Using Epsom salt for different purposes
People sometimes soak their bodies in Epsom salt baths or drink Epsom salt after dissolving it in a glass of water.
However, some people should not consume Epsom salt at all. These include those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Epsom salt, so there are no official guidelines regarding the proper dosage or how to consume it.
However, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention have independently evaluated the product, so when purchasing Epsom salt, look for products that have a USP label.
How to take an Epsom salt bath
If a person is unsure about how to use Epsom salts in their bath, they can follow these steps:
A person may consider adding the following essential oils to help them relax and get to sleep:
Drinking Epsom salt
If a person drinks Epsom salt, they could experience a laxative effect, which may help relieve constipation.
Adults should combine 2–6 teaspoons (tsp) of Epsom salt with 8 ounces of water and then drink.
When people drink small doses of Epsom salt, they may not experience any side effects. However, there is not enough evidence supporting its use for treating any health conditions other than constipation.
Learn more about using Epsom salt to relieve constipation here.
