8 Benefits Of Magnesium Oil, How To Use It, & Side Effects
Use magnesium oil as shower essential, massage oil, spray, or deodorant.
Dr. Babita Sharma, an Ayurveda specialist, has 10 years of experience. She is currently working as MD and Consultant at Atharva Ayurveda Ayurdhama Hospital Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2008.
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A trending topic in health discussions today is the benefits of magnesium oil. The ingredient has the reputation of supporting many vital bodily functions and helping maintain overall wellness. Magnesium is generally hailed as a crucial mineral in modern health practices but its oil benefits you in ways you have never imagined. In fact, this oil is all the rage in healthcare circles and is preferred by many people over other magnesium supplements.
So, is this oil worth all the hype it is attracting? What benefits can it offer?
Magnesium oil is believed to induce hair growth, provide relief from cramps and pains, and treat migraines, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Besides, it may help treat morning sickness, manage diabetes and hypertensioni Known as high blood pressure, it is a condition when the blood flow through the arteries exert elevated pressure on its walls. , or high blood pressure and improve dental health.
But, is there enough scientific evidence to back these claims? Is it safe to use?
In this article, we answer all these queries and understand what magnesium oil is, how you can make it at home, different ways to use it, and its potential side effects.
Keep scrolling!
Know Your Ingredient: Magnesium OilWhat Is It?
A straw-colored, concentrated oil made from a mixture of magnesium chloride flakes and water.
What Are Its Benefits?
It helps alleviate body pain and treat anxiety, migraine, and depression.
Who Can Use It?
People with magnesium deficiency and the above issues can use it.
How Often?
You can use up to 350 mg of magnesium oil every day.
Caution
Conduct a patch test before topical application as it may cause a burning sensation in some people.
In This Article
What Is Magnesium Oil?
No, it’s not what you think it is!
Magnesium oil is not an essential oil. It is a concentrated solution of the salt, magnesium chloride. This concentrated solution or oil can be applied to the skin.
It gets absorbed into your skin quickly while carrying the magnesium molecules. This way of providing or supplying magnesium is called transdermal absorption.
Although it sounds a bit clinical, you don’t really need a prescription to use magnesium oil. It is available over the counter.
Key Takeaways
- Magnesium oil can be of great help during periods. It helps to reduce your painful cramps in the abdomen, back, legs and feet.
- Using magnesium oil can help people with cortical spreading depression and migraine patients.
- If you suffer from hypertension or arrhythmia, a magnesium deficiency could be the reason behind your poor heart health.
- A great way to control blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity is by using magnesium oil.
How Does Magnesium Oil Work?
Let me break it down for you.
Let’s say you got a nasty open wound on your forearm from falling on the pavement. What’s the first thing you would do?
Stop the blood flow.
You would then wash the wound, disinfect it, and apply an antiseptic ointment. Over a period, with the right dressing and care, the wound would heal.
This is assuming that you have no other conditions that could cause complications in the healing process, like diabetes or hemophiliai A rare genetic blood condition that leads to the inability of the blood to clot, causing immediate bleeding following injuries. .
How do you think the wound would heal if you never applied an ointment and only popped painkillers or antiseptic pills?
The recovery would be much, much slower.
Why?
Generally, the efficacy of an ingested drug is lower than an ointment that has been applied topically (usually, not always). Again, why?
Blame the route!
An ingested drug has to traverse the GI tract, get broken down in the liver, and then be released into the bloodstream. The blood then carries it to the affected site, where the drug gets to work.
Alternatively, if you apply a cream or an ointment, your skin absorbs its contents. The drug molecules then enter the bloodstream.
In other words, the drug reaches the bloodstream directly, bypassing the GI tract. The blood carries it to the affected site – where the drug jumps into action.
Isn’t this a quicker route?
Undoubtedly, yes. But this cannot be applied to all drugs or wounds or injuries.
Thankfully, magnesium CAN be sent the shorter way!
Since magnesium molecules are small, they can get absorbed into the skin very quickly. They enter the bloodstream immediately and, hence, are more effective than orally administered magnesium.
You got the route and reason, right?
So, what kind of internal issues and imbalances can magnesium oil treat?
It gets interesting from here. Go ahead and explore!
What Are The Benefits Of Magnesium Oil?
1. Induces Hair Growth
Every girl’s prized possession is her mane, and her worst nightmare is heavy hair loss. Though genetics play an important part in hair health and growth, the minerals in your body matter too.
Research suggests that you can try using magnesium for hair growth. A study conducted in Germany found that supplying magnesium to hair follicles can trigger hair growth. The study involved spraying magnesium oil on the scalp or any part of the body, coupled with a foot soak in Epsom salt water for 12 weeks. This regimen resulted in a 59.7% increase in hair (1).
Shocking, but true!
