What is "Magnesium sulfate" commonly known as?

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It's a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was originally discovered. It was most likely termed "salt" because of its chemical structure. It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths. While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable. Some people still consume it by dissolving the salt in water and drinking it.

For hundreds of years, this salt has been used to treat ailments, such as constipation, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effects on these conditions are not well researched.

Most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium. When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions. The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through the skin, However, there is no good evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into the body through the skin. Yet the most common use for Epsom salt is in baths, where it is simply dissolved in bathwater.

It can also be applied to the skin as a cosmetic or taken by mouth as a magnesium supplement or a laxative. Athletes use it to soothe sore muscles, while gardeners use it to improve crops. It has a variety of other uses: for example, Epsom salt is also effective in the removal of splinters.