Q&A: Epsom salts for pain?

I’ve heard that soaking sore muscles in epsom salts can ease the pain. Is there any evidence to support that? —C.H., Hinesburg, Vt.

None that we could find. Magnesium, the major ingredient in epsom salts, does play a role internally in promoting healthy muscle and nerve function. And one small study found that it can be absorbed through the skin. But we found no evidence that soaking in epsom salts provides any relief to achy muscles. Still, heat in general can relax muscles, so a warm bath or foot soak might help. And adding epsom salts probably won't hurt. But talk to your doctor first if you have dry, sensitive skin or diabetes, which can make skin fragile.

This article first appeared in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.

Read more on conditions that affect your bones and muscles (free), learn how to better manage pain (free), and check out our Natural Medicine Ratings (subscribers only) on epsom salts.

Comments

[Jeff]

I enjoy soaking in my hot tub with epsom salts added. It seems to help my aches and pains.

[Kelly]

Epsom salts to women at risk of preterm delivery cuts the rate of cerebral palsy in their babies by nearly half. The study included 2,241 mothers who were at high risk for delivering between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation. Babies are considered to be premature if they are born before 37 weeks are completed. Researchers reported that moderate or severe cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 1.9 percent of women treated with injections of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), compared to 3.5 percent in those who were given a placebo.