Magnesium Oil
What is magnesium oil? Have you ever heard of it? Do you struggle with muscle aches, cramping, sleep issues, dry skin, etc. Magnesium oil could be the answer to many of your annoying health concerns. Interestingly enough, it’s not really an oil. When you dissolve magnesium chloride into water, the result is a slippery mixture that feels like an oil, hence the name. So, what is it for? Well, have you ever been achy and taken an Epsom salt bath? If you have, then you’ve already experienced something similar.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that we need for our bodies to properly function. We need it for our nerves and muscles as well as to produce energy, regulate our moods and for sleep. You can take magnesium in supplement form and can find it in foods such as bananas, nuts, avocados, spinach, potatoes, salmon and more. However, it is especially well absorbed through the skin. If you struggle with sleeping and sore muscles in particular, you should give magnesium oil a try.
Make sure to apply your magnesium oil at night because it will make you sleepy, especially if you use a lot. The best way to do it is to take a hot shower first, get out, spray your oil on wherever it hurts and follow with lotion right after. Showering off first ensures your pores are open and the magnesium absorbs very quickly. If you don’t want to shower first that’s fine too, it’ll still get in your system. Being a massage therapist, I get sore too, a lot. I like to spray it all over my back, neck, shoulders and glutes especially and at other times, I use it everywhere from the neck down. It also helps you stay asleep throughout the night. You may not wake at all (if this is a problem for you) or at the very least, you’ll likely wake up less often. Another benefit of using the shower, magnesium oil, lotion, combo is that it locks the moisture into your skin. You’ll wake up with skin as soft as a baby’s!
So if the benefits are similar to an Epsom salt soak, why bother with the oil? While I don’t want to knock the soak, there are quite a few reasons why you might prefer the spray. Even though they might be similar, Epsom salts and magnesium oil are technically different. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate, and the oil is magnesium chloride. Magnesium oil is stronger and stays on the skin whereas the Epsom salt soaks benefits are lessened once you get out of the tub and even more so if you shower off afterwards (which we all do, right? Because yuck.). Furthermore, it’s easier and quicker to spritz yourself and rub it in than to spend 30 minutes to an hour or more soaking. We don’t always have time for all that but we do have time to use a spray daily. More issues arise if you don’t have a tub, are traveling, have difficulty getting in and out of the tub, don’t fit well or simply can’t relax in a bath. For many reasons, magnesium oil is the superior choice.
There are a few things to note beforehand though. If you are Learn more about hot stones and how to incorporate them into your massages safely. Book an appointment with us today and let us bring the massage to you! deficient, using the oil can, at first, cause an odd itchy/slightly painful sensation. To avoid this, follow up immediately with lotion. The sensation will promptly go away. Don’t let this discourage you from using it, it’s a sign that your body needs more magnesium! The amazing thing is that over time, the more you use it, the more your levels will go up. Eventually you won’t feel that sensation at all anymore. This is a clear sign it’s working! With many vitamins and supplements it’s difficult to really “see” their effects even if they are in fact working. For those of you that are a bit skeptical like myself, this type of “proof” is quite helpful. Another important note is don’t use it on any open wounds as it will sting, even small cuts. However if you do get it in a sensitive area, again just use your lotion (or if it’s a big cut wash it off) and the stinging will subside.
So where can you get it? You can buy ready-made magnesium oil online and if you get a high quality product, it will be effective. However, buying it premade can be costly ($17-$25+ for only an 8 or 12oz bottle) and you will go through it fast even using a moderate amount. If you’d like to go this route, there are many options available on Amazon and I’ve added the link to one example below (click on photos for links).
***Disclaimer – I receive no money or anything for this recommendation. I just personally use and like the brands I suggest. You can use whatever you like.
Just make sure you get a PURE magnesium oil. The only ingredients should be magnesium chloride and water. Additionally, how strong thus how effective it is depends on how concentrated it is. This is why I strongly suggest making your own. Luckily, making magnesium oil is as simple as boiling water. I’ll include instructions below if you’d like to learn how!
What You’ll Need:
1) 1 Cup Distilled Water (you can buy a gallon of this at any grocery store)
2) 1 Dry Cup Magnesium Chloride Flakes
Amazon.com: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes - Bathing Alternative to Epsom Salt - Soak in Natural Salts - High-Absorption Efficiency for Relaxation, Wellness & Muscle Relief (4 .4 lb) : Beauty & Personal Care
3) A small fingertip spray bottle
(The more magnesium you use and the less water the more concentrated and stronger your solution will be. Use at least a 1 to 1 ratio. You can use more magnesium if you’d like, as long as it still dissolves. Feel free to experiment with this.)
Here’s What To Do:
1) Boil 1 cup of distilled water on the stove.
2) Put at least 1 dry cup of magnesium chloride flakes in a glass bowl or glass measuring cup with a spout.
3) Pour boiling water over the flakes.
4) Stir and let rest until completely dissolved.
5) Allow mixture to cool completely before transferring to a plastic bottle (you don’t want to melt the bottle!) Use a funnel to make this easier.
6) Store any leftover oil in a separate container. This way you can easily refill your bottle as needed.
***It is very important that your mixture is COMPLETELY dissolved before cooling and transferring to a bottle. The reason is that any tiny crystals that might be left will get stuck in the tube and nozzle of your spray bottle and clog it. To avoid this, make sure that your water is extremely hot, and everything is dissolved before it cools. It shouldn’t feel grainy.
I don’t recommend anything I don’t use myself. I’ve been using and making my own magnesium oil since 2015, before I even became a massage therapist. Originally, I was in search of something to help with my terrible insomnia. I was pleasantly surprised to learn how much more this oil can do. Now, in my career, I couldn’t live without it. People always ask me how I can massage for hours and hours on end with no breaks without getting sore. Well magnesium oil is a major piece to that puzzle. And stretching too of course!
If you’d ever like to try some magnesium oil before buying or making it on your own, just ask me to bring some when you schedule your next appointment. I’d be happy to let you sample mine and feel the amazing effects of this fantastic oil alongside your massage!
