Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Magnesium Oil

​Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in the body and is involved in over 300 biochemical processes.

It’s essential for good health and without it, a wide range of health problems can occur.

Magnesium deficiency can result in nausea, muscle cramps and insomnia, so it’s extremely important to get the minimal dose recommended.

Adult men and women are recommended to consume between 300-400mg of magnesium per day, depending on your age and sex (1).

One way to boost your intake of magnesium is to use a supplement like magnesium oil. So, what is magnesium oil good for? Here is an extensive guide on the health benefits of magnesium oil and why you should try it.

​​What Are The Benefits Of Magnesium Oil?

There are a multitude of health benefits of magnesium oil. Transdermal magnesium is an effective way of increasing your magnesium levels quickly and efficiently.

Unlike magnesium capsules, which are taken orally, topical magnesium is absorbed via the skin and into the bloodstream. Supplements taken orally have to travel through the digestion system where the majority is excreted via the kidneys. Oral supplements get broken down by stomach acids and enzymes, so only a small percentage of magnesium ends up in the bloodstream.

Transdermal magnesium helps to directly tackle the health condition you’re suffering from.

Thus, magnesium oil is a great solution for those suffering from arthritis or leg cramps as you can apply topically, straight to the affected area. Transdermal magnesium is perfect for those suffering from pain as well as sore muscles due to sports practice.

Every person differs when it comes to the absorption of supplements via the skin. The main factors to consider include the concentration of the oil, the area of the body applied to and the time the supplement is on the skin.

Penetration of magnesium oil occurs over time, so the longer an oil is left on the skin, the better chance of continuous penetration. Furthermore, more magnesium oil will be absorbed into the bloodstream if it covers a larger area of skin and the concentrate of magnesium is high. Thus, pure magnesium oil will have a higher concentrate than magnesium formulated with other ingredients like aloe vera.

What ​Is Magnesium Oil ​Made Out Of?​

Magnesium oil isn’t actually an oil. It’s a formulation of magnesium chloride and water. Magnesium chloride is used as this form of magnesium is easy to absorb and has a wide range of benefits.

It’s considered one of the most effective forms for cell purification and detoxification. It’s also highly beneficial for those with sleep disorders like insomnia as it has calming properties to help alleviate anxiety, depression, headaches and stress.

Furthermore, magnesium oil is ideal for those suffering from eczema or dry skin conditions due to this form of supplement offering hydrating and healing properties.

Chloride fuses with hydrogen in the stomach to form hydrochloric acid; an enzyme required for the sufficient breakdown of proteins and other minerals and nutrients. Chloride is an important mineral on its own as its needed for muscle use, to maintain the kidneys and to maintain fluids in the blood vessels.

This is why this form of magnesium is much preferred over others.

Magnesium oxide, for instance, has a rate of absorption as low as 4% (2), while magnesium sulfate is quickly excreted via the kidneys.

Magnesium Oil Uses

Magnesium oil has an abundance of uses. Depending on what health condition you wish to alleviate or your preferred use, finding a mineral oil to suit you and your requirements is relatively straightforward.

Magnesium oil is available to purchase in a spray bottle or traditional bottle with a cap. A small spray bottle is ideal for those who wish to use the oil while on the go, for example, at the gym. It’s also handy for quick and convenient use as well as being less messy as you can simply spray onto your body. Perfect for the whole family to use, a small spray bottle is affordable, meaning you can try it out without spending too much money.

A large screw bottle of magnesium oil is ideal for those who are wanting to use the mineral supplement in their bath or in a foot bath. This cost effective means of purchasing magnesium oil is also great for those who wish to buy in bulk.

Magnesium oil can be used as a simple body oil, as a deodorant, for hair growth or hair loss, and for soothing sore feet.

Where To Apply Magnesium Oil

For Hair

Hair loss has been linked to calcification and inflammation. Magnesium oil is considered to be one remedy against the build-up of calcium deposits in the scalp (3). Magnesium helps to break up calcium deposits, thus, helping to alleviate hair loss.

If you suffer from hair loss, you can apply magnesium oil straight to the scalp and massage in, however, you can apply the supplement to other areas of the body and still gain the required benefits.

For Deodorant Use​

Magnesium oil can be used as a deodorant by spraying onto the armpits and leaving to dry in. Many people prefer to use magnesium oil as a deodorant as it helps to block natural odours and doesn’t have the same toxic effects that normal deodorants have. Many choose to avoid standard deodorants as they have been linked to causing breast cancer and allergies (4).

Using magnesium oil as a deodorant will still give you the same benefits of magnesium oil, such as alleviating headaches, insomnia and stress.

For Feet​

To soothe tired and sore feet, pour a little magnesium oil into a foot bath with warm water. Soaking your feet in a bath filled with magnesium oil will help to keep your calm and relaxed, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as curing pain in your muscles. After a long day on your feet or strenuous exercise, a magnesium oil foot bath is an effective way to unwind.

