Epsom salts convince a skeptic

From Wall Street Journal

Nothing says "olde tyme cure" like Epsom salt, named for Epsom, England, a spa town where people sought the healing properties of its natural mineral springs. The crystals are made up of magnesium and sulfate, which together offer an effective, affordable therapy; a one-pound box costs $1.99 at Walgreens drugstores. To understand how Epsom salt works, the WSJ turned to an expert, Rosemary Waring, a faculty member in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham, in England.

Q. Can I put it on my popcorn and get the same benefits?
A. No, you shouldn't sprinkle Epsom salt on your food. It doesn't taste that good and also can give you diarrhea if you eat too much.

Q. What are some therapeutic uses?
A. Bath soak. The Epsom Salt Council, a trade group of manufacturers, recommends a warm bath with 2 cups of Epsom salt for at least 12 minutes. Dr. Waring says the magnesium ions act as a pain reliever. An Epsom salt bath can also help fade bruises.Splinter removal. Epsom salt increases osmotic pressure on the skin, which draws foreign bodies toward the surface, Dr. Waring says. Dissolve about 1 cup of Epsom salt in a tub of water and soak the affected area.Bee stings. Osmotic pressure works here, too, to draw the stinger to the surface of the skin. Lift out using tweezers, then apply a compress of an Epsom salt-water solution to reduce swelling.Sunburn. A cool bath with 2 cups of Epsom salt reduces pain and has mild anti-inflammatory properties.Skin exfoliation. Blend Epsom salt with enough baby oil to create a paste. Gently rub it on your face for deep pore cleansing, or use it on heels, elbows and other rough areas. Rinse and pat dry.

Q. I thought only my great-grandparents believed in Epsom salt. Does it really work?
A. It is best known for treating minor inflammation and muscle aches. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath releases magnesium ions that are absorbed by the skin. These ions interfere with receptors in the brain that register pain, Dr. Waring says. Sulfate is useful, too. People with low sulfate levels, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, are deficient in a chemical that is important for joint and tissue function. Putting extra sulfate into the system should lessen discomfort people often notice when they have sprains, strains, the flu and other aches.