What is Magnesium Oil?
Magnesium oil is an aqueous solutions of magnesium chloride and other trace minerals.
How is Magnesium Oil used?
Magnesium oil is used trans-dermally – sprayed or massaged into the skin or added to a bath or foot soak.
Daniel Reid, author of Tao of Detox says,
Using magnesium oil is the quickest and most convenient way to transmit magnesium chloride into the cells and tissues through the skin.
2-3 sprays under each armpit function as a highly effective deodorant, while at the same time transporting magnesium swiftly through the thin skin into the glands, lymph channels, and bloodstream, for distribution throughout the body.
Spray it onto the back of the hand or the top of the feet any time of day or night for continuous magnesium absorption.
Regardless of where you apply the spray on the body, once it penetrates the surface of the skin, the body transports it to whichever tissues need magnesium most.
Why should we supplement with magnesium oil?
Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common nutritional problems in the industrialized world today.
Modern agricultural practices of growing plants in devitalized, overworked soil and using pesticides and NPK fertilizers deplete the soil of magnesium. Refining, processing and cooking further deplete our food of this essential mineral.
The Standard Western Diet, rich in processed foods, sugar, fat and salt is not only deficient in magnesium, but also increases the need for magnesium in the body. High-protein diets, caffeine, luncheon meats, carbonated beverages, alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs also deplete magnesium reserves.
As a result of intensive farming practices and increasing pollution, food values of magnesium have been dropping over the last fifty years and unfortunately, even those following a healthy balanced diet will probably be deficient in this essential mineral. Today it is almost impossible to eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply the body with enough minerals to remain in good health.
Why is magnesium oil better than other types of magnesium supplementation?
It is the quickest and most convenient way of getting the required magnesium into the cells and tissues.
It is easily absorbed through the skin and does not have the laxative effect associated with oral supplementation.
With daily use, it is possible to restore intracellular magnesium levels in 4-6 weeks, whereas oral magnesium supplementation takes between 6-12 months.
Using other forms of magnesium is not as effective because for it to be absorbed, it needs to be converted into the chloride version. When using other magnesium salts, the body needs to produce additional hydrochloric acid to enable absorption.
It is the only form of supplementation which increases the level of DHEA, an important anti-aging hormone.
The Calcium Connection
Increasing calcium in the diet and calcium supplementation reduces the absorption of magnesium.
A healthy cell has high magnesium and low calcium levels. Magnesium is responsible for keeping calcium in solution and preventing it from solidifying into crystals.
Contrary to popular belief, it is a magnesium not calcium deficiency that causes osteoporosis.
Magnesium fixes calcium in the bones and teeth. Without sufficient magnesium, calcium moves out of the bones into the tissues and cells, leading to problems such as arthritis, atherosclerosis , asthma and headaches, fibromyalgia, kidney stones and osteoporosis.
Unabsorbed calcium can lodge anywhere in the body and provoke almost any disease.
Pain Relief
Magnesium oil is especially effective in pain management. It can be rubbed onto any area that is sore and has an almost immediate effect on acute and chronic pain.
Not only does it soothe the pain, but also treats the cause of the pain which often has magnesium deficiency at its root.
It helps manage pain in a wide variety of conditions, such as back pain, sciatica, headaches, fibromyalgia, muscle cramping, sports injuries, arthritis, relief from sports injuries, restless legs, etc.
Magnesium Oil enhances recovery from athletic activity or injuries. It reduces pain and inflammation while propagating quicker regeneration of tissues.
Immune System, Infections and Flu
Magnesium chloride is a powerful immune-stimulant and an impressive infection fighter.
It boosts the body’s resistance against germs.
Heart Health
Magnesium coordinates the activity of the heart muscle and is important in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. It plays an important role in the prevention of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis and prevents muscles spasms of the blood vessels which can lead to heart attack.
Magnesium can also improve blood flow to the heart, break down blood clots blocking the arteries, reduce free radical damage protect the heart muscle following a heart attack.
Diabetes
Magnesium may help delay the onset or eliminate Type II Diabetes and help treat the associated complications.
This mineral is necessary for the production, function and transport of insulin and is necessary to allow glucose to enter the cells. The body needs magnesium to digest, absorb and utilize proteins, fats and carbohydrates and it may help prevent obesity genes from expressing themselves.
Anti-Aging
Magnesium is the mineral of rejuvenation.
The body’s ability to absorb magnesium declines with age.
De-generation is characterized by an accumulation of calcium and a depletion of magnesium in the cells.
Without sufficient magnesium our organs and tissues calcify and toxins and acid residues accumulate in the body leading to premature aging.
Regular magnesium supplementation is an important part of any rejuvenation program, helping reverse age-related degenerative calcification, smooth wrinkles and sun damaged skin, making us feel and look younger.
Osteoporosis
Magnesium supplementation improves bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Magnesium is needed to activate an enzyme that is required for bone formation. It stimulates calcitonin, which preserves the bone structure by drawing calcium out of the blood and tissues back into the bones. It also helps convert vitamin D into its active form, helping calcium absorption.
Stress, Mood & Sleep
Magnesium is depleted by physical and psychological stress and more adrenaline is released under stress when magnesium levels are low.
Low magnesium levels can lead to feelings of irritability, nervousness, aggression, and fatigue.
Even a mild magnesium deficiency causes serotonin deficiency leading to depression and mood disorders.
There is a lot of evidence correlating low magnesium levels with ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps promote sleep and is often found to be lacking in those suffering from insomnia.
PMT & Menopause
Women suffering from premenstrual tension have been found to have low levels of magnesium. This explains the cravings, appetite changes and fluid retention many women experience before menstruation.
