Epsom Salt Flush
This article covers
Epsom salt origin + composition
Common laxatives and why they’re not great
Top Tips for an effective clear out
What to eat and what not to eat around the cleanse
origin
In 1618, Epsom salt was first discovered bubbling from a spring in the English town of Epsom, Surrey. Locals noticed that cattle avoided the water and that it had a distinctly bitter taste. When the water was left to evaporate, it left behind crystalline “salts” with a remarkable laxative effect. This natural remedy quickly became a sought-after treatment for constipation, attracting visitors from far and wide. Epsom soon earned its reputation as a spa town, with people travelling to bathe in its mineral-rich waters or drink them for their cleansing benefits.
epsom salt’s composition
Although Epsom salt looks similar to table salt, it’s an entirely different compound.
Table salt is made up of sodium chloride, whereas Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate—a mineral combination of magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen.
It’s the magnesium content that gives Epsom salt its well-known laxative effect, as well as many other health benefits. For a deeper dive into the science of magnesium—how it supports the body, and the symptoms and conditions it can help—see my article The Importance of Magnesium.
Common Laxatives
Laxatives come in several forms, each working in a different way. Some break down waste matter in the intestines, while others stimulate peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that move stool through the bowel.
Bulk-forming laxatives
Examples: Fibre supplements, psyllium husk
These absorb water in the bowel and swell, increasing stool bulk with the aim of making it softer and easier to pass. However, for many people—especially those already struggling with sluggish bowels—this can backfire, leading to more blockage rather than relief.
Emollient stool softeners
Examples: Docusate sodium, docusate calcium, DulcoLax, DulcoEase
These work by pulling water and fat into the stool to make it easier to pass. They are gentle and generally effective only for mild constipation.
Hyperosmotic laxative
Examples: Polyethylene glycol, glycerin
These draw water into the intestines to soften stool and help it move through more easily. They are fairly gentle and slow-acting.
Stimulant laxatives
Examples: Senna (sennosides), bisacodyl
These irritate the bowel lining, triggering peristalsis. While effective, they can cause cramping and, if overused, may make the bowel reliant on stimulation to function.
Lubricant laxative
Examples: Castor oil, mineral oil, magnesium hydroxide
These coat the stool with a slippery film, making it easier to pass. Castor oil is plant-derived, whereas mineral oil is petroleum-based. Castor oil can also stimulate peristalsis, but is best used occasionally.
saline laxatives
Examples: Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide
These work osmotically—drawing water from the body into the bowel. This helps soften stool, break down compacted matter, and clear the colon without the cramping often caused by stimulant laxatives. Of all types, saline laxatives (particularly magnesium sulfate) are among the most effective when used correctly.
Epsom Salt Benefits
an overview
When used occasionally and correctly, Epsom salt can provide wide-ranging support for the body, from digestion to detoxification:
✅ Digestive Support – Eases bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and incomplete bowel movements (including “pencil-thin” stools).
✅ Small Intestine Healing – May aid recovery of shortened or damaged villi, improving nutrient absorption.
✅ Bowel Health – Supports healing in conditions such as colitis, diverticulitis, and IBS.
✅ Pathogen Clearance – Helps flush out harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites by drawing them from the cells, reducing the risk of a heavy “die-off” reaction. Unlike many parasite cleanses that kill pathogens inside the body—causing them to release toxins into your system—Epsom salt helps move them out more gently, making it easier for your body to expel waste and return to wellness.
✅ Muscle Relaxation – Relieves sore or tight muscles after exercise or strain.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Action – Reduces discomfort linked to fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis.
✅ Pain Relief – May help ease headaches, migraines, and sciatic nerve pain.
✅ Hormonal Balance – Can relax uterine muscles to reduce painful period cramps.
✅ Energy Boost – Supports recovery from burnout and fatigue.
✅ Reduced Cravings – Helpful before starting an elimination diet to reset appetite and taste preferences.
✅ Magnesium Replenishment – Addresses temporary magnesium deficiency, supporting hundreds of bodily functions.
✅ Adrenal Support – Often used as a tonic to reduce the effects of adrenal fatigue.
✅ FDA Approved – Recognised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe laxative when used as directed.
The method
You can tailor the flush to your needs by choosing from three strength levels:
✅ Mild Cleanse – 2 teaspoons Epsom salt
✅ Medium Cleanse – 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
✅ Complete Cleanse – 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
Ingredients
Food-grade Epsom salt (no added oils, fragrances, or other non-edible ingredients)
25ml boiled water – just enough to dissolve your chosen amount of salt
2 ice cubes – helps cool the mixture and soften the salty taste
100ml orange juice (not from concentrate) or juice of half a lemon or vitamin C powder
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (helps maintain potassium levels, especially if flushing regularly)
Instructions
Dissolve – Add your chosen amount of Epsom salt to 25ml boiled water and stir until fully dissolved.
