Epsom Salt Laxative: How And When To Use It

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a popular natural remedy for constipation. It is available at most drugstores and grocery stores and is generally safe for adults and children over 6 years old to use. However, it is important to note that it should not be used for more than one week without consulting a doctor.

To use Epsom salt as a laxative, mix 2-4 teaspoons of the salt with 8 ounces of water and drink the mixture. It is recommended to drink this solution twice a day, with at least 4 hours between doses, for up to 4 days. It is important to stay hydrated while taking Epsom salt as a laxative, as it can cause dehydration. Additionally, it should not be used by individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking certain medications.

How to mix Epsom salt with water

To mix Epsom salt with water, follow these steps:

First, heat eight ounces of water in a pot over medium heat. Do not let the water boil, but make sure it is warmer than room temperature. This should take a few minutes.

Next, add two to four teaspoons of Epsom salt to the warm water. If you are giving this mixture to a child between the ages of six and twelve, add one to two teaspoons of Epsom salt instead. Stir the mixture well under low heat until all the salt has dissolved. If you find the salty taste unpleasant, you can add a small amount of lemon juice to improve the flavour.

Once the salt has dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool. Allow it to cool down to a comfortable temperature for drinking.

After it has cooled, drink the entire mixture at once. It is safe to consume this mixture up to twice a day, with at least four hours between doses, for up to four days. Be sure to stay well-hydrated by increasing your water intake while taking Epsom salt as a laxative.

It is important to note that Epsom salt should not be used as a laxative for more than one week without consulting a doctor. Additionally, it should not be given to children under six years old unless recommended by a doctor. If you are experiencing severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice before taking Epsom salt.

Dosage for adults

The dosage of Epsom salt for adults depends on the concentration of the salt and the volume of water. The standard dosage for adults is 2 to 6 level teaspoons (12 to 36 g) of Epsom salt dissolved in 8 ounces (237 mL) of warm water. It is important to stir the mixture well under low heat until all the salt has dissolved. The mixture should then be allowed to cool to a comfortable temperature before consuming it.

It is recommended to add lemon juice to improve the taste, as the salty flavour can be unpleasant. This mixture can be consumed up to twice a day, with at least 4 hours between doses, and for a maximum of 4 days. It is important not to exceed the maximum recommended dose of 6 teaspoons (36 g) per day for adults.

Epsom salt usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. If there are no results after two doses, it is advised to consult a doctor. It is also important to note that Epsom salt should not be used for more than one week without medical advice.

Additionally, it is crucial to stay hydrated while taking Epsom salt as a laxative. It is recommended to increase water intake to prevent dehydration and maintain healthy water levels in the body.

Dosage for children

It is generally advised not to give Epsom salt to children under 6 years old. The safety of Epsom salt as a laxative on this age group has not been tested.

For children between the ages of 6 and 12, a dose of 1 to 2 level teaspoons (6 to 12 g) of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water is recommended. It is important to note that this dosage is for occasional constipation and should not be used for more than one week without consulting a doctor.

If there are no results after the first dose, another dose can be given, but it should be at least 4 hours after the first dose. However, it is not recommended to give more than two doses per day, and a maximum of two glasses per day should not be exceeded.

It is crucial to monitor for any side effects, such as nausea or bloating, and to seek medical advice if these occur. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the child is consuming enough water to stay hydrated while taking Epsom salt as a laxative.

It is also worth noting that Epsom salt should not be given to children with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or a magnesium-restricted diet, without consulting a doctor first.

Side effects

While Epsom salt is generally safe, there are some side effects to be aware of when consuming it as a laxative. Firstly, it is important to note that Epsom salt should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. It is meant to be taken occasionally and should not be used for more than one week without consulting a doctor.

Diarrhea and Upset Stomach

The most common side effects of Epsom salt are diarrhea and an upset stomach. These can occur due to the laxative effect of the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt, which increases water in the intestines. It is important to drink plenty of liquids while taking Epsom salt to avoid dehydration.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Overuse of laxatives, including Epsom salt, may cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body. This can lead to symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat.

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, Epsom salt may cause allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek emergency medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.

Magnesium Overdose

Consuming too much Epsom salt can lead to magnesium overdose, which can have serious, life-threatening side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, flushing, a feeling of warmth or redness, a slow heart rate, extreme drowsiness, or fainting. In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, altered mental status, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily limit.

Drug Interactions

Magnesium sulfate can interact with certain medications, especially antibiotics. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Epsom salt if you are on any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal products.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

People with certain medical conditions should exercise caution when using Epsom salt as a laxative. For example, those with kidney disease, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon, or a sudden change in bowel habits should consult a doctor before use. Additionally, those on a low-magnesium diet or with eating disorders should also seek medical advice.

It is always advisable to speak to a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or medication, including Epsom salt, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs and medical history.

Precautions and risks

While Epsom salt is generally considered safe for adults and children over 6 years old, there are some important precautions and risks to be aware of when using it as a laxative.

Firstly, it is crucial to select the right type of Epsom salt. Look for the mark "USP" (United States Pharmacopeia) on the package and ensure it has a drug facts box indicating that it meets FDA standards. Do not consume Epsom salt intended for external use, such as bathing or fertiliser.

When taking Epsom salt as a laxative, follow the dosage guidelines carefully. For adults and children over 12, the recommended dose is 2-4 teaspoons dissolved in 8 ounces of water. For children aged 6-11, the dose is 1-2 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water. Do not exceed two doses per day and do not use continuously for more than a week without consulting a doctor.

It is also important to drink plenty of water while taking Epsom salt to avoid dehydration and prevent mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.

Do not use Epsom salt as a laxative if you are experiencing severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting two weeks or longer. Additionally, consult your doctor before using Epsom salt if you have kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, or an eating disorder.

Epsom salt may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics such as tobramycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, and amikacin. It is important to consult your physician before using Epsom salt if you are taking corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, diuretics, pain relievers, antacids, or antidepressants.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using Epsom salt as a laxative, as it may interfere with the absorption of calcium and potentially affect the growth and development of a fetus.

Finally, discontinue use and seek medical advice if you do not have a bowel movement after two doses or experience rectal bleeding, as these may be signs of a more serious condition.

Frequently asked questions