Chemically, Epsom salt is known as hydrated magnesium sulfate with the formula
MgSO4 - 7H2O. It was named for a town
where it occured naturally in the mineral water. Of course, Epsom salt doesn't usually come from Epsom
these days just as most hamburgers don't come from Hamburg.
As a home remedy, Epsom salt is used as both a soaking agent and as a laxative. It is also used as a
fertilizer for a wide variety of plants. In case you're wondering, it doesn't taste "salty" , instead it
has a rather bitter taste.
Like sugar, Epsom salt grains are irregular in shape and vary in size. When Epsolm salt is dissolved and
allowed to dry undisturbed it forms interesting patterns like those seen above.
