Share:
Glauber's salt - effect and application
contents
Historical review
How the Glauber salt works
application
Who should not use Glauber's salt
side effects
preparation
Gentle alternatives to Glauber's salt
Natrum sulphuricum: use in naturopathy
Historical review
The name Glaubersalz goes back to the doctor and pharmacist Johann R. Glauber. He developed this remedy from sodium chloride and sulfuric acid, which he called Sal mirabilis. Sodium sulfate is rarely produced from natural minerals, as it is often a by-product of the chemical industry. Sodium sulfate is used in detergents as a filler and is also used in the glass, textile and paint industries. But also in spas, such as Marienbad, Glauber's salt is included.
How the Glauber salt works
The Glauber's salt works by the mode of action of osmosis. This means that water from the blood is returned to the intestine and not withdrawn, as is usual in a normal digestive process. This is due to the high salt concentration, which is due to the Glauber's salt in the intestine. It binds the water in the intestine, which enlarges the lumen, causing the intestine to move and defecate faster, diarrhea-like. Glauber's salt tastes extremely bitter. This can be alleviated somewhat by adding lemon or orange juice. When using Glauber's salt, it is important to return the lost liquid to the body through sufficient drinking.
Against a constipation Glauber's salt can be extremely helpful. Image: Eskymaks / fotolia.de application
The Glauber's salt is now mostly used to prepare for a fasting cure. Also for the colon cleansing before colonoscopy this salt is included in the prescribed remedies. Glauber's salt is also used to temporarily remove massive blockage.
Who should not use Glauber's salt
Glauber's salt should not be used if the person has a sensitive gastrointestinal tract. Also be careful when taking the anti-baby pill. This should be taken in any case at a sufficient distance to Glauber's salt, so they do not lose their effect through the evacuation. Hypertension patients should never use this laxative as it may increase blood pressure even more. Also, the intake is contraindicated in disorders of water and electrolyte balance, as well as existing intestinal inflammation and unclear abdominal pain. Glauber's salt is generally not suitable for regular use. To eliminate recurring constipation, other, gentler methods should be used.
side effects
The intake of Glauber's salt usually costs a lot of effort. Again and again sufferers report having to vomit after a few sips. By taking this laxative minerals, such as potassium can be lost to the body, which can lead to a potassium deficiency and corresponding heart disorders and muscle weaknesses. Therefore, heart patients should not use Glauber's salt. The effect of medication can be reduced or altered by the laxative salt. These are therefore best taken only after complete defecation. This also applies to the anti-baby pill. The amount of sodium in the body increases with the use of Glauber's salt, which can lead to the development of edema. The effect of Glauber's salt is sometimes very intense. Therefore, a medical clarification before taking is recommended.
preparation
For a Glauber's salt drink, place one to three heaped teaspoons in a glass of lukewarm water. The amount depends on body weight and sensitivity. The whole thing is stirred until all the crystals have dissolved. To lessen the bitter taste, some lemon or orange juice can be added to the drink. The Glauber's salt drink, when all is dissolved, drunk at once and washed down with another glass of water. Normally, the effect occurs after half an hour to one hour. However, this can take up to three or more hours. Again and again sufferers report that showed little or no effect. If Glauber's salt was taken, it should be in the next few hours a toilet in the immediate vicinity and better not to leave the house.
Gentle alternatives to Glauber's salt
Among the gentle alternatives of Glauber's salt is the well-known inlet. This method is much gentler, faster and the procedure is over relatively quickly. The main difference to Glauber's salt, however, is that the enema reaches only part of the intestine.
Senna leaves or buckthorn bark are plants that are used in naturopathy for a long time constipation for defecation. This, however, only in the short term, because - although it is naturopathic means - side effects are associated with it. Thus, these plants can irritate the gastric mucosa and lead to nausea and vomiting. If heart and / or kidney diseases or acute inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract are present, the application must be foreseen. This is just as contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing women and children.
A much gentler method is the drinking of two glasses of sauerkraut juice in the morning in a sober condition. This does not result in such massive evacuations as observed with Glauber's salt, but for that the method is very gentle and gentle. The same applies to drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, also in the morning and sober.
Natrum sulphuricum: use in naturopathy
Sodium sulfuricum, also called sodium sulfate, part of the Glauber's salt, is also used in natural medicine. For example, in classical homeopathy, this is a remedy for acute inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, inflammation in the ENT area and pain in the joints, to mention only a few areas of application. In the area of Schüssler salt therapy the Schüssler salt number 10 (Natrum sulphuricum) is used for example for the excretion of slags and poisons, stimulation of the metabolism, against diarrhea and liver diseases. (Sw)