An Epsom salt detox is a warm bath with Epsom salt that may help improve the body's natural detoxification process and assist in healing.

Where does it come from?

Epsom salt's name derives from Surrey, England, where it was first discovered. In 1618, a local named Henry Wicker discovered a pool of water his cattle refused to drive, despite being in a drought. He noticed the water tasted bitter and turned into a salt when evaporated. He next discovered it's laxative effect. This discovery lead to Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate, MgSO4), a popular constipation for the next 350 years. 

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt's chemical makeup is Magnesium Sulfate. It is different from your plain table salt, which chemical makeup is sodium.

How does it work?

Since the discovery of Epsom salt hundreds of years ago, it has been used for hundreds of years to aid in healing the body.

It is believed the combination of both ingredients stimulates detoxification pathways. Magnesium Sulfate has the ability to "draw out" toxins from the body. Magnesium is a natural substance that assists in a variety of bodily functions, including removing  toxins. Sulfate can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract and make releasing toxins easier.

An Epsom salt bath assists in removing harmful toxins and creating equilibrium in the body.

Skin pores open when the body is submerged in warm water, allowing for magnesium sulfate to penetrate the skin barrier. A 2004 study shows increased magnesium and sulfate levels in the blood stream following a Epsom salt bath.

Other benefits of Epsom salt

• Helps regulate the activities of enzymes in the body
• Helps reduce inflammation
• Aids in healthy nerve and muscle function
  
• Alleviates the hardening of the artery
• Helps relieve migraine and headaches
• Helps in treating athlete’s foot
• Weight management
  

Risks and side effects of Epsom salt baths

Talk to your physician about any concerns you have about an Epsom salt bath. The risks of side effects from an Epsom salt bath are low. An Epsom salt bath is also relatively safe for children, but you should take extra precautions to prevent your child or infant from consuming Epsom salt water orally.