July/August 2011  ISSN-1059-6518  Volume 24  Number 4

Epsom Salts – MgSO4

By Frank Hubbell, DO

What is Epsom Salts?

Epsom salts consists of magnesium sulfate, MgSO4, simply magnesium plus sulfate. The name comes from the town of Epsom in England, where the mineral was originally distilled from the water of springs that came up through the porous chalk in the area.

Epsom salts is a readily available, over-the-counter, inexpensive compound with a variety of medicinal uses. In this particular article we will focus on its usefulness in treating skin infections like cellulitis. Read more