For Face/Acne​

Acne is a skin condition in which the face is covered with severe blemishes. No conclusive evidence has revealed why acne occurs, but spots are caused by a blockage of oil, dead skin cells and other impurities in the oil glands, located at the base of a hair follicle. Stress and anxiety can worsen acne and genetics may prove a factor, however, getting rid of acne can be difficult.

Using magnesium oil can help as magnesium is involved in the process of restoring hormonal balance, which helps to reduce sebum levels (the oil that’s involved in pore blockages and the formation of spots). Furthermore, magnesium helps to produce collagen which protects and restores skin.

As magnesium is not an oil, using it on your face wont clog your pores. In fact, mineral oil will help to clean your pores as well as nourishing your skin tissue (5). Furthermore, this incredible mineral helps to battle signs of ageing due to its nourishing effect.

For Kids​

Despite their young age, children still require a daily amount of magnesium. Between the ages of birth to 13 years of age, children require between 30mg to 240mg daily, depending on their age (1). Children tend to be fussy eaters, so getting them to consume a diet rich in magnesium foods like green leafy vegetables and brown rice may be difficult. Using a supplement is recommended, even for kids. Applying to their skin might be a messy and complicated experience, especially if your child is of a young age. Therefore, the ideal solution is for them to have a magnesium bath. Depending on their age and recommended daily intake of magnesium, only a small amount of oil may be required, however, this is a great way for them to avoid a deficiency and boost good health.

For Brushing Teeth​

Magnesium oil can be used for brushing your teeth. We store 60% of the magnesium within our body in our bones and although the mineral doesn’t have a direct effect on our teeth, it helps to balance the levels of other minerals within the body.

For instance, magnesium helps the body to absorb calcium. When levels of magnesium are low, the amount of calcium we absorb is likely to decrease. When we have a lack of certain minerals like calcium as well as an imbalance of nutrients, over time, our teeth become weakened.

Some studies have even demonstrated that those with cavities have over twice the amount less magnesium than those with no cavities (6).

Brushing your teeth in magnesium oil is ideal for those who don’t like the taste of oral supplements or for those who don’t enjoy applying magnesium oil to the body.

What Are The Side Effects Of Magnesium Oil?

Magnesium oil has no side effects as such. Many people who use magnesium oil for the first time experience a tingling or burning effect, however, this feeling subsides over the next couple of uses.

Taking excess magnesium is not recommended. While magnesium overdose is rare, it can happen. Signs of an overdose include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.

Magnesium supplements are not recommended for those with regular loose bowel movements, those on dialysis or those with certain heart conditions. Supplementation is largely safe, however, directions should be given by a doctor if you suffer from any of these health conditions.

Certain medications can also interact with magnesium. Certain antibiotics interact with magnesium as the mineral can affect absorption levels. Bisphosphonates, high blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants and water pills can also be affected. If you’re unsure about any medication you’re taking, consult a doctor first, before taking any form of magnesium supplement.

Does Magnesium Oil Really Work?

Magnesium oil is known for being a highly effective supplement. Topical magnesium has the advantage of being easily absorbed. Furthermore, transdermal magnesium chloride is able to directly treat the source of pain, for example, it’s especially effectively if you have sore muscles. The transdermal form of magnesium works much faster than an oral supplement due to it entering the bloodstream by bypassing the digestive system.

As the dose of magnesium tends to be smaller than capsule, there’s also the added benefit of not suffering from an upset stomach or diarrhoea when using a topical form of magnesium.

There is around 600mg of elemental magnesium is a teaspoon of 35% strength magnesium chloride oil (7), which is more than enough to use for one person. Using magnesium oil is a great way to raise your levels of the mineral quickly and efficiently. To work effectively, its best applied to the area for treatment as this will provide optimal results. If your intention is to raise your levels of magnesium to avoid deficiency, it’s best to apply magnesium oil all over your body.

Where To Buy Magnesium Oil

Magnesium oil can be purchased from grocery stores, health shops and online. The best place to purchase online is Amazon, where you can select from many brands and products. We also have an article of the Best Magnesium Oil to help you pick a good brand.

Sources

1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

2. http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-sources/absorption/

3. http://www.worldhairloss.org/index.php/hairloss/page2-newsarticles/magnesium_oil_for_hair_loss

4. http://organics.org/7-harmful-ingredients-in-your-deodorant/

5. http://themagnesiumperfection.com/122/magnesium-oil-skin/

6. http://www.livestrong.com/article/353427-magnesium-oil-for-teeth/

7. http://healyourselfathome.com/HOW/NEWSTARTS/1_NUTRITION/MINERALS/MAGNESIUM/MAGNESIUM_SUPPLEMENTATION/transdermal_mg_cl.aspx

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