2. Relieves Pains and Cramps
The symptoms of hypomagnesemia are subtle. They include muscle cramps, pain, and spams. This is because calcium is responsible for muscle contraction, and magnesium is responsible for muscle relaxation.
The topical application of magnesium oil can reduce muscle catches, twitching, back pain, feet pain, neck pain, and menstrual cramps effectively. In rare cases, it can also treat convulsions and fibromyalgiai A chronic condition that results in widespread musculoskeletal pain, difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, and frequent emotional and mental distress. (2).
Now you know why most pain relief ointments and massage oils contain magnesium!
3. Treats The Symptoms Of Migraine, Depression, and Anxiety
About 31% of magnesium is stored in your cells. A decrease in the intracellular magnesium concentration can lead to neurological disturbances.
Lack of magnesium can promote a condition called cortical spreading depression. There is also strong evidence that magnesium deficiency is more prevalent in migraine patients than in their healthy counterparts (3).
Topical application of magnesium oil can treat migraines, headaches, and allay some symptoms of depression.
You Know What?
Magnesium oil has a soothing effect on your body and brain. It provides stress relief and reduces anxiety by lowering cortisol levels. It is also a great pain reliever.
That’s why using magnesium oil in baths, massages, or as a scrub induces sound sleep.
Renata, a blogger, shared her experience of using magnesium to fix her sleeping pattern in her blog. She used a magnesium spray and saw great results. She said, “I can honestly say I slept through the night without waking up at all, whereas before I had a real difficulty falling asleep, AND I used to wake up a few times a night too (i)”.
4. Treats Morning Sickness And Pregnancy Complications
Monitoring the levels of vitamins, minerals, and hormones during pregnancy is essential. These micronutrients play a crucial role in the formation and development of new tissues in the fetus.
A lack of magnesium can cause fatal and severe conditions, like preeclampsiai A pregnancy complication characterized by a rapid increase in blood pressure that usually occurs during the third trimester. . Hypomagnesemia has also been associated with miscarriage and pre-term labor.
Therefore, taking magnesium supplements to maintain optimal intracellular and serum magnesium levels is necessary for pregnant women (4).
5. Manages Diabetes
Diabetes, when not managed properly, can lead to metabolic disorder and multiple organ failure. People with diabetes also experience excessive loss of minerals and electrolytes through urine. Sometimes, antidiabetic drugs are prescribed to reduce the pressure on the kidneys. But how can you restore these lost minerals, especially magnesium?
Bathing with Epsom salt or applying magnesium oil regularly on the skin can reduce the serum triglycerides levels. Magnesium oil can also increase insulin sensitivity, control the blood glucose levels, and keep a check on your weight.
A study conducted in Italy showed that most Europeans and North Americans consume less than the recommended daily allowance of magnesium. This deficit mainly results from consuming a Western-style diet that often contains only 30–50% of magnesium. The study links the magnesium deficiency with obesity and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). It showed a high prevalence of hypomagnesemia in subjects with T2D. As obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are on the rise, consider changing bad dietary habits and taking the right amount of magnesium to improve metabolic syndrome and reduce blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.
That said, more research needs to be conducted to throw light on magnesium oil’s efficacy and safety for patients with diabetes.
6. Controls Hypertension And Cardiopathies
Optimal magnesium is mandatory for the smooth functioning of all muscles, including your limbs, lungs, GI tract, and even your heart!
A magnesium deficiency upsets your heart health. It can increase the pressure on your blood vessels too. Thus, it can lead to hypertension, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and related cardiovascular diseases.
Magnesium oil quickly replenishes the magnesium reserve in your blood. The ions move quickly through the skin and get absorbed into the bloodstream. This route is faster and more effective than popping pills (1).
7. Facilitates Dental Wound Healing
Dental health in children and adults always takes a back seat because the vital organs steal the limelight. But dental issues can lead to intolerable neuropathies.
Studies report that minerals like magnesium are important for the integrity of your teeth, enamel, and gums. People suffering from periodontitisi A chronic inflammatory condition caused by poor dental hygiene that leads to inflammation of the tissue around the teeth. and gingivitisi A condition of gum inflammation induced by a bacterial infection brought on by inadequate dental hygiene. have also been reported to have low levels of serum magnesium levels.
In these cases, applying magnesium oil to the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain. This is because it has anti-inflammatory and vulnerary properties.
Magnesium oil can soothe aching gums and prevent attachment loss, especially in those who have undergone dental or implant surgeries (5).
8. May Improve Bone Health
Magnesium oil may play a significant role in maintaining bone health. Magnesium stimulates the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation and healing. It also helps regulate calcium balance within the body to ensure that calcium is deposited in the bones rather than accumulating in soft tissues. Magnesium also contributes to bone density by influencing calcitonin production, a hormone that aids in preserving bone structure. Inadequate magnesium levels may potentially lead to conditions like osteoporosis. Thus, using magnesium oil topically may be an effective way to boost magnesium intake and support overall bone health and strength (6).
