Does Epsom Salt Expire? Before I give a precise answer to that question, let me mention what Epsom salt is and some of its uses. This article discusses why Epsom salt cannot be considered a product that has an expiration date.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt, sometimes referred to as magnesium sulfate in scientific terms, is a chemical compound made up of three elements including magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen arranged to form a crystalline structure.
It was named after the town of Epsom in the English county of Surrey, where it was first discovered many years back.
Even though it has the same name as table salt, Epsom salt is definitely a completely distinct chemical. It was most likely given the name “salt” because of the chemical arrangement of its structure.
It has a close similarity to table salt and is frequently dissolved in baths, which is why it is also referred to as “bath salt” by so many people. While it has a similar appearance to table salt, it has a distinct flavor that is distinct from table salt. Epsom salt is harsh and disagreeable, and it should be avoided.
A small number of people continue to ingest it by dissolving the salt in water and drinking the solution. However, because of its flavor, it is unlikely that you will wish to include it in your meals.
What is Epsom Salt Used For?
This salt has been used to cure a variety of problems for hundreds of years, including constipation, sleeplessness, and fibromyalgia, to name a few. Unfortunately, the effects of this substance on these conditions have not been well investigated.
Epsom salt is a well-known treatment for a variety of health conditions.
The majority of the stated benefits of Epsom salt are linked to the presence of magnesium, which is a mineral that many people do not get enough of in their diets.
It is used to alleviate health concerns such as muscle discomfort and stress, among others. It’s also reasonably priced, simple to use, and completely harmless when taken as directed.
Epsom salt can be purchased online as well as at most drug and supermarket stores. It is usually found in the pharmacy or cosmetics section of the store.
Benefits of Epsom Salt
- Epsom salt helps with constipation.
- It is a source of magnesium to the body. Magnesium is needed for over 325 biochemical reactions in our bodies.
- Magnesium from the salt can help to increase muscle activity and recovery.
- Epsom salt promotes good sleep and reduces stress. An article in Healthline shows that low magnesium levels leads to poor sleep.
- Epsom salt can reduce pain and swelling caused by conditions such as arthritis.
Does Epsom Salt expire?
No, Epsom Salt does not expire. The salt is also called magnesium sulfate, which is a stable compound that does not degrade. Epsom salt also prevents growth of bacteria thereby preventing expiration. It may, however, become hard and clumpy after many years.
The efficacy of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) will not diminish (and the shelf life will not expire) provided it is maintained dry and away from moisture.
Epsom salt will not support the growth of bacteria or other germs and will remain safe as long as it does not become polluted from an external source of contamination.
So, yes, you can store your Epsom salt as long as you want.
Why Does Epsom Salt Expire?
It undergoes a simple process during ‘expiration.’ Epsom salt is only going to clump if it is stored at different temperatures for an extended period of time, which is the only possible thing that could happen to it.
When exposed to water for an extended period of time, a few molecules will lose or acquire hydration, resulting in the formation of clumps of chemical that can be readily broken up with a mortar and pestle. Epsom salt is still the active ingredient.
Allow me to explain this to you…
The reason Epsom salt has expiration date is legal requirement for it to have an expiration date.
In this instance (as well as in many others), the expiration date is completely meaningless. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been sitting in its container because magnesium sulphate is a simple chemical that doesn’t change. It is the container itself, rather than any other component, that is most likely to degrade with time. The water could theoretically become contaminated, but there will never be any bacterial or other form of development because magnesium sulphate (a different English spelling, in case you were wondering) does not sustain any life (specifically microbial) that we are aware of or can envisage growing in the water.
As a result, salt has no expiration date. The expiration date is simply a broad indication of how long it is likely to have a shelf life before it is affected by moisture.
Why Does Epsom Salt Last for So Long?
It is a simple chemical compound known as magnesium sulfate, and it is unlikely to degrade or lose its potency if kept in a cool, dry environment for long periods of time.
It can last for many years without expiring because bacteria and other microorganisms cannot grow in it.
In addition, the salt is made up of fewer compounds, which reduces the number of chemical reactions that could cause it to go bad.
Epsom salt will generally keep for several years beyond the expiration date on the label indicating it should be discarded. Even if it clumps or becomes or grows into hard solid, you may simply split it up or dissolve it before continuing.
Keeping it enclosed in its original packing or inside of a water-resistant container can prevent it from becoming hard. This isn’t essential, by the way.
Epsom salts are available in a variety of grades.
Some grades are designed for human consumption, while others are intended primarily for agricultural applications. It is intended for human consumption if the package contains a drug facts section or a USP label, and it complies with FDA criteria when it does.
Can Epsom salt be used after Expiration Date?
Yes, you can use Epsom salt 2-3 years after expiration date. Even after the Epsom salt’s ‘best before’ date has passed, it can be used just as usual. Other types of salt, such as rock salt, pickling salt, and bath salt, can also be utilized for an extended period of time too.
Overall, products such as Epsom salt must have an expiration date, which is required by law and merely shows the date after which the product should still look like and function like the original product.
This means that it shouldn’t clump or become hard before the expiration date has passed. It is feasible for those things to occur after the expiration date has been reached.
It is generally agreed that the expiration date on Epsom salt means little to nothing.
What happens when you use expired Epsom salt?
Nothing will happen if you use expired Epsom salt that is properly stored. It does not undergo chemical reactions and therefore, it won’t produce toxic substances unless stored in a container that reacts with it.
When maintained in a dry environment, Epsom salt is a basic chemical compound known as magnesium sulfate that is unlikely to deteriorate or lose its usefulness.
Epsom salt will keep for many years beyond the date on the label indicates it should be discarded. Even if it clumps or becomes difficult to work with, you may simply split it up or dissolve it before continuing.
Can Epsom be Salt Dangerous?
No, it is not dangerous. Epsom salt is generally believed to be extremely safe, although it does have some adverse effects that should be noted.
Being used as a natural laxative, it has the potential to cause diarrhea. However, it can also result in bloating and upset stomach. In order to reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach and bloating when using it as a laxative, it should be taken with lots of water.
How long do Epsom salts last once opened?
When using Epsom salt, there have also been reports of magnesium overdoses, which is not uncommon. Headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, and flushed skin are all possible side effects.
Opened Epsom salts will last about 3 years after expiration date.
You can, however, continue to use Epsom salt after the time period provided that you store it in the right circumstances.
The chemical composition of the substance is responsible for its lengthy shelf life. When compared to other substances, magnesium sulfate is more resistant to degradation.
In most cases, the projected expiration date is 2-3 years after the date of manufacture.
How To Store Epsom Salt
The preferred method to store Epsom Salt is in a ceramic or clay container. If you use a plastic lid to seal the container, you can keep the salt safely in ceramic or clay containers.
Container made of glass is also a great option for storage. Glass containers are an excellent alternative, provided that they are sealed with a plastic lid.
The plastic does an excellent job of keeping the salt from moisture, and the salt will last indefinitely if it is stored in an airtight plastic container with a tight fitting lid.