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Over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey to become more self-sufficient and healthier by using all-natural and/or homemade solutions for my health and wellbeing. From making my own soap and lotion to crafting herbal remedies, I’ve found so much satisfaction in taking control of what I put on and in my body. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about knowing exactly what’s in the products I use and trusting that they’re safe, effective, and natural.
One of my favorite go-to remedies has always been Epsom salt baths. I swear by them for relaxing my muscles, soothing aches, and winding down after a long day. But as much as I love those long, hot soaks, I’ve recently discovered magnesium oil benefits and started using magnesium oil as another way to deliver this mineral directly through the skin—without needing to draw a bath.
In this article, I want to share everything I’ve learned about magnesium oil benefits. Plus, I’ll show you how easy it is to make your own magnesium oil at home—