10 Benefits and Uses of Epsom Salt

“When people think of salt, they think of table salt, which is sodium chloride; Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate,” explains Dr. Jennifer Krejci, an assistant professor of dermatology at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Epsom salt gained its popular name from the English town of Epsom, a small settlement about 15 miles from London. In the 17th century, locals began to notice that water from a regional mineral spring was unappealing to their livestock (who balked at its bitter taste) and unusually restorative for bathers with skin complaints. Those who did drink it, in turn, are said to have reported “various funny results” (that is, it had a pronounced laxative effect). Epsom went on to enjoy fame as a spa destination, and manufacturers began to boil down its waters and promote the coarse mineral powder that remained — magnesium sulfate — as Epsom salt.

Magnesium sulfate is still prized for both its restorative and laxative effects, but it is not for everyone in all contexts. Although it’s FDA approved for a variety of uses including constipation and soaking minor cuts or bruises, you should consult with your doctor before ingesting Epsom salt. As for how you can put Epsom salt to work right now — read on.

Use Epsom salt as a gentle exfoliator when you’re down at the heels, so to speak. Its crystals can both soften calluses and remove dead skin cells. Dr. Teal’s Epsom salt foot scrub, which contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe, jojoba seed oil and shea butter, is an option for soothing battered skin.