Is Epsom Salt Good for Drinking? The Dangers and Safe Alternatives

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Epsom salt, a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate, discovered over 400 years ago in Epsom, England, has been used for various therapeutic purposes. However, is Epsom salt good for drinking and is it truly safe for consumption?

Quick Summary

The risks of drinking Epsom salt include potential magnesium toxicity, severe dehydration, and other adverse side effects. It details its use as an oral laxative under medical supervision versus its common and safer application as a bath soak. It provides guidelines for proper usage and cautions against its consumption for detox purposes.

Key Points

Not for Casual Drinking: Drinking Epsom salt is generally not advised due to significant health risks, including magnesium toxicity.
Use with Caution as a Laxative: Its only FDA-approved oral use is as a short-term laxative for constipation, but only at recommended doses and under medical supervision.
High Risk for Specific Groups: Individuals with kidney or heart disease, pregnant women, and children should strictly avoid ingesting Epsom salt.
Beware of Toxicity: Excessive intake can cause hypermagnesemia, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.
Dehydration is a Real Threat: The powerful laxative effect can cause severe diarrhea, which may result in dangerous dehydration.
Topical Use is Safer: The safest way to use Epsom salt is by dissolving it in a warm bath to soothe muscles and aid relaxation.
Seek Medical Advice First: Always consult a doctor before consuming Epsom salt, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Rely on Safer Alternatives: For constipation, opt for fiber-rich foods and water. For magnesium, consider dietary sources or physician-approved supplements.

What is Epsom Salt and Its Common Uses?

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound that is not the same as table salt (sodium chloride). The mineral is used by dissolving its crystals in warm bath water for a therapeutic soak. This application is believed to help with muscle aches, inflammation, and general relaxation, though scientific evidence for transdermal absorption is inconclusive. Other common, topical uses include foot soaks for tired feet and soaking minor sprains or bruises.

Oral Consumption for Constipation Relief

Magnesium sulfate is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an oral laxative for short-term relief of constipation. It works by drawing water into the colon, which softens the stool and promotes a bowel movement. When used for this specific purpose, it is critical to follow the instructions and dosage on the product label precisely, and never to exceed the recommended amount without consulting a healthcare professional. Oral consumption is only recommended for occasional use, not for chronic or long-term management of constipation.

The Dangers of Drinking Epsom Salt

Drinking Epsom salt is not advisable due to significant health risks, especially if not done under strict medical supervision. The compound has a powerful laxative effect that can lead to rapid and extreme bowel movements.

Magnesium Toxicity (Hypermagnesemia): Ingesting too much Epsom salt can lead to a dangerous buildup of magnesium in the body. This is particularly risky for individuals with kidney disease, as their kidneys may be unable to excrete the excess magnesium efficiently. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity can include muscle weakness, confusion, low blood pressure, and a dangerously slowed or irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac arrest.
Severe Dehydration: The potent laxative effect can cause severe diarrhea, leading to significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Dehydration can be a serious medical issue, and the risk increases with misuse or excessive consumption.
Digestive Discomfort: Common side effects include bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, and an upset stomach, which can be quite unpleasant.
Unproven Detox Claims: Many online detox plans promote drinking Epsom salt, but these claims are not backed by scientific evidence. The severe diarrhea it causes is often mistaken for a cleansing process, but it is actually an adverse reaction that can be very dangerous.

Oral vs. Topical Epsom Salt Use: A Comparison

The different applications and safety profiles are highlighted here:


Feature	Oral Consumption	Topical Use (Bath Soak)
Purpose	Primarily a potent laxative for constipation relief.	Relaxes muscles, soothes aches, reduces stress, and exfoliates skin.
Safety	High risk, especially for those with kidney or heart conditions, and not for children. Potential for magnesium toxicity.	Generally safe for most people, low risk of side effects. Can cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Absorption	Readily absorbed in the intestines, causing a systemic laxative effect.	Limited and inconclusive evidence of significant absorption through the skin.
Recommended Use	Occasional and short-term use only, with doctor's approval.	Frequent use is generally considered safe and beneficial for external purposes.
Side Effects	Diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, dehydration, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat.	Dryness or irritation of the skin.

Precautions and Who Should Avoid Drinking Epsom Salt

Some individuals should strictly avoid drinking Epsom salt altogether. This includes:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women: There is a risk of adverse effects for both mother and baby.
Individuals with kidney disease: Their bodies cannot process excess magnesium properly, increasing the risk of toxicity.
People with heart disease: High magnesium levels can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Children: Children are at a higher risk of overdose and severe side effects from ingesting Epsom salt.
Anyone with existing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting: Taking an oral laxative in this state is not recommended and can worsen symptoms.

Safe Alternatives and Best Practices

Safer and more effective methods exist for treating constipation and boosting magnesium levels.

For Constipation: Increase dietary fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying hydrated with plain water is also crucial. Over-the-counter laxatives specifically formulated for this purpose are available, but a doctor should always be consulted for persistent issues.
For Magnesium Levels: The best way to increase magnesium is through dietary sources, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Oral magnesium supplements, available in forms like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide, are a more reliable and controlled way to boost levels under a doctor's guidance.
For Relaxation: The safest and most common way to enjoy the therapeutic effects of Epsom salt is by taking a warm bath with it. The soothing experience can help relax muscles and relieve stress.

Conclusion

While Epsom salt has long been prized for its topical uses in baths and soaks, its suitability for drinking is highly limited and potentially dangerous. The practice of drinking Epsom salt for detox or general health is not supported by science and carries a significant risk of magnesium toxicity, severe dehydration, and other adverse effects. The only medically sanctioned oral use is as an occasional, short-term laxative for constipation, strictly under medical supervision and adhering to recommended dosages. For most people, enjoying a relaxing Epsom salt bath remains the safest and most effective way to experience its benefits. Consult a healthcare professional regarding any supplement use, especially before considering ingesting magnesium sulfate.

Medical News Today provides detailed information on the uses and side effects of Epsom salt, reinforcing the caution against unsafe consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary danger is a magnesium overdose, also known as hypermagnesemia, which can lead to serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

No, drinking Epsom salt for detox is not scientifically proven and can be very dangerous. The severe diarrhea it causes can lead to dehydration and is an adverse effect, not a healthy cleanse.

Epsom salt is safest when used externally as a bath soak to relieve muscle aches, inflammation, and stress. Always follow product instructions for topical use and avoid ingesting it unless directed by a doctor.

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, a mineral compound, while table salt is sodium chloride. They are chemically different, with Epsom salt having a bitter taste and potent laxative properties when ingested, unlike table salt.

If a child ingests Epsom salt, it can cause severe diarrhea, bloating, and upset stomach. You should immediately contact a poison control center and seek medical assistance.

Yes, individuals with kidney disease, heart disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children should never drink Epsom salt. It is also contraindicated for those with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

For constipation relief, safer alternatives include increasing fiber intake through diet, drinking plenty of water, and using over-the-counter laxatives specifically formulated for that purpose, as recommended by a doctor.

Early signs of magnesium toxicity can include flushing, drowsiness, upset stomach, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. As levels increase, more serious symptoms like confusion, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression may appear.