DIY Magnesium Oil + Benefits

Even with a feeder, real food diet, it is difficult to get the magnesium we need from food alone. Magnesium is one of the few supplements I take every day and I often use magnesium oil sprays for my skin.

Why is magnesium critical to overall well-being? Many people can't get enough of this vital mineral that the body uses for hundreds of reactions. Every cell in the body needs magnesium in some way! It is essential for the health of bones, teeth, muscles, nerves and joints, as well as for optimal sleep and stress reduction.

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Why do we lack magnesium?

Magnesium deficiency is common because many of us have lifestyle factors that actively lower our magnesium levels. These include lack of sleep, excessive stress or alcohol/caffeine/sugar consumption. Furthermore, many natural sources of magnesium have been depleted. Our soil has less magnesium due to over-agriculture and high pesticide use. Water filtration systems also remove most of the natural magnesium in the water.

The ocean is still a wonderful source of pure magnesium and trace minerals, but not everyone has access to the beach every day. Magnesium Transdermal Oil is an easy and effective way to increase magnesium levels.

Benefits of magnesium oil

Thousands of studies involve magnesium therapy in some form. These studies assess the effect of this essential mineral on everything from skin health to diabetes and hypertension.

An easy way I have found to increase my levels is transdermally (or through the skin). this magnesium oil. Just spray it after the shower or bath, let it soak in and you're done! It is quick and easy and bypasses the digestive system to be absorbed.

There are also magnesium supplements that can be taken internally. I like magnesium drink mixes like Natural Tranquility or those from Jigsaw Health. Lately, I've been loving this too by BiOptimizers which mixes 7 different types of highly absorbable magnesium.

However, some people have difficulty absorbing magnesium internally. If you have trouble increasing your magnesium intake with oral supplements, then topical use may be helpful. In my experience, it helps to cycle two methods to ensure absorption.

Here's why I make magnesium oil a regular part of my routine:

1. Improved magnesium levels

Obviously, the purpose of using magnesium oil is to increase our magnesium levels. A 2010 study from the Plant Research Center showed over a 25 percent increase in magnesium levels in cells. Study participants applied magnesium to their skin for 12 weeks. Transdermal magnesium therapy includes magnesium absorbs (like foot soaks) and magnesium spray.

I consider this a basic form of nutritional insurance since it is so difficult to get magnesium from food and water.

2. Smoother skin

I like to use magnesium oil for healthier skin along with dry cleaning. I dry brush in the morning and often use magnesium spray. This routine helps my skin stay smooth and acne-free. People with sensitive skin should start with diluted magnesium oil and work up as their skin allows.

3. Less muscle pain

Many athletes swear by magnesium for post-workout recovery and sore muscles. Even those who are not high-level athletes can benefit from using magnesium after workouts. Studies show that magnesium spray can help reduce muscle soreness and replenish magnesium levels lost through sweat. I've also found it's great for leg cramps and muscle cramps that can keep kids (and adults!) up at night.

4. Fewer headaches and migraines

There is a lot of research on the importance of magnesium for headache and migraine relief. Studies show that people who have good magnesium levels have fewer headaches and migraines. If you feel it starting, sometimes drinking water and taking magnesium is enough to make it go away. This is great news for those who don't want the side effects that come with conventional pain relievers!

5. Balanced blood sugar

There is also plenty of research on magnesium and balanced blood sugar. This could be for several reasons. Too much sugar depletes our magnesium levels. Having unbalanced blood sugar and insulin levels can deplete magnesium. This, in turn, makes it more difficult to balance blood sugar and insulin.

Magnesium does not treat diabetes or blood sugar imbalances. However, magnesium can be an important part of a holistic approach to blood sugar management.

6. Lower risk of blood pressure and hypertension

Hospitals routinely use IV magnesium as an acute treatment for high blood pressure. However, most of us are not giving ourselves IV magnesium at home. And until recently there hasn't been much well-documented information on magnesium supplements and blood pressure.

A 2016 meta-analysis found that magnesium can help significantly lower blood pressure. This analysis found a benefit at doses greater than 370 milligrams per day. So one would likely need to supplement both internally and transdermally to get the benefit.