Magnesium is also known as “nature’s tranquilizer” and helps ease symptoms of PMT such as anxiety, irritability, migraines and cramps.
Magnesium oil also helps women make a smoother transition into menopause. It helps alleviate uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, hypoglycemia and mood disturbance, as well as improving bone density and preventing heart disease.
Skin Care
Magnesium oil leaves the skin looking radiant, helping eliminate the signs of aging. It enhances skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, speeds wound healing, increases skin cell hydration. It also helps heal skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Detoxification
Magnesium plays a vital role in protecting our cells from the lethal effects of heavy metals and neurotoxins such as pesticides, food additives, cleaning products and solvents.
Heavy metals, such as aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury compete with magnesium for entry into brain cells. If magnesium levels are low, metals gain access more easily. Heavy metal deposits in the brain lead to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Magnesium is an important part of any detoxification and chelation program as it binds with heavy metals and helps remove them from the body.
Athletic Performance
Magnesium is the most important mineral in sports nutrition.
Exercise depletes magnesium. If the body doesn’t get enough magnesium, it cannot make or use protein and can lead to fatigue, heat exhaustion, and problems with blood sugar and metabolism.
Studies have shown that athletic endurance, muscle mass and strength increase when large amounts of magnesium are supplemented.
It also reduces lactic acid build-up and post-exercise cramping and pain.
Magnesium oil enhances recovery from muscle soreness, fatigue, inflammation and injury.
Other Uses
Magnesium oil is an excellent deodorant with the added advantage of quickly transporting magnesium into the glands, lymphatic system and bloodstream.
Magnesium oil can be sprayed into the mouth to help strengthen and re-mineralize teeth and revitalize the gums.
How to Use Magnesium Oil
Spray directly on the skin:
Magnesium oil can be sprayed full strength directly on the skin.
Spray it all over the body, avoiding mucus membranes.
Concentrate on the tops of the feet, behind the knees and the armpits to deliver magnesium to the lymph system for rapid distribution throughout the entire body.
Massaging it into the skin enhances absorption.
Spray magnesium oil on the tops of the feet and/or back of the hands any time of day for continuous absorption.
To relieve pain and tension, spray on the painful area and massage it in. You should begin to feel relief almost immediately. Chronic pain will take longer, but should feel better with regular, repeated application.
Spraying it onto the chest, over the heart, helps nourish the heart and maintain normal heart rhythm.
The magnesium oil will be completely absorbed after 20 minutes. It leaves a slight oil residue on the skin, which some might find uncomfortable, and can be rinsed off 20 minutes after its application.
Don’t apply lotion before using magnesium oil as it will saturate the skin and hinder the uptake of magnesium.
Bathing:
Draw a bath of water between (37° – 40° C). This temperature range is critical. If the bath is any cooler, your pores will not open and effectively absorb the minerals and trace elements. If the bath is any hotter, your pores will sweat, preventing proper absorption, and this too will nullify the beneficial effects of the bath.
Tub soak:
For a relaxing tub soak or to help relieve aching joints and muscles, add 100-200ml of Magnesium Oil (or 1/2 – 3/4 cup Magnesium Chloride Flakes) to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes (remaining in the bath for a longer period of time will provide no additional benefit).
Increase gradually to higher doses (up to 450ml) for best results.
For sports injuries, use a high dose of magnesium oil for a more concentrated bath. A tub soak is ideal for those with skin conditions.
Foot bath:
For a foot bath, add 100ml of Magnesium Oil or Magnesium Chloride Flakes to warm water to help relax the lower extremities.
Soak for a minimum of 20 minutes to ensure complete absorption of magnesium.
Massage:
Magnesium oil used during a massage increases relaxation and helps relieve aches and tension in the body, while further increasing absorption and circulation of the magnesium throughout the entire body.
Deodorant:
To use as a deodorant, spray 1 or 2 times under each armpit.
Hair Loss & Grey Hair:
To reverse graying and restore bald spots, massage into the scalp every night and leave on while sleeping.
Teeth:
To remineralise teeth and strengthen gums, spray diluted into your mouth and brush your teeth. Rinse and spit out.
Children:
When using magnesium oil on children or on broken or irritated skin, dilute with water to prevent stinging and redness. Use half the adult dosage for children under 12.
Dosage:
People suffering from chronic illness, stress, physical injury, poor diet, physical exertion and pregnant and breastfeeding women who are pregnancy and lactation have increased magnesium requirements. Adjust the dosage according to your needs, size and body weight.
After this initial period, either continue using magnesium oil daily or decrease to several times a week or as needed.
Be careful when using magnesium oil on children. Adjust downward depending on their age and size and/or dilute the magnesium oil with distilled water.
Sting Factor
Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you may experience tingling or itchiness the first few times you use magnesium oil.
The stinging sensation is harmless and is a result of the magnesium entering the skin.
It is something that disappears over time, as you become accustomed to it. A rash may develop, which indicates a concentration of toxic substances in the body being detoxified from the body.
Using the magnesium oil on broken or irritated skin will cause stinging, but will also increase the speed of healing.
To prevent stinging and/or rashes, you can dilute magnesium oil 50/50 with spring water.
If you dilute the magnesium oil, you will need to spray twice the amount you would normally use.
Cautions & Contraindications
Do not use magnesium oil if you have kidney failure, bowel obstruction, Myasthenia gravis, or heart block. If you are taking medication, speak with your health care provider as magnesium supplementation may lessen the need for medication.
If the skin is still red and tingles or feels unpleasant after one hour of using the magnesium oil stop using it and consult a physician.