The truth about Epsom salts + Westlab Epsom salts review

The truth about Epsom salts + Westlab Epsom salts review

I’ve used Epsom salts for the first time many years ago after I injured my knee in a hope that it will speed up my recovery. I heard that using Epsom salts helps to reduce joint aches and it’s supposed to be great for injury recovery too. So they say. Epsom salts are claimed to have some other benefits too but how much truth is behind these claims actually?

I haven’t thought much about it when I first started using them, but after receiving a PR sample of Westlab Epsom Salt I decided to do some research and learn more about these salts. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Epsom salts, including their benefits, uses and whether you should be using them. In this post, you will also find out what I thought of Westlab Epsom salts and where to buy them from.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on a link. This does not cost you anything. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Quick links:

What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt uses and benefits
Can I drink Epsom salt?
The truth about Epsom salt
Should you be using Epsom salt for the claimed benefits?
Westlab Epsom Salts review

What is Epsom salt actually?

Epsom salts or Epsom salt is a type of ‘salt’ originating from English town of Epsom where mineral water used to be boiled down, leaving magnesium sulphate or Epsom salt behind. It’s interesting that many people add ‘s’ at the end of the word but it’s actually just one kind of salt, there are not many different types of salt in it.

Epsom salt uses and benefits

Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years in the belief that it helps to relieve painful joints, ease muscle aches and even draw out toxins out of the body.

Some people have been using it to detox their bodies and aid their weight loss programme while others have been using it to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Epsom salt is also believed to benefit your heart by improving blood circulation and preventing blood clots. As a result, it may help to reduce the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Epsom salt is popular amongst celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow as it helps them to relax and beat the bloat, achieving a flatter stomach.

Can I drink Epsom salt?

It is possible to drink Epsom salt but it must be a food grade quality.

It is said that drinking Epsom salt can help relieve constipation and cleanse the colon, however, you need to be aware of the side effects that could occur when doing that – too much of Epsom salt is not recommended as you could develop some serious, even life-threatening symptoms.

Drinking Epsom salt is not recommended for certain types of people – you should not take it if you have stomach issues, you are pregnant or have kidney problems. The best is to speak to your doctor to make sure you don’t suffer from any unwanted side effects.

If you want to drink Epsom salt, you need to make sure you dissolve it in plenty of water (at least 8oz or 250ml). To improve the taste, add a little bit of lemon before drinking the mixture.

The truth about Epsom salt

While trying to learn more about Epsom salt I came across this interesting article written by Paul Ingraham, a science writer, who decided to question many of the benefits Epsom salt is said to have. The truth is that there isn’t much scientific evidence to support certain claimed benefits of Epsom salts.

The only study that has proven some benefits of Epsom salt is the one conducted at the University of Birmingham in 2006 by a British biochemist, Rosemary Waring, but it’s not accepted by everybody. The study tested whether magnesium gets past the skin into the body. Before volunteers took baths their magnesium levels were measured and for 7 days they bathed in Epsom salts every day.

At the end of the experiment they measured volunteers’ magnesium levels again and out of 19 subjects, all except 3 showed a rise in magnesium concentrations in plasma. You can read more about this study here, but the conclusion was as follows:

Bathing in Epsom salts is a safe and easy way to increase sulfate and magnesium levels in the body.

I am actually really happy about this evidence although not everybody thinks it’s a valid study. The fact that Epsom salt could increase magnesium levels in the body is enough for me to continue using it. This is actually one of the main reasons why I started using it in the first place.

Magnesium plays an important role in calcium absorption – it helps to balance and regulate calcium, but it’s also essential for bone structure and strength and really important for muscular and heart functions. Since I’ve been diagnosed with calcium deposits in my knees, I thought getting more magnesium into my body may help this condition improve. My knees are much better now and I believe this is due to different factors such as healthy eating, exercising and well, it could be Epsom salts too.

Should you be using Epsom salt for the claimed benefits?

Some people say that Epsom salt really helps them with some of their health related issues and I don’t disagree. Although there haven’t been many studies around the effects of Epsom salt, this does not mean it doesn’t work.

All you can do is give it a try and see whether it helps you with your weight loss, bloating, muscle pains or whatever other minor health concern you are worried about and need help with. However, if you have a particular health condition, before you start using Epsom salt it’s important to consult your doctor first.

Westlab Epsom Salts review

Westlab Epsom salt
Finally, we get to this part where I tell you about Epsom salts from Westlab, the UK’s leading bath salt experts. The great news is that this 100% natural high-grade salt is available to purchase in Boots’ branches nationwide and you may also see it in TK Maxx and Home Bargains.

Westlab Epsom salt is unrefined and has been cleaned in a natural, chemical-free way ensuring a truly high-quality organic product. It does not contain any additives, just pure, natural goodness.

I managed to have 2 baths with 1kg of salt and I also added some essential oils to it to make this experience even more relaxing and sensual. Just to mention that you could have at least 3 baths with 1kg of Westlab Epsom, you don’t have to use 500g each time you have a bath. Just use less water in your bath to make it more concentrated.

I really love having baths like this as it really helps with sore muscles and achy joints after over-exercising. I don’t know whether it’s the hot water or Epsom salt or combination of both that makes my muscles and joints feel much better afterwards – whatever it is, it works and for this reason, I will be buying more Epsom salts in the future and enjoy more baths like this. Luckily, now I only have to go to Boots or Home Bargains to get them!

If you prefer shopping online, Westlab Epsom salt is available to buy from Amazon, Holland & Barrett and Look Fantastic (buying in bulk will save you some money).

Are you a fan of Epsom salts? Have you heard of Westlab before?

* PR sample, my honest opinions always provided

References:

http://www.med-health.net/Drinking-Epsom-Salt.html
https://www.saltworks.us/docs/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf
http://www.med-health.net/Drinking-Epsom-Salt.html
https://draxe.com/epsom-salt/

10 Comments

  1. Great article. I’ve really noticed the effect of magnesium spray on sore/tight muscles, but I’m yet to try epsom salts in a bath for muscle soreness. You’ve definitely got me thinking it’s time to give it a try. Keep up the good work 🙂

    1. I also have the magnesium spray actually but I don’t like this tingling that it leaves behind, especially before I am going to bed, so I don’t use it that very often these days. I think that using Epsom salt is slightly better way to increase your magnesium levels in the body and relax those sore muscles.
      I am glad you liked the article Lauretta and thanks for stopping by!

    1. You cannot drink the one that I tried but there is a version intended especially for drinking. I think I saw it in Home Bargains.

  2. I read somewhere that plants thrive better if you add some when watering.However I can not remember how much to add to what amount of water. Does anyone know?

    1. I haven’t heard of that before but I am sure it works as plants need a good quality mineral-rich soil to grow. It may be worth asking a gardener or a florist.

  3. i was looking for the food grade epsom for my constipation. ia it safe to drink Westlab’s epsom salt?

  4. Hi on the back of the Westlab Epsom salts I buy from Home Bargains there is a small not at the bottom stating it is food grade. Thank you for your article. It was interesting to read.

    1. Thanks Helen, that’s good to know! I will check it next time I am in Home Bargains, really didn’t see that!