Bitter-tasting chemical (magnesium sulfate) commonly dissolved in water and swallowed to treat heartburn and constipation. It may also be prescribed to prevent seizures (especially in preeclampsia) and is used as a soaking solution for treatment of inflammations.
The popular name for magnesium sulphate, which was used as a saline purgative.
Chemically known as magnesium sulphate, Epsom salts has various uses. Taken by mouth as a purgative, it can be used in two ways: a teaspoonful dissolved in about a quarter tumbler of water draws fluid out of the body and produces a watery stool; this is also used as a method of dehydration in certain diseases. The second method, in which a teaspoonful is dissolved in a half pint or more of water, also acts as a purgative but only because the Epsom salts prevents water from being absorbed by the body, and the half pint that is swallowed goes through the gut unabsorbed, washing as it goes, and producing a watery stool. This is the better way of using Epsom salts as a purgative because it is merely a mechanical washing out of the bowel, whereas if the salts are taken in a small quantity of water, although opening the bowels, it makes one feel low in spirits. Injected into the blood, a solution of Epsom salts provokes dehydration of the brain and is used in certain nervous disorders. Epsom salts is also incorporated with glycerine to form a paste known as magnesium sulphate paste, which, because of its drawing action, is used on boils to bring them to a head, or on dirty wounds to draw out body fluid to wash the wound clean. A saturated solution of magnesium sulphate, made by dissolving as much Epsom salts as possible in water, makes a hypertonic lotion for use as a soothing application for such conditions as sunburn.