Epsom salt is a crystallized form of magnesium sulfate. Some people use it as a traditional remedy for constipation.

The Food and Drug Administration approves the use of magnesium sulfate as a laxative. Laxatives can help a person have a bowel movement when they are temporarily constipated.

However, using Epsom salt for constipation can have risks, and there are some groups of people who should not try this home remedy.

Read on to learn how to use Epsom salt for constipation, what possible risks to consider, and when to contact a doctor.

People can buy Epsom salt at most drugstores, natural food stores, and online.

When using Epsom salt for constipation, it is essential to read the instructions carefully, as manufacturer recommendations can vary.

The Epsom salt must be food-grade quality, meaning people can consume it safely. Manufacturers sell Epsom salt for bathing and even as fertilizer, so it is essential to read the packaging.

Instructions may vary between products, but an example of directions for use includes the following:

  • Use the amount of Epsom salt based on a person’s age. Adults and children aged 12 years or older may take 2 to 6 level teaspoons, or 10 to 30 grams (g), daily. Children ages 6 to 12 years take 1 to 2 level teaspoons, or 5 to 10 g, daily. Children under the age of 6 years should not use Epsom salt as a laxative unless a doctor recommends this treatment.
  • Mix the Epsom salts into an 8-ounce glass of water. A person can also divide the doses across the course of a day but should never exceed the daily limit.
  • Add lemon juice, if desired, to improve the taste. Drink the entire mixture.

After a person uses Epsom salt for constipation, they will usually have a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Epsom salt attracts more fluid to the bowel. This extra fluid stretches the intestines and helps move stool along.

If a person uses Epsom salt for 2 days in a row without having a bowel movement, they should not continue to use it. They can either try an alternative laxative or talk with their doctor for further treatment recommendations.

Epsom salt is not a long term treatment for chronic constipation.

People with kidney disease should not take Epsom salt. Healthy kidneys filter particles such as magnesium. When the kidneys do not work as well, excess magnesium can build up in the body.

If a person is on a low-magnesium diet, they should also avoid using Epsom salt.

Hypermagnesemia, or high magnesium levels in the blood, can also occur in people without renal dysfunction. It is important to never take more than the recommended dose.

Because of the risk of developing high magnesium levels, a person should not use Epsom salt as a laxative frequently.

A person should not use laxatives at all if they have the following symptoms in addition to constipation:

  • abdominal pain
  • fever
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Instead, they should seek immediate medical attention. People should also go to the emergency room if they experience rectal bleeding.

If a person suspects they have ingested too much Epsom salt, they should call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or their local emergency number.

Symptoms of excess magnesium consumption include:

  • flushing
  • drowsiness
  • fainting
  • slow heart rate

It is best to consult a healthcare professional if constipation does not resolve with Epsom salts or other laxatives, or if constipation keeps coming back.

Severe or long term constipation can indicate an underlying medical condition. This could include a bowel obstruction, which is when stool cannot move past a certain point in the intestines.

Signs and symptoms of constipation include:

  • having fewer than three bowel movements in a week
  • having stools that are lumpy or dry
  • having stools that are painful or hard to pass
  • straining significantly when having a bowel movement

Having regular bowel movements is essential for eliminating waste and preventing discomfort and stomach fullness.

Many people experience constipation from time to time. If methods such as eating more fiber, exercising, and drinking more water do not relieve constipation, a person may want to consider trying Epsom salt.

Some people use Epsom salt as a laxative by drinking it with water. It can be an effective treatment for relief from short term or occasional constipation.

A person should carefully read instructions and consult their doctor to ensure Epsom salt is a suitable treatment for them. People with kidney problems and anyone following a low-magnesium diet should avoid consuming Epsom salt.

A person should consult a healthcare professional if they regularly experience constipation. They can help determine if there is a specific underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments for constipation relief.