Yes, Epsom salt water can be drunk in specific, small doses as an over‑the‑counter laxative, but it is not something to drink casually and can be risky.

When it is sometimes used

• Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, and oral solutions are occasionally used to relieve constipation because they draw water into the intestines and trigger a bowel movement.

• Typical adult dosing on some products is a few teaspoons dissolved in a large glass of water, but exact amounts must follow the package directions or a doctor’s instructions.

Risks and who should avoid it

• Drinking Epsom salt can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, dehydration, dizziness, and in higher amounts irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and serious magnesium toxicity.

• Children, pregnant people, and anyone with kidney, heart, or bowel disease are specifically advised not to drink Epsom salt solutions unless a doctor directly tells them to.

Practical advice

• Do not drink Epsom salt water for “detox,” weight loss, or routine hydration; it is not a general-purpose drink and has no proven benefit for those uses.

• If you are constipated, it is safer to talk with a healthcare professional about whether an Epsom salt laxative is appropriate for you and what dose is safe, or to use other recommended laxatives instead.