7. More restful sleep

There is a good reason Epsom salt bath often used for relaxation. Magnesium may have a beneficial effect on GABA receptors in the brain. This allows us to relax and sleep easily and perhaps more deeply. Magnesium also helps heal restless legs at night for a better night's sleep.

It is important to note that a small segment of people seem to have the opposite effect and wake up after taking magnesium. These people, of course, should not take magnesium at night.

How to use magnesium oil

Spray daily on arms, legs and stomach. I use 10-20 sprays most days. It usually causes a tingling sensation the first few times you use it, which is normal. It should fade after a few times, but you can dilute it with more water if it's bothersome.

After application, leave on the skin or rinse after 20-30 minutes. I usually apply after shower and then use a moisturizer or herbal lotion about 5 minutes later. If the sticky feeling on your skin bothers you, try applying it at night before bed when you won't notice it as much or before you shower and rinse it off.

This is my favorite magnesium oil wording. If you're the DIY type, you can even make your own with magnesium flakes! When I don't have magnesium oil on hand, I've been known to make it! Try this easy recipe.

Other natural ways to get magnesium

While magnesium has many well-documented benefits, it is only a small part of the many nutrients we need. Magnesium supplementation is great, but it should be in addition to a diet of real food as nature intended!

Some foods have magnesium, although amounts are declining due to poor soil quality and overcrowding. Foods that contain magnesium include:

Magnesium Oil FAQ

This post has generated hundreds of comments and questions. I've tried to answer the most common ones here:

Why is it called oil when there is no oil in it?

Good question. This is actually a highly saturated magnesium mineral solution. When it goes on the skin, it feels like oil, and that's why it's called “Magnesium Oil”. Confused? A bit… but I didn't catch the name. Even commercial brands of magnesium oil use this term.

Which type of magnesium is best?

From the research I found, magnesium chloride seems to be the most absorbable and least irritating form. It's also easy to find some to buy. (This is brand you use.)

Would Epsom Salts Work?

I find Epsom salt sprays to be very drying, but I really like them Epsom salt bath. The difference is that Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate and can be more drying and not absorb as easily into the skin.

Can I use an oral magnesium supplement powder to make transdermal magnesium?

No! Forms for internal use are irritating to the skin. This would also leave a white film and make a big mess. I don't recommend it.

Is it okay to add calcium to the spray as well?

I will not. In theory, you could and it would spread well, but it would leave a white layer on the skin. And calcium is not so easily absorbed by the skin. Many people get too much calcium and not enough magnesium, so this would potentially not be as beneficial.

Can this fit in a plastic bottle?

In theory yes and it should work fine. I prefer glass whenever possible, especially since glass bottles are readily available now. You can find glass spray bottle here.

Can I use this on my babies/children/pets?

Ask your healthcare provider/veterinarian to be sure before using any product on a child or pet. That said, I use this magnesium spray on my kids at night to help them sleep better.

Can I use magnesium during pregnancy/breastfeeding?

Supplements such as magnesium are generally considered beneficial during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns. I have used it during several pregnancies with excellent results.

This is supposed to improve sleep, so why does it seem to keep me awake?

There is a small group of people who have an adverse reaction to magnesium. While it promotes restful sleep for many people, some have trouble sleeping for several hours after taking magnesium. After some experimentation, I realized that I belong to this group and take magnesium better in the morning.

Why does this oil cause burning/tingling for some people?

One theory is that those who are deficient have a tingling or burning reaction to magnesium oil. I noticed that it seemed to irritate me a lot more at first, but I quickly adjusted and had no problem with it. However, I don't have any science to support the deficiency theory. I found it too this particular magnesium oil it was not slaughtered or burned at all.

What about adding essential oils to the mix?

There are some risks associated with it some essential oils but some can also be very useful. Adding a few drops of generally skin-safe oils (like lavender or sweet orange) adds a nice scent and some health benefits. As always, do your research and seek a qualified aromatherapist for any personalized health advice.

Can it be used as a deodorant?

Yes! I have a special recipe for a deodorant spray anyway that's basically this recipe. Even this spray on its own works great for me now.

Have you tried magnesium to help reduce stress or improve sleep? Have you ever tried making your own? Share below!