What is Epsom salt and what does magnesium do for your body?
You may have heard the name Epsom salt in the context of floating, a foot bath, or a wellness treatment. But what exactly is Epsom salt? What form of magnesium does it contain, and is it the same as the magnesium found in supplements?
In this article, we explain the differences calmly and clearly.
Take your time to read.
Contents
- What is Epsom salt?
- What is magnesium?
- Different forms of magnesium
- Magnesium Chloride
- Magnesium Sulfate – Epsom Salt
- Magnesium at Relaxing Time
- Good to Know
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is the common name for magnesium sulfate. It has been used for many years in baths and wellness rituals.
The chemical formula of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is MgSO₄·7Hâ‚‚O. When Epsom salt dissolves in water, it separates into magnesium ions (Mg²âº) and sulfate ions (SO₄²â»).
At Relaxing Time, we use pure Epsom salt in our float water. The high concentration of salt increases the density of the water, allowing you to float effortlessly.
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral and chemical element with the symbol Mg. The body needs magnesium for a variety of normal functions.
Magnesium contributes, among other things, to the normal functioning of muscles and the nervous system, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the maintenance of normal bones.
Magnesium naturally occurs in foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables.
Different Forms of Magnesium
The word magnesium can refer to different types of magnesium compounds. The substance magnesium is combined with determines which form it is.
| Form | Combined with | For example found in |
| Magnesium chloride | chloride | magnesium oils and magnesium gels |
| Magnesium sulfate | sulfate | Epsom salt and bath products |
| Magnesium citrate | citrate | dietary supplements |
| Magnesium oxide | oxygen | some dietary supplements |
| Magnesium carbonate | carbonate | various supplements and other products |
| Magnesium hydroxide | hydroxide | some medicines and digestive products |
Although these products all contain magnesium, they are different compounds and do not automatically have the same properties or applications.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is used, among other things, in magnesium oils and magnesium gels.
The composition and properties of a product can vary. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the ingredient list of a specific product.
Magnesium Sulfate – Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. The form commonly found in Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O).
At Relaxing Time, we use pure Epsom salt in our float water. The salt creates the high water density that makes floating possible.
Magnesium at Relaxing Time
At Relaxing Time, we use magnesium in different ways as part of our wellness treatments.
For floating, we use pure Epsom salt. We also use various Permsal magnesium products during our wellness treatments, including gels and Magnesium Body Scrub.
The magnesium in Epsom salt is not the same as simply taking a magnesium supplement. Epsom salt consists of magnesium sulfate and is used externally at Relaxing Time as part of our wellness treatments.
Would you like to know exactly which products we use and with which treatments?
Visit our Products page.
Good to Know
The fact that a product contains magnesium does not automatically mean that every magnesium product has the same effect or application.
Products can also differ in composition and use. For a specific product, always check the ingredients and instructions for use.
At Relaxing Time, we use Epsom salt and magnesium products as part of our wellness and body care treatments. It is all about creating a moment of warmth, care, attention and relaxation.
A break from the rush. A moment just for you.