Cool – Drop in the ice cubes to chill the mixture.
Flavour & Support – Add your juice or vitamin C powder for taste and extra detox support.
Potassium Protection – Stir in ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar to help prevent mineral depletion.
Drink – Consume on an empty stomach for best results.
Hydrate – Follow with plenty of water or herbal tea throughout the day.
Note: If you plan to do this flush frequently (daily or weekly), only use small doses (¼ teaspoon Epsom salt) alongside cream of tartar to prevent mineral loss.
Magnesium Rich FoodS
Check out my Magnesium-Rich Food Index for a quick reference to the top animal- and plant-based sources, complete with magnesium content per 100g so you can plan your meals with ease.
Top Tips
for an effective cleanse
Loo Privacy – Choose a time when you have easy access to a bathroom and some privacy so you can relax and release fully.
Fresh Air or Fragrance – The clear-out can have a sulphuric smell, so keep a window open or use incense sticks to keep the space pleasant.
Best Timing – Morning is ideal, when your stomach is empty.
Hydrate Well – Epsom salts draw water into the intestines, so hydration is vital. Drink 1 litre of water immediately after taking the salts, then another litre steadily throughout the day.
Boost with Vitamin C – Adding vitamin C powder to the water can help activate the salts. Choose pure powders with no added sugars or fillers—ascorbic acid, baobab, or camu camu work well.
Keep Food Light – On cleanse day, stick to soups, salads, vegetables, and fruits. Eat only if hungry. Broths—vegetable or bone—are excellent for collagen, electrolytes, and gut support.
Avoid Grains – Skip grains, which can slow things down. If needed, have a small amount of potato or starchy veg.
Healthy Oils – Include good fats like olive oil, cod liver oil, or evening primrose oil to support bowel lubrication.
Manage Nausea – Some people feel queasy during the flush due to toxin release. If this happens, wait to eat until it passes, or sip on ginger tea to settle the stomach.
Check Effectiveness – If your movements are incomplete or “sputtery,” repeat with a smaller dose the next day. Sometimes the cleanse can take up to 12 hours if there’s compacted matter, but most people notice results within 1–2 hours.
What to Eat During Your Flush
Keep meals light to allow your digestive system to rest and your body to focus on detoxification.
✅ Broths & Soups – Vegetable, bone broth, homemade, or miso soups are ideal. They’re soothing, easy to digest, and replenish electrolytes.
✅ Fresh Salads – Light, raw or lightly steamed vegetables to provide fibre and nutrients without overburdening digestion.
✅ Fruits & Vegetables – Fresh and hydrating, rich in vitamins to support the cleanse.
✅ Fresh Juices – Can be used as meal replacements if you’re not feeling hungry.
✅ Quality Protein – If you feel like eating meat, go ahead—especially beef, which can help replenish iron stores that may be low or slightly depleted after the cleanse.
Some people prefer to fast (other than consuming liquids) on cleanse day to give the digestive system a complete rest—this is optional.
Listen to your gut:
If it feels bloated or sore → eat moderately and stick to lighter options.
If you feel fine → eat normally but avoid refined carbohydrates.
Foods to Avoid
For 1–2 days before and after your cleanse, avoid:
Refined carbohydrates (pasta, white rice, bread, pastries)
Processed foods
Sugary snacks or drinks
Grains that may slow digestion
Aftercare
✅ Keep drinking 1–2 litres water daily.
✅ Eat clean, whole foods for as long as possible after the cleanse.
✅ Notice reduced cravings as toxin load drops.
✅ Replenish gut bacteria with probiotic-rich foods (sauerkraut, kefir, live yogurt).
“Intestinal toxins = Mental toxins.”
So as you flush your bowels, you may just notice your mind letting go of some “crap” too!
After your cleanse, focus on rebuilding your gut health naturally:
Enjoy fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickled gherkins, kimchi, kombucha, miso soup, and live plain yogurt (unsweetened).
Add apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”) to water to help restore healthy acidity for proper digestion, especially of proteins.
Include good fats from oily fish (mackerel, salmon), coconut oil, and flaxseed.
Fresh juices can further nourish and hydrate.
Much love — and happy letting go!
Laura
Resources
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-brief-history-of-epsom-salt-242655
https://www.health.com/mind-body/what-is-serotonin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24465574/
https://alvinepharma.com/epsom-salt-cleanse/
https://www.progesteronetherapy.com/list-of-inflammatory-diseases.html
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/174047/scientists-find-salty-kill-mrsa/