What does Epsom salt do?

According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt is used to relieve sore muscles, help remove splinters and fade bruises. It is also an effective treatment to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with bee stings, mosquito bites, sunburn and poison ivy.

For relief from muscle pain, Epsom salt is commonly added to bath water before soaking for a minimum of 12 minutes, according to the Epsom Salt Council. For other localized treatments, Epsom salt can be mixed with water and soaked into a washcloth or towel to apply directly to the skin. Epsom salt is composed of both magnesium and sulfate, and soaking in the dissolved salts can help raise the body's level of both of these vital nutrients.