what is epsom salt
Epsom salt is the name by which most people know the chemical compound magnesium sulfate, with the formula MgSO4. The compound is more popularly called by that name because it was first discovered in Epsom, England, where it was distilled and marketed primarily as a bath salt. The knowledge of Epsom salt and its many uses have been with us since the 1500s. As mentioned above, Epsom salt has many uses, more than just being a bath salt. It is used in gardening and agriculture, in medical treatments, in beauty treatments, and in the production of tofu. The Agricultural Uses of Epsom Salt Plants derive energy from sunlight and the process that allows them to do this is called photosynthesis. The main component that lets plants get this energy is in turn called chlorophyll, and chlorophyll is made up of magnesium. Applying Epsom salts to plants, especially potted plants left indoors most of the time, encourages these plants to get more energy despite their limited exposure to the sun. Epsom
Epsom salt is just a trade name for magnesium sulfate. One tablespoon of the salt contains about 35g (grams) of magnesium sulfate, or roughly 3.4g of elemental magnesium. This is a very large amount, especially if you understand the daily-recommended allowance is between 300-400 mg (milligrams) per day. Many people do not realize ingesting too much Epsom salt can result in death. Between 1841 and 1909, seven patients were reported to have magnesium toxicity and five of them died. The first reported death by using an Epsom salt enema was in 1943. Sadly, magnesium enemas were commonly used on infants up until the early 1970’s when it was discovered as the cause in some deaths brought on by hypermagnesemia. Epsom salts have many uses However, the infrequent reports of death brought on by magnesium toxicity should give pause for concern. Epsom salts should not be ingested or used in an enema if you have pre-existing stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea. Women who are pregnant or nursing shoul
Magnesium and sulfates are the major components in Epsom Salt, and major elements in all human cells. According to the National Academy of Sciences, most Americans are deficient in both magnesium and sulfates, and studies have found that this lack accounts for the high rate of heart disease, arthritis and joint pain, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue and stress-related illnesses in our population. Studies have also found that men only receive 80% of the magnesium and sulfates needed for good health, and women receive only 70%.
