Types of Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a versatile product found in many types and forms. People use some types in medicine, beauty, plants, and foods.
- Epsom salt for gardening: The chemical formula for Epsom salt in gardening is magnesium sulfate, and it helps many plants to grow. At times, plants do not absorb nutrients well when there is little magnesium in the soil. Epsom salt helps to fix this problem and make the plants grow well. It also makes the fruits big and sweet and the fruits shiny and colorful.
- Epsom salt for detox baths: One of the most popular uses of Epsom salt is for detox baths. The best Epsom salt for baths have high purity and are free from fragrance or any other chemical additives. When mixed with warm water, Epsom salt is believed to be absorbed through the skin to promote relaxation and detoxification.
- Epsom salt for beauty products: Suppliers add Epsom salt to scrubs and lotions to help the skin. Buyers should note that the salt used for beauty products has added oils and scents that help to moisturize and beautify the skin. The scrub makes dead skin get removed and opens skin pores so it can breathe. It also mixes with other things in baths to help relax muscles and reduce swelling.
- Food grade Epsom salt: Some people use Epsom salt as a laxative. The magnesium sulfate Epsom salt for laxatives works like a natural laxative to relieve occasional constipation. People know this as the salt water flush. Food-grade Epsom salt is safe for consumption only in small doses, primarily when mixed with distilled water.
- Epsom salt for muscle recovery: Magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt help to ease stiffness, swelling, and muscle pain. Magnesium is absorbed through the skin to reduce muscle soreness and promote recovery after intense workouts.
How to make Epsom salt
Epsom salt is made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral found in many plants and animals. Magnesium occurs naturally in many minerals like magnesite and sea salt. Magnesium helps to keep the body healthy. It helps to relax the muscles and ease tension. It reduces stress and gives the body energy. Magnesium also helps to keep bones strong.
- Sulfur: Sulfur is mainly found in the element called sulfate. Sulfate occurs naturally in sea salt and some minerals like magnesium sulfate and potassium sulfate. Suppliers get sulfur from minerals like pyrite and galena.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is the most abundant element in magnesium sulfate. It is also found in other compounds like water. It is present in almost all minerals and organic substances. Oxygen is vital for breathing. It helps cells to fight for energy.
What is Epsom salt chemical formula
The chemical formula of Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. This is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It occurs naturally as a mineral, but it can also be made in a lab through chemical reactions.
The magnesium originates from sea salt deposits or minerals like magnesite and dolomite. Suppliers can also produce magnesium in a lab from magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate through chemical reactions.
Sulfur comes from volcanic minerals like pyrite and gypsum. Suppliers can also get sulfur through a chemical process involving the extraction of sulfur from sulfide ores and then combining it with magnesium and oxygen.
To produce Epsom salt, sulfuric acid is mixed with magnesium sulfate in a process that can either use natural sources or synthetic magnesium and sulfur.
Water is added to form magnesium sulfate with seven water molecules attached to it, which is called heptahydrate. This gives Epsom salt its unique properties.
Industrial applications of Epsom salt
- Chemical industry: Epsom salt is widely used in the chemical industry as a source of magnesium and sulfate ions. It produces magnesium compounds like magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide as well as sulfate compounds such as ammonium sulfate and sodium sulfate.
- Agriculture: Farmers use Epsom salt as a magnesium supplement for soil. Magnesium is crucial to plants because it helps to make chlorophyll, which is important for photosynthesis. When added to soil, Epsom salt improves the health of crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, as well as fruits like lemons and grapes.
- Manufacturing and construction: In manufacturing, magnesium sulfate helps reduce the use of magnesium oxide bricks. It also produces magnesium metal, which is lightweight and strong, hence used in making cars and airplanes. In construction, magnesium sulfate is the main ingredient in making the fireproof material magnesium oxide.
- Medical uses: Magnesium sulfate helps reduce high blood pressure and helps with muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Food and beverage industry: Suppliers use Epsom salt as a dietary supplement to provide magnesium to consumers. Some people mistakenly used Epsom salt as a laxative and for detox baths. However, health experts advise using only food-grade salt for this purpose.
How to store Epsom salt
To store Epsom salt, choose a container that keeps it dry and safe from moisture and air. Use a jar or a plastic container with an airtight lid. Do not use metal containers because Epsom salt can react with the metal and contaminate the salt. Put a label on the container to identify it.
Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. These can degrade the quality of the salt and make it ineffective. If the salt is mixed with other ingredients or oils, store it in a separate container from the bulk Epsom salt to avoid contamination.
Once a year or as needed, check the Epsom salt for any signs of clumping, moisture, or pests. If it has issues, consider replacing it with a new batch. Also, ensure the container is sealed properly after each use to maintain freshness.
The shelf life of Epsom salt is indefinite when stored properly. It remains effective for a long time if kept dry and free from contaminants.
Follow these tips to store Epsom salt properly and ensure it remains effective and free from contaminants.
Q and A
Is Epsom salt a chemical?
Yes, Epsom salt is a chemical. Its chemical formula is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It is a mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen. Magnesium is a mineral that promotes muscle relaxation and energy. Sulfur helps to relieve pain and recover quickly.
What happens if you inhale Epsom salt?
Inhaling Epsom salt is not safe because it can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems. Epsom salt is not meant to be inhaled, and doing so can cause coughing, choking, and discomfort. It may also irritate the nasal passages and cause sneezing.
Does Epsom salt expire?
No, Epsom salt does not expire. It has an indefinite shelf life as long as it is stored properly in a cool, dry, and airtight container. Although it does not expire, Epsom salt may lose its effectiveness if it absorbs moisture or contaminants.
What happens to the body after soaking in Epsom salt?
Soaking in Epsom salt relieves the body of muscle pain, tension, and swelling. The magnesium in the salt helps to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. The sulfates help to flush out toxins from the body and may have a relaxing effect on the mind.
What is the best way to absorb Epsom salt?
The best way to absorb Epsom salt is through the skin by taking a salt bath. Mix 2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water for a bath. Soak in the water for 12 to 15 minutes to relax the muscles and absorb magnesium.
