Epsom Salt
Also commonly known as Magnesium Sulfate, Epsom Salt gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England (24km from London), where it was originally discovered in a natural spring. During a drought in 1618, a local cow herder named Henry Wicker bent down to drink from a pool of water which he found the water to be acidic and bitter. As the water evaporated, Wicker noticed white residue left behind and realized after drinking the water that it had a laxative effect. Epsom’s salts became a sought-after cure for constipation for hundreds of years following this discovery. In 1755, a British chemist and physicist by the name of Joseph Black conducted experiments on the chemical properties of magnesium sulfate. He proposed that magnesium be classified as an element.
HOW IT’S MADE?
Magnesium sulfate is usually obtained directly from dry lake beds and other natural sources.
WHY DO WE USE IT?
Epsom salt is commonly used as a bath salt to treat minor aches and pains, soothes sore muscles and reduces swelling. It may also soothe skin affected conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.