Magnesium Oil

Magnesium is a very important mineral found in leafy greens, nuts, and legumes as well as other foods, yet most American still aren't getting enough dietary magnesium. According to one study magnesium deficiency combined with a high-fructose diet induces insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, endothelial activation and prothrombic changes in combination with the upregulation of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Another study showed that bathing in a magnesium salt bath improved the hydration of the skin and reduced skin inflammation, redness and irritation.

Some of the many benefits and properties of magnesium are:

Energy and Muscle Production

• Magnesium is necessary to breakdown the food we eat, particularly carbohydrate and fat into energy. It also allows the body to produce more Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), which is a major contributor to the growth and strength of muscles and is required by cells to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) the body’s main source of energy.

Muscle & Nerve Health

• While approximately 60% of magnesium is found in bone structure, an important portion is found in the bloodstream (extracellular fluid) where it helps support proper muscle contractions and nerve health.
• Relaxes the nervous system - Serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood, is dependent on Magnesium.
• Better flexibility - Magnesium loosens tight muscles. Without Magnesium, muscles do not relax properly and cramps occur. Magnesium is important for flexibility, because low Magnesium results in a buildup of lactic acid, causing pain and tightness.

Hormone Health

• Magnesium is also important in the production of thyroid hormones, adrenaline, and insulin, which are associated with carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Having these three hormones functioning properly is important for overall health, energy health and well-being.

Food Intake

• Unfortunately, 59% of American adults do not consume adequate amount of this mineral. Common food sources of magnesium are: whole grains (brown rice, oat bran, whole wheat), dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and beans. If you do not consume enough of these magnesium-rich foods, a supplement may be beneficial.

Better sleep

• The sleep regulating hormone melatonin is disturbed when Magnesium is deficient. Furthermore, Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. Stress and tension are often reasons why people suffer from insomnia in the first place.

Bone integrity and strength

• Magnesium helps to fix calcium properly. It may blow some people's mind that the calcium supplements they're taking are not only useless, but are actually contributing to osteoporosis! There are actually about eighteen essential nutrients that contribute to bone health; Magnesium is definitely one of the most essential, because it stimulates a particular hormone called calcitonin. And, it also suppresses a hormone called parathyroid that breaks down bone.

Remineralizes teeth

• Magnesium deficiency causes an unhealthy balance of phosphorous and calcium in saliva, which damages teeth.

Alkalizes the body

• Magnesium helps return the body’s pH balance. Magnesium reduces lactic acid, which is partly responsible for post-exercise pain (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).

Other benefits

• Hydrates - Magnesium is a necessary electrolyte essential for proper hydration.
• Helps to relieve constipation - Magnesium can be used to cleanse the bowels of toxins.
• Enzyme function - Enzymes are protein molecules that stimulate every chemical reaction in the body. Magnesium is required to make hundreds of these enzymes work and assists with thousands of others.
• Diabetes - Magnesium enhances insulin secretion, which facilitates sugar metabolism. Without Magnesium, glucose is not able to transfer into cells. Glucose and insulin build up in the blood, causing various types of tissue damage, including the nerves in the eyes.

Making your own magnesium oil is very simple.  I found the "recipe" if you can call 2 ingredients a recipe from here. However being the impulsive person that I am I purchased a different kind of magnesium than this recipe called for. YIKES!!  However, after doing more research I opted to use the magnesium options I had handy and with the same results.

Many of you are probably familiar with Epson Salt.  Until I began researching magnesium I was not aware the Epsom Salt was not made from sodium like table salt!  I know... but heh... cut me some slack... Until I took my chemistry class I had no idea that table salt wasn't the ONLY salt. sheesh!

At any rate, the magnesium I accidentally purchased was Magnesium Citrate powder which some folks had commented that it irritated their skin a bit.  Well I have never had overly sensitive skin, but I opted to mix my two magnesium sources 50/50 to minimize any sensitivities.  It is a regular recommendation for people to take Epson Salt baths, so this option is simply eliminating the need for a time consuming bath.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup magnesium citrate

1/4 cup Epson Salt (Magnesium Sufate)

(OR omit above two options and use 1/2 cup Magnesium Chloride)

1/2 cup water (distilled preferred, fluoride limits shelf life)

Directions:

Place the magnesium citrate and Epson salt in a glass bowl. Boil the water and pour over the powder mixture and stir until dissolved. Place in glass or plastic spray bottle and use daily spraying arms, legs and stomach about 10-20 sprays total.  You can moisturize 5 minutes after use and go about your day, or leave on for about 20 minutes and then shower to wash of residue.

This will feel sticky when you spray it on but dries without stickiness.

If you prefer to purchase your magnesium oil, you can do so here.

Leave a comment below if you have made magnesium oil or have used other magnesium supplements and what benefits you have found doing so.

References

Nature Made
Mind Body Green
Wellness Mama