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Can You Use Epsom Salt to Clean a Wound?

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, can be used for a variety of different purposes. That said, Epsom salt is not the best choice for cleaning a wound. It can, however, be used to promote healing and ease wound discomfort.

  1. History

    • Epsom salt gets its name from Epsom, England, where it was first prepared from the waters of a mineral spring around 1770.

    Preparations

    • When you have a wound, you can prepare an Epsom salt soak to help loosen splinters and embedded insect stingers, and to ease discomfort. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a gallon of water to make an Epsom salt compress for the same purpose.

    Identification

    • Epsom salt is a chemical compound. Its chemical name is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate or MgSO4 7H2O. It is a colorless crystal that is shaped like a needle.

    Features

    • Epsom salt is primarily used as a laxative. When ingested, Epsom salt draws moisture to the intestines, which in turn helps the bowels move.

    Fun Fact

    • Epsom salt is sold for use as a laxative, but it can be used for numerous other purposes. For example, when used in gardening it may help plants increase the production of chlorophyll and improve the phosphorus and nitrogen uptake.

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