Apart from the other listed benefits, magnesium oil may improve nerve function and cognitive health, strengthen the immune system and help in osteoporosis and asthma management, (7), (8), (9). Anecdotal evidence suggests that magnesium can aid the process of detoxification in the body and thus, improve overall health.
After looking at its benefits up close, don’t you agree that transdermal magnesium is not just a myth?
But the bigger question here is, how do we get magnesium oil? Where do we get it? Is it easily available?
The answer is yes! In fact, you can make it all by yourself!
I have listed a simple recipe that you can use to make magnesium oil right at home. Scroll down and glove up!
DIY: How To Make Magnesium Oil At Home
What You Need
• Magnesium chloride flakes: 1 cup
• Distilled or purified water: 1 cup
• Glass measuring cup or bowl
• Saucepan or a pot: small-medium size
• Glass spray bottle or container
Let’s Make It!
1. In the saucepan, pour the distilled water and bring it to a boil. Using distilled water will extend the shelf life of the mixture.
2. Put the magnesium chloride flakes in the glass measuring cup/bowl.
3. Pour the boiling water over the flakes.
4. Stir continuously until the flakes have completely dissolved.
5. Set it aside to cool.
6. Store it in a spray bottle or container.
7. You can use it for 6 months if kept at room temperature and away from the sun.
8. Add it to your bubble bath, pedicure tubs, spray some on your scalp, or use it in your dental routine.
Quick TipYou don’t just need to spray on magnesium oil. You can use it in a number of different ways. To make the most of magnesium spray benefits, keep scrolling to find out the many ways you can use it properly!
What Are The Different Ways Of Using Magnesium Oil?
You can use magnesium oil in the following ways.
Shower Essentials
• Add 1 cup of magnesium oil to your bubble bath.
• You can also apply the oil and let it get absorbed into your skin for about 10 minutes before a shower.
Massage And Medicine
• Spray magnesium oil on your back, neck, hands, and legs. Massage thoroughly until the solution gets absorbed completely.
• You can also apply it topically over affected areas for quick pain relief.
• This oil is a quick and portable option to treat muscle pulls, catches, cramps, and sprains that could be caused by vigorous and sudden physical activity.
Quick TipAromatherapy And Deodorant
• Add your favorite essential oil(s) (like lavender, orange, grapefruit, or eucalyptus) to magnesium oil and use it in an oil burner to get rid of bad odor.
• It also doubles up as a deodorant, and you can use the magnesium spray on your body.
But, you must be wondering – could an ideal formula like magnesium oil have any risks associated with it? Let’s find out!
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Magnesium Oil?
There is not much data available on the adverse effects of the topical application of magnesium oil or its impact on skin health.
It is also difficult to formulate a suitable dosage. However, do a patch test with magnesium oil on your arm or leg before using it. You can use it daily if you do not experience allergies or adverse skin reactions.
But where do we draw the line when it comes to using magnesium for the skin?
The tolerable upper limit (UL) of magnesium in men and women is about 350 mg. It is 110 mg for children (4-8 years), while 1-3-year-olds can only have 65 mg of magnesium in their body (10).
But these are not in relation to transdermal magnesium, in particular. So, as long as you pass the patch test and are within the UL brackets, you can use magnesium oil daily.
Infographic: Magnesium Oil: Preparation And Benefits
Magnesium oil is prepared with distilled water and magnesium flakes. This special formulation is known for the multiple benefits it offers. It can be directly applied to the affected area. Check out the infographic to learn more about the benefits of magnesium oil. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Magnesium oil is a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride and salt. It is an important nutrient, and its molecules get easily absorbed into the skin. Using magnesium oil induces hair growth, relieves pains and cramps, treats the symptoms of migraine, depression, and anxiety, improves brain health, and treats morning sickness and pregnancy complications. You can easily prepare magnesium oil at home and use it in different ways. However, topical application of magnesium oil may cause some adverse effects. Hence, do a patch test before using it and consult your doctor in any emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is magnesium oil safe to use during pregnancy?
Using magnesium oil during pregnancy is generally considered safe. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some women find it helpful for muscle cramps or sleep issues. However, it is ideal to check with your healthcare provider who can guide you on correct and safe usage.
Can magnesium oil be used safely on sensitive skin?
According to Mrinal Pandit, a registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist, “Yes, it is possible to apply magnesium oil for sensitive skin but one has to be careful. Some people will even feel a little prickly sensation, hot or itchy immediately after applying the magnesium oil if the person’s skin is not accustomed to magnesium.”
She adds, “One is supposed to apply a small amount of the product on the skin, preferably on a different area of the body to test whether there is an allergic reaction. Possible troubles may include irritation or skin rash; you can try mixing the oil with water or apply the oil to the leg or arms instead.”
How should magnesium oil be stored and what is its shelf life?
Pandit says, “The magnesium oil should be kept in a cool and dry container far from sunlight and heat so that it can preserve its qualities. Thus, sealing it tight will ensure that it is protected from contaminants and also that it does not evaporate. The shelf life of the magnesium oil is about 1-2 years while in their appropriate storage conditions. However, it’s advised to look to the label of the specific product to know if there are special indications on how to store it or the date by which it must be used.”
Are there any specific medical conditions or medications that may interact with the use of magnesium oil?
“Patients with kidney disease should also avoid applying magnesium oil, or use it sparingly, since excessive amounts of magnesium may build up in the body, leading to more problems. However, anyone on antibiotics, diuretics, or cardiovascular medicines should first advise his healthcare provider before using magnesium oil due to possible drug interactions. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before including new supplements or treatments, particularly if you are using other medications or have chronic diseases.”, says Pandit.
Can the use of magnesium oil lead to skin dryness or other adverse effects?
According to Pandit, “Yes, the magnesium oil is usually known to cause skin dryness after its frequent use, or when the skin is sensitive to it. This is because when one uses magnesium, it has the qualities of drying out the skin, which may lead to the formation of flakes or itching skin on the user. To reduce this risk, one should apply magnesium oil at night, and after washing, rinsing, or bathing, it is recommended that the skin be moisturized. Also, some individuals may develop a sensation of tingling or burning when applied to damaged areas that have been recently shaved.”
Can the use of magnesium oil be combined with other topical skin treatments or products?
Pandit says, “Magnesium oil, in general, can be mixed with other topical skin lotions or creams, but always some caution needs to be maintained while doing this. It can irritate the skin and cause tingling, using other active substances such as retinoids, exfoliants, or acids may cause skin sensitivity or skin reactions. A guideline for using magnesium oil is that it should be applied on clean, dry skin before applying other lotions. For future questions, it is advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist to avoid any side effects.”
Can you leave magnesium oil on overnight?
Yes. Magnesium oil is safe to leave on overnight.
Does magnesium oil help joint pain?
Yes. Studies have shown that magnesium oil can help relieve joint pain and arthritis (11).
Does magnesium oil make you sleepy?
Yes. Magnesium in supplements as well as in topical treatments has shown positive results in managing insomnia and improving sleep patterns (12).
Is magnesium oil good for wrinkles?
No. Even though magnesium oil is used as a remedy for wrinkles or thought to exhibit anti-aging properties, there are currently no scientific studies that support these claims.
Illustration: Benefits Of Magnesium Oil How To Use It & Side Effects
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Learn about the amazing health benefits of magnesium oil. Check out this video to get tips on how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Magnesium – benefits, DIY and two brands reviewshttps://greenlifeindublin.blogspot.com/2017/04/magnesium-benefits-diy-and-two-brands.html
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- “Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium?” Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine
- “Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy” Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine
- “Why all migraine patients should be treated…” Journal of Neuronal Transmission, US National Library of Medicine
- “Serum Magnesium Levels During Pregnancy” Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, World Applied Sciences Journal
- “Dietary Strategies to Optimize Wound Healing…” The Open Dentistry Journal, US National Library of Medicine
- “Magnesium and Osteoporosis…” PubMed, ResearchGate
- “Possible roles of magnesium on the immune system” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, PubMed
- “The role of oral magnesium supplements..” npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, US National Library of Medicine
- “Relations of magnesium intake..” BMJ Open, ResearchGate
- “Magnesium” National Institute for Health, U.S Department of Health & Human Services
- “Magnesium oil enriched transdermal…” Journal of Microencapsulation, PubMed
- “The effect of magnesium supplementation..” Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine
Read full bio of Vd. Babita Sharma
Dr. Mrinal Pandit is a registered dietician with the board of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) with over 13 years of experience. She is also a certified diabetic educator recognized by the Indian Diabetic Federation (IDF). After completing her post-graduation in dietetics from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Mrinal went on to work in maternity and childcare units, guiding new moms to plan their post-partum nutrition. Additionally, she has worked as a wellness consultant with reputed MNCs to create awareness among their employees on the importance of healthy eating.Dr. Mrinal Pandit is a registered dietician with the board of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) with over 13 years of experience. She is also a certified diabetic educator recognized by the Indian Diabetic Federation (IDF). After completing her post-graduation in dietetics from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Mrinal went on to work in maternity and childcare units, guiding new moms to plan their post-partum nutrition. Additionally, she has worked as a wellness consultant with reputed MNCs to create awareness among their employees on the importance of healthy eating.
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Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla
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