingestion causes a laxative effect along with dizziness and low blood pressure.