How To Use Epsom Salt To Manage High Blood Pressure?

December 12, 2023 by Mani Pandey

Does Epsom salt help for high blood pressure,

Epsom salt is a natural remedy for multiple health issues like inflammation, muscle aches, and stress. It is also believed to control blood pressure; however, the evidence is anecdotal. It is the little research that has made Epsom salt controversial and a matter of discussion whether it is useful or not.

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Epsom Salt For High Blood Pressure

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a chemical compound called magnesium sulfate consisting of magnesium and sulfate ions. It is used in two different ways to combat health issues-(1)

Taking Epsom salt bath
Drinking Epsom salt

While taking an Epsom salt bath is okay, some people should avoid drinking Epsom salt. People with heart disease, kidney disease, pregnant women, and children should avoid intake of Epsom salt in any form.

Since Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Epsom salt and there are no official health guidelines about its proper dosage, people with risky health conditions should avoid it straightaway or take it only under the direction of a health practitioner.

While FDA has not approved it, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention has independently evaluated the product. Therefore, before buying Epsom salt, always check the USP labels and ensure that you buy an authentic product to get maximum benefits.

Epsom Salt And High Blood Pressure

People with high blood pressure are advised to reduce salt intake. At the same time, hypertension patients should always take the prescribed medicines. Moreover, controlling salty foods consumption, foods with high preservatives, and processed food is beneficial. They should take a healthy diet and exercise regularly to control high blood pressure.(2)

Apart from these precautions, drinking enough water also gives good results among hypertension patients. It is when the role of Epsom salt in controlling high blood pressure comes to play.

According to a study, the blood pressure levels of two groups of people were calculated- one group drank salinated water, and the other group drank freshwater. While it was thought that people who drink salinated water would have higher blood pressure due to sodium, the opposite result came out.

People in the group who drank salinated water reported lower blood pressure. Researchers believe that it was not due to sodium but other minerals like calcium and magnesium, which was present in water.

Drinking Epsom Salt For Blood Pressure

Epsom salt has a laxative effect that helps people with constipation. Since the study has proved its benefits in controlling high blood pressure, you can add 2 to 6 teaspoons of Epsom salt to 8 ounces of water and drink.(3)

According to the study, the magnesium in Epsom salt will dissolve in water and helps to reduce high blood pressure. However, only a few studies have revealed this fact; therefore, we cannot believe this remedy completely.

Drinking Epsom talk and taking other preventive measures like less salt intake, a healthy diet, regular exercise, less processed food, and food with preservatives will help. A combined and holistic approach can help in controlling blood pressure issues.

Note: It is advised to take small doses of Epsom salt to avoid side effects. Do not consume too much Epsom salt because there is anecdotal evidence, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

Soaking In Epsom Salt Bath For Blood Pressure

Some researchers say that soaking in an Epsom salt bath can help control high blood pressure. Epsom salt dissolves in water and releases magnesium. When you soak in this water, magnesium is absorbed through the skin, relaxing the vascular muscles.(4)

As the pressure in these muscles relaxes, the blood pressure also reduces. Make sure you combine this method with proper nutrition and exercise to get the most out of it.

Final Words

Epsom salt helps to relieve certain health issues like inflammation, acne, constipation, and high blood pressure. But, due to less scientific evidence to support these claims, it is better to consult your doctor before using it.

Even though Epsom salt is safe for children and adults, people with certain health conditions should avoid it. Improper consumption can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, etc.

Scientific Evidence: