Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure. It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable. For hundreds of years, this salt has been used to treat ailments, such as constipation, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effects on these conditions are not well researched. Most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium, a mineral that a lot of people do not get enough of.