Did you know that there are 20 ways you can use Epsom salt? (*) Yes, it’s more than just for Epsom salt bath! Wait.
We know that look. You’re heading to your bathroom cabinet now to try some of these uses right now, aren’t you? Well, before you use the salt, shouldn’t you check out the printed date on the package first? Ohh. The printed date was years ago?
Well, would it still be safe to use it, though? Or does epsom salt expire or go bad?
The not-so-salty truth:
Other information you’ll discover:
Are you ready to explore exciting facts about Epsom salt? Well then, let’s get started!
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom Salt is a chemical known as Magnesium Sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral containing three elements: Magnesium, Oxygen, and Sulfur.
Its appearance is the same as table salt’s, but its taste is bitter and unpalatable. So instead of using it for cooking, most people dissolve it in hot water for bathing as a healing agent, and that’s why it’s also usually referred to as bathing salt.
Epsom bath salts are said to help relieve swelling, address body aches, and reduce stress.
Due to the chemical known as Magnesium offers plenty of health benefits, and many people use it to treat a wide range of ailments.
Does Epsom Salt Expire?
Good news: Epsom salt doesn’t expire due to its chemical composition.
You see, the Magnesium Sulfate compound doesn’t get broken down quickly, so it lasts for a long time.
But why does it have an expiration date? Good question.
Here’s what you need to understand:
In non-perishable and non-food products like Epsom salt, the printed date is not an expiration date but a best before date.
The purpose of the date is to tell you when the product will gradually lose its freshness, so it has nothing to do with the product’s safety. Because of this, you can still use Epsom salt even if it’s way past the printed date.
How Long Does Epsom Salt Last?
Typically, the marked expiration date of Epsom salt is 2 to 3 years after its manufacturing date. But since the printed date is not an expiration date but a best before date, you can still use Epsom salt even years past the best before date.
So how many years can you use Epsom Salt? Experts say you can use it for up to 7 years past the best before date. But they have a disclaimer: you can use it for longer as long as there are no signs of spoilage or contamination.
- Pro Tip: So, instead of focusing on the product’s best before date or expiration date, you should pay attention to any signs of spoilage before using the salt.
How To Tell If Epsom Salt Is Bad?
There is only one way that Epsom salt will go bad—when it gets wet or exposed to moisture. Because of this, the only signs that you should look for are hard textures and clumps.
How to Store Epsom Salt?
As long as Epsom Salt is stored correctly, it can retain its potency even after its expiration date or best before the date has passed. Because of this, you need to learn how to store Epsom salt properly.
Since you only need to protect your salt from two things (moisture and contamination), this is a relatively easy thing to do. Here are some food storage tips to help you out:
1. Keep your Epsom salt in an airtight container.
If you want to enjoy your Epsom salt for longer, you need to protect it from air and moisture. The best way to do that is to keep it in an airtight container and store it in a place with no to minimum moisture content.
2. Take extra precautions in removing unwanted moisture from Epsom salt.
There’s nothing wrong with taking extra steps to prevent unwanted moisture and ensure that your salt won’t get hard and clumpy.
One trick that we love to do is put a small pack of uncooked rice grains in the same container as your Epsom salt. This can help absorb excess moisture, ensuring that your salt will stay fresh for longer.
3. Store in a dark place.
In addition to storing it in a cool and dry place, you have to make sure that you keep it away from light as well. This can help prevent oxidation in the long run.
4. Protect the salt from contamination as well.
In addition to moisture, you need to protect it from insects, dust, and other contaminants. You can do this by keeping the container shut as tightly as possible.
Other Related Questions
Have you ever noticed that after a while, your Epsom salt doesn’t look quite the same? It may start to darken in color and its texture can change. That’s because your Epsom salt has expired!
Although using expired Epsom salt might not give you the therapeutic results that it used to, it can still be useful in cleaning around the house and for other home remedies.
But one thing you should absolutely never do is consume expired Epsom salts, as this could lead to some pretty nasty side effects. They are including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in some cases, even convulsions.
Excessive use of the expired salt could also result in extreme dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming expired Epsom salts, seek medical attention immediately.
Yes, Epsom salts do deteriorate over time. As the salt is exposed to air and moisture, it can start to darken in color and can change texture.
Using expired Epsom salt may not give you the same therapeutic benefits that fresh salt does.
So you should always check for an expiration date before using your Epsom salt.
Epsom salt should not be used if you have open cuts or sores, if you are pregnant, or if you are allergic to magnesium sulfate.
It is also important to consult your doctor before using Epsom salt for any health issues, as it may interact with medications or other treatments.
Additionally, Epsom salt should not be consumed orally in large amounts.
Yes, Epsom salt does have a best before date. This date can usually be found on the label of the product, and indicates that the salt’s therapeutic properties will start to deteriorate over time.
Using Epsom salt that has passed its best before date may not provide the same health benefits as fresher salts.
Interesting Facts:
What are the side effects of using Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is considered generally safe for external use. However, it may potentially cause a few side effects when taken orally. Here are some of them:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Extreme Fatigue
- Blurry Vision
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Table salt vs. Epsom salt: Which should you choose?
To be honest, these two types of salt are not in any way comparable with one another. While these both have salt in their names, they have different chemical structures and other uses.
Table salt contains Sodium and Chlorine elements which gives it its salty taste. Due to its chemical composition and taste, this is considered a cooking salt.
On the other hand, Epsom Salt contains Oxygen, Magnesium, and Sulfur properties, making it acidic and bitter. This is why Epsom salt should only be used externally and not suitable for cooking.
What are the things to consider when buying Epsom salt?
To ensure that you can get high-quality Epsom salt, here are some things you need to keep in mind when you buy Epsom salt:
Invest only in trustworthy brands:
- Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. So if you want a high-quality Epsom salt, you should open in shelling out higher amounts to get trustworthy brands.
Look for Epsom salts that contain 100% Magnesium Sulfate:
- It should be pure 100% Magnesium Sulfate—nothing less.
Know the grades of your Epsom Salt.
- Epsom salts come in two grades: USP Grade and Technical Grade.
- First is the USP Grade or Food Grade. USP grade Epsom salts are strictly quality controlled and considered safe for human use.
- Also called Agricultural Grade or Industrial Grade, Technical Grade Epsom Salt is formulated for industrial use. This grade may contain impurities, so it’s not suitable for human consumption.
The Bottom Line
Even though Epsom salt has many uses, it’s still quite affordable. That’s why many people stock up on this essential (yes, you’re not the only one!). However, you’d end up wasting money (instead of saving) if you won’t store your Epsom salt properly.
Does epsom salt expire? Can it really go bad? Remember that Epsom salt lasts almost indefinitely (for up to 10 years) as long as it’s been stored correctly and kept away from moisture and potential contaminants, so you can still use expired salt.
Luckily, all the information you need to make the most out of Epsom salt is already right here, so what else is stopping you?
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