Theoretically, you could overdose on magnesium in this way; however, this sort of treatment should always be conducted by a doctor.
It should also be noted that the type of magnesium used for this treatment is magnesium sulfate, which is the type found in Epsom salts. The type used to make magnesium oil and lotion is magnesium chloride.
What’s the Difference Between Magnesium Sulfate & Magnesium Chloride?
Magnesium chloride, often sold as magnesium flakes, dissolves quickly in water producing a liquid with an oily feel. It is recommended for external use only. It can irritate the skin, but this is less common with magnesium sulfate.
Magnesium flakes cost higher than Epsom salts, but the product still seems quite affordable. You can purchase prepared magnesium lotions and oils for a pretty penny at your local health purveyor or drug store, or you can purchase the flakes very affordably in these same venues or online and make your own products.
You can purchase magnesium sulfate as Epsom salts. This common household product comes cheap and readily available at grocery stores, drug stores, dollar stores, and online. One can use it as a bath additive or foot soak. It also works well when taken internally as a laxative and provides many uses around the home and garden.
Epsom salts works as a good product, but it does not dissolve as quickly as magnesium flakes. Many people do find it to be irritating to the skin, and some find that it makes them sweat profusely when used in the bath and may leave them feeling anxious and irritable afterward.
Magnesium exists as one of the ancient minerals. Over centuries of food production, the magnesium in the soil depleted badly. Simultaneously, stress levels around the world rose in the modern age. Stress depletes magnesium levels in the body, so today we consume and retain less magnesium than ever before.
How To Make Sure You Get Enough Magnesium?
Several solutions exist for this problem. In this article, we will discuss magnesium supplementation, magnesium baths, and magnesium lotions and sprays. We will explain how you can make your own magnesium-rich personal care products and increase your dietary and supplemental intake of this extremely valuable mineral. Read on to learn more.
Watch this video about ‘9 Signs of Magnesium Deficiency & Quick Fixes’ by Dr. Mandell
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How Does Magnesium Help You?
Magnesium is the most important mineral in the human body. Every bodily function is dependent upon it, and just about every ailment and malady can be traced to a deficiency of it. In fact, if you visit PubMed.gov and search any ailment + magnesium, you will find connections.
According to the Nutritional Magnesium Association magnesium deficiency has strong links to the development of:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Cognitive impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Diabetes
- Fatigue
- Arthritis
… and much more. [source]
Menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, and problems associated with menopause may also be caused by magnesium deficiency.
To ensure you get enough magnesium in your diet and that your body can make good use of it, a balanced supplement containing magnesium along with potassium and calcium is wise, but topical application is also strongly advised.
Choose the Right Kind of Magnesium for Oral Supplementation
Several different types of magnesium on the market appear as oral supplements. Check this brief rundown of 5 common choices of magnesium supplements you may encounter.
Magnesium Glycinate
This is bonded with glycine, an amino acid that acts as a relaxing neurotransmitter. For this reason, this makes a very good form of the mineral to choose if you seek a calming and relaxing effect.
Magnesium Taurate
The magnesium taurate bonds with the amino acid, taurine. This combination works effectively in treating heart conditions as the magnesium relaxes the heart muscle and the taurine feeds it while enhancing contractions.
Magnesium L-threonate
Magnesium threonate crosses the blood/brain barrier and may become effective in treating conditions associated with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is bonded with citric acid and is, therefore, easily absorbed. Although it contains a relatively small amount of the mineral by weight, they will only get absorbed. Magnesium citrate often appears as an ingredient in laxative products.
Magnesium Oxide
This is simple magnesium bound to oxygen. It has a very high percentage of magnesium, but it is the least absorbable type. It is good to use as a nerve tonic or muscle relaxer. In high doses, it is an effective laxative.
[source]
Transdermal Magnesium Therapy is a Must
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it absorbs magnesium more efficiently and distributes it more effectively than consuming magnesium in dietary or supplemental forms. While you should strive to eat a magnesium rich diet and take a good daily supplement, you should also experiment with topical application in the form of magnesium lotion, oil sprays, and baths.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as:
- General malaise
- Muscle stiffness
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Nerve pain
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Arthritis
…you will be amazed at how quickly transdermal (topical) application can make a big difference.
How to Make & Use Magnesium Lotion & Oil Spray
You can add magnesium chloride flakes to your bath or to a foot soak for deep, relaxing absorption. Create a simple magnesium “oil” to spray or splash onto your skin daily to supplement your magnesium needs. Also, you can use this oil as a basis for other homemade magnesium remedies.
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DIY Magnesium Oil Recipe
Making basic magnesium chloride oil can work out very easy and simple. Combine magnesium flakes and boiled pure water with a rate of 50-50. Stir until the flakes dissolved; allow it to cool and decant it into a spray bottle. Clearly, this mixture may not actually serve as an oil, but it possess the appearance and feel of oil, hence the name.
You may want to try this pure magnesium chloride flakes from the ancient Zechstein Sea, also called Zechstein magnesium
To use this mixture, simply spray it on your skin once a day and allow it to soak in for half an hour. When applying it for the sole purpose of magnesium absorption, you may wish to follow these guidelines about half an hour before showering.
Spritz your back, chest, abdomen, thighs, shoulders, arms, and underarms about half a dozen times each for a good, even coverage. If you experience hair loss, spray your scalp as well.
Stand on a towel spread on the floor when you apply your spray. It may damage or discolor carpeting, and it can leave hard flooring slick and dangerous.
Relax or go about your business (eating breakfast, etc.) for half an hour and then shower to avoid skin irritation.
Why Does Magnesium Sting & What Can You Do?
Surely, you heard the maxim “Don’t rub salt in the wound.” The reason rubbing salt in a wound does not play as a good idea is because, it stings. It also disinfects, but that’s another topic.
Magnesium flakes comes as an equal with salt. If you own a sensitive skin, freshly shaved skin, or a rash, cut, or scrape, applying magnesium lotion may sting. Magnesium spray will surely hurt a compromised skin.
To avoid this problem, careful not to apply homemade products containing magnesium flakes to sensitive skin, very dry skin, or areas you recently shaved or injured.
Use as a Leave-On Topical Magnesium Treatment
Pure magnesium oil spray can irritate undamaged skin because it effectively dries the sprayed part. Made of water and salt, nothing will really hydrate your skin. For this reason, makes a good idea to use it as a leave-on treatment for areas that may need some drying.
For example, if you have problems with acne on your back, spray it on your back several times a day. It will help dry and heal your acne and deliver a powerful dose of magnesium to your entire system.
You can use magnesium spray on your underarms, and it will help keep you dry and combat odor by inhibiting bacterial growth while delivering a dose of magnesium. Just don’t apply it immediately after shaving your underarms as the salt content may cause stinging.
Spray the mixture directly on sore muscles and achy joints to attain relief from pain.
How to Make a Magnesium Oil and the Incredible Benefits of Magnesium
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Mag-A-Hol for Arthritis
If you are suffering from arthritis pain and you are not a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, you may wish to make your magnesium spray using cheap vodka instead of water. This helps the magnesium absorb quickly and deeply and works very well to alleviate the pain of arthritis.
Just be advised that if you are in a 12-Step program, you will wreck your progress by using this product because your body will absorb alcohol when you do so. Additionally, if you are gluten intolerant, this concoction may cause you problems because vodka can be wheat-based.
When you make this version, you will not boil the vodka. Just combine your ingredients in a jar or bottle with a tightly fitting lid and shake vigorously to encourage the flakes to dissolve. You may need to let the mixture sit overnight to allow complete dissolution.
DIY Magnesium Lotion
If you have very dry skin, or if you have a rash or a scrape, the spray will sting. To avoid this, you can easily make a soothing magnesium lotion using magnesium oil as a base. Prepare it as directed above and combine it with an equal amount of melted shea butter or coconut oil.
Be sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly with a hand-held mixer or a blender. As you combine the ingredients, the shea butter or coconut oil will cool and solidify. This will create a creamy lotion that you can smooth over your skin.
With this more diluted mixture, you are less likely to experience stinging and irritation. This will allow you to leave this lotion in place throughout the day. This also makes a good rub for muscle aches and arthritis pain because you can massage it in to increase blood circulation and further soothe your pain.
Check this video that shows how to make magnesium lotion.
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Luxurious Magnesium Cream
If you want to get fancy, you can go a step further and make your magnesium lotion into a luxurious body butter. When you make your lotion, add a few tablespoons of melted emulsifying wax or beeswax per cup of lotion. This will thicken and stiffen the finished product to a buttery consistency.
This easy DIY product delivers a gentle dose of magnesium while helping protect your skin from the sun. Both coconut oil and shea butter provide sun protection at a level of SPF 4.
This recipe also improves recovery from excessive sun exposure. Keeping it in the fridge will help it stay fresh and will prevent the ingredients from separating. Keeping it chilled also improves its cooling, soothing properties.
You can also try this magnesium body butter for your skin.
Soak Up Your Magnesium
Magnesium baths or foot soaks can be safely added to your magnesium-boosting regimen, or if you prefer not to use sprays and lotions at all, you can just soak to get your magnesium. You should be sure to do this at least twice a week for the best results.
Bathe Your Body
For a soothing dose of therapy, try taking a magnesium bath. Just add a cup or two of magnesium flakes to a tub of hot water and soak for half an hour. You’ll find that this simple treatment relieves muscle aches, calms your nerves, and literally lowers your blood pressure.
Take a quick shower to rinse off after bathing to avoid skin irritation. Follow up with a good night’s sleep and you’ll feel like a new person in the morning.
Soak Your Feet
For a foot soak, add a quarter cup or a half cup of magnesium flakes to a standard tub of water (3-5 gallons). Soak for at least half an hour, two times weekly.
Be advised that excessive soaking may cause significant softening of your toenails. If you have thick, craggy toenails that need softening, this can be a good thing. If your toenails are thin and delicate, they may split. Monitor carefully and adjust your routine as needed. [source]
Is It Possible to Overdose on Magnesium? Are There Any Magnesium Side Effects?
Topically
Some people find that topical application of magnesium irritates thinner skin (e.g. inner arm, neck and face) but does not irritate thicker skin such as that found on legs and feet. A relaxing foot soak may be your best option if you find that magnesium lotion or oil irritates more sensitive areas of skin.
If you overdo topical application of magnesium, your skin will let you know. It may feel dry, itchy, and irritable. If this happens, discontinue use until the condition clears up and then resume at a lesser pace by applying a smaller amount of lotion or oil less frequently.
As a Supplement
It is possible to take too much concentrated supplement, and doing so can result in diarrhea and intestinal distress. For this reason, your oral magnesium intake should not exceed 1000 mg of magnesium supplement daily. Be sure to take a balanced supplement so that your body will be able to absorb and use the magnesium it contains.
Dietary
It is not possible to overdo magnesium in the diet. Look for magnesium-rich foods such as:
- Spinach and other dark greens
- Pure, dark chocolate
- Whole Grains
- Black Beans
- Avocados
- Dried fruit
- Fish
- Nuts
Intravenous Magnesium: According to WebMD magnesium sulfate may be administered intravenously to people suffering from:
- Low Magnesium Blood Levels
- Seizures During Pregnancy
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Edema During Pregnancy
[source]
Intravenous Magnesium: According to WebMD magnesium sulfate may be administered intravenously to people suffering from:
- Low Magnesium Blood Levels
- Seizures During Pregnancy
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Edema During Pregnancy
[source]
Theoretically, you could overdose on magnesium in this way; however, this sort of treatment should always be conducted by a doctor. It should also be noted that the type of magnesium used for this treatment is magnesium sulfate, which is the type found in Epsom salts. The type used to make magnesium oil and lotion is magnesium chloride.
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What’s the Difference Between Magnesium Sulfate & Magnesium Chloride?
Magnesium chloride, which is sold as magnesium flakes, dissolves quickly in water producing a liquid that has an oily feel. It is recommended for external use only. It can irritate the skin, but this is less common with magnesium sulfate.
Magnesium flakes are a bit costlier than Epsom salts, but the product is still quite affordable. You can purchase prepared magnesium lotions and essential oils for a pretty penny at your local health purveyor or drug store, or you can purchase the flakes very affordably in these same venues or online and make your own products.
What’s the Difference Between an Epsom Salt Bath and a Magnesium Bath?
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Magnesium sulfate or magnesium sulphate can be purchased as Epsom salts. This common household product is cheap and readily available at grocery stores, drug stores, dollar stores, and online. It can be used as a bath additive or foot soak. It also works well when taken internally as a laxative and has many uses around the home and garden.
Epsom salts is a good product, but it does not dissolve as quickly as magnesium flakes. Many people do find it to be irritating to the skin, and some find that it makes them sweat profusely when used in the bath and may leave them feeling anxious and irritable afterward.
The Miracle Healing Power of Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt Baths) – Dr. Alan Mandell, D.C.
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5 Thrifty Tips to Help You Get the Most Value from Magnesium
- If you don’t happen to have magnesium flakes on hand at this very moment, Epsom salts may be a good substitute. Magnesium flakes dissolve faster and more completely and leave you with a smoother, silkier feel; however, Epsom salts also delivers a generous dose of magnesium to your frazzled system and can bring relief to stiff, sore muscles and joints. Be aware that it can produce irritation and anxiety in some people when used in a hot bath.
- If you keep a wading pool in the summer for your children or yourself, Epsom salts can help keep algae down and discourages mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water. It also delivers a helpful dose of magnesium as you cool off and play. Be sure to run fresh water into the pool before and during use to displace stale water with fresh water. When you are done using the pool, add a cup or two of Epsom salts to the water.
- Soaking with magnesium flakes can get a bit pricey, but foot baths can be remarkably thrifty because you can reuse your soak three or four times if you wash your feet before soaking them. Use a galvanized or stainless-steel tub (with a lid) that can be heated on your stovetop. Before soaking your feet, heat the water to the desired temperature. Be careful not to get it too hot. Add cool water as needed to avoid burning yourself. After your soak, keep the lid on the tub to keep your solution clean.
- Although it is safe (and even desirable) to water with soaking water that has been laced with Epsom salts (or add it to your compost heap) don’t do this with water that contains magnesium flakes (magnesium chloride). Far from being beneficial to plants and compost, this substance will kill your plants. Dispose of it by pouring it down the drain or toilet. [source]
- When you make your own magnesium lotion or body butter, be sure not to waste a drop of your precious ingredients. When you have finished mixing and decanting your lotion and you are ready to clean your mixer or blender (either stick or carafe), simply run it with some very hot water. Pour this water into a basin to soak your feet. Of course, you’ll need to add more hot water and maybe a quarter cup of magnesium flakes for a good soak, but doing it this way gets your blender clean without waste and without pouring shea butter or coconut oil down your kitchen drain.
No Matter What Ails You, Magnesium Can Help You!
Topical application of magnesium through lotions, sprays, and soaking is a safe way to add this valuable mineral to your daily care routine. Boosting magnesium levels is a good way to support any therapy for any condition. Ample stores of magnesium in your body improve your general health, your mood, and the quality of your life.