Epsom Salt Use by Ray Sahelian, M.D. - Medical Use of Epsom Salt for nail fungus, athlete's foot, as laxative, muscle aches, and various medical conditions

Epsom salt is basically crystals of magnesium sulfate. Epsom salt has many uses, from health and beauty to household cleaning and organic gardening. This web page focuses on the medical uses of Epsom salt.

Medical use of Epsom salt
Although there is a great deal of historical and anecdotal information on the medical uses of Epsom salt, little human research has been published. It is known that soaking in Epsom salt leads to absorption of magnesium and sulfate into the bloodstream. Topical use of Epsom salt, or soaking with Epsom salt also acts as a drying agent for the skin which can be used to benefit certain skin and nail conditions. The following are some potential clinical conditions where Epsom salt use could be helpful:

Nail fungus. Modern medicine does not have a good, safe and effective treatment for toe nail fungus infections. However, the use of Epsom salt can be quite helpful in this condition and may offer a cure if done appropriately. For detailed instructions on how to treat your toe nail fungus with Epsom salt, see nail fungus.

Athlete's Foot. Soaking in Epsom salt could help eliminate fungi that cause athlete's foot. For specific details on how to use Epsom salt for this condition, see athlete's foot.

Relaxation and stress relief. Soaking in Epsom salt does help muscle tissue relax and release stress.

Post exercise relief of muscle aches. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt helps relieve muscle aches after a heavy workout.

Epsom salt bathing increase blood levels of magnesium and sulfate
At least one study has shown that whole body soaking in Epsom salt for seven days in a row does increase blood levels of magnesium and sulfate, although the rise is not excessive. Most people are not likely to soak in Epsom salt every day.

Epsom salts to mother reduces risk in the baby from cerebral palsy,
Dr. John Thorp, a professor of obstetrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, found that magnesium sulfate, popularly known as Epsom salts, when given to the mother, cut the rate of cerebral palsy in half. He and his team gave either magnesium sulfate or a placebo to 224 women going into early labor or with ruptured membranes. The women's pregnancies were at between 24 to 31 weeks -- a full-term pregnancy goes 40 weeks. The magnesium did not prevent any deaths among the premature babies. But 4 percent of the babies born to women given magnesium developed cerebral palsy, versus 7 percent of those born to women who got the placebo. Magnesium may stabilize the blood vessels, prevent the damage caused by having oxygen cut off and also help prevent immune system damage to the brain. The March of Dimes estimates that about 500,000 people have cerebral palsy in the United States.

Epsom salt questions
Q. How did Epsom salt derive its name?
   A. During the 1500s in Epsom, England, a discovery of magnesium sulfate was made, and hence magnesium sulfate crystals are now called Epsom salt.

Q. Where can I find Epsom salt for sale?
   A. Epsom salt is sold in almost every grocery store. There are three suppliers of Epsom salt and all the products found in stores are privately labeled using the same Epsom salt material supplied by three suppliers which are Giles Chemical, Potash Import & Chemical Corporation, and PQ Corporation.

Q. Will Epsom salts help kill tinea versicolor and if so, how should they be used?
   A. We are not sure if Epsom salt will help tinea versicolor, but if you were to try, perhaps an Epsom salt paste covered with a bandage for 30 minutes may be an option. Please let us know if it works.

Q. On the webpage article on Epsom salts you mention some research on Epsom salt bathing. Interested in floating tanks, where 22% Epsom salt solution is used for keeping the floater on the surface, I am currently trying to collect scientific data on the research on the effects of Epsom salt bathing. Would you be so kind to provide some links where I can find such info?
   A. Try Medline at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed

Epsom salt testimonials for nail fungus infection
Q. Dr. Sahelian, thank you for the Epsom Salt "solution" for toe nail fungus. I have been battling a slight problem with this for almost 2 years. After only 2 weeks I have seen significant improvement.
   A. You're welcome. Most of the time it takes several months of Epsom salt use for the toe nail fungus to be eliminated.

Q. Just want to inform that the recommendation for the treatment of toe nail fungus with Epson salt worked perfectly for my wife. It took about 4 months of soaking to get rid of this nail fungus which she had for many years.

Epsom salt use in animals
Q. I use Epsom salt as a sheath cleanser for breeding stallions and have not had any problems in our breeding sheds for years.

Q. Dear Doctor, I was pleased to come across the following question and answer from your website on nail fungus. "Q. I read with interest your article on Epsom salts. I have one nail that has nagged me for years, I no sooner think I have it cleared up and it starts all over. What I want to tell you though is that did you know Epsom salts comes in a gel form? We use the gel in boots for the horses when they get a bruised or abscessed hoof and we need to draw it out. I am thinking I could put some of the gel on a Band-Aid and cover the nail with it at times that I need to wear socks and shoes.
   A. This is interesting, perhaps the Epsom salt gel form could help with toe nail fungus infection. Please keep us updated."
   It is in fact our company who is the exclusive wholesaler of Epsom Salt Gel. I appreciate you posting the above question and answer on your website. For more information on our product, feel free to contact is at anytime or you can check out our website at www.epsomsaltgel.com

Epsom salt use for other conditions
Q.  I have tendonitis in my right wrist. Will soaking it in Epsom salt help in any way?
   A. I have not seen studies regarding the use of Epsom salt soaks and tendonitis, but if your doctor approves it is worth a try.