Epsom salt

[Franky]

Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate or Epsom salt is a chemical compound containing magnesium, with the formula MgSO4·7H2O. Magnesium sulfate without water of crystalization MgSO4 is available as a far less common chemical and drying agent, but typically "magnesium sulfate" refers to the hydrate, and Epsom salt always refers to the hydrate. In medical preparations the hydrate form is used to prepare and label even magnesium sulfate formulas in water solution, because the hydrate crystals, which are not deliquescent, are far more easily weighed and subject to quality control in manufacture.

Origin

Epsom salt was originally prepared by boiling down mineral waters at Epsom, England and afterwards prepared from sea water. In more recent times, these salts are obtained from certain minerals such as epsomite.

Medical use

Locally it may be used as a treatment of an ingrown nail. Oral magnesium sulfate, or magnesium oxide, is used as a laxative. Epsom salts are also available in a gel form for topical application in treating aches and pains. Intravenous use is broadening, as magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction, as well as other effects.

Indications for its use are:

* Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium concentrations in the blood)
* In cardiac arrhythmias, most notably in:
o Atrial fibrillation
o Torsades de pointes tachycardia
* Treatment (and sometimes prevention) of seizures in eclampsia, for which it is the most effective therapy.
* As a bronchodilator after beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents have been tried, e.g. in severe exacerbations of asthma. In fact, recent studies have revealed that magnesium sulfate can be nebulized to reduce the symptoms of acute asthma (Blitz et al 2005).
* As a tocolytic agent, administered intravenously for the treatment of preterm labor.
* For acute treatment of migraine.
* In the treatment of tetanus
* In the managment of phaeochromocytoma

Here are some additional recommendations:

* Add one or two cups of epsom salts to warm bath water for a soothing and stress-reducing soak.
* Massage a handful of epsom salts over wet skin to cleanse, exfoliate, and soften the rough spots.
* Use a warm salt-soaked compress to reduce swelling from scrapes, use a cold compress to take the sting out of insect bites.
* Feed epsom salts to your plants, vegetables, and lawn for greener grass and big, healthy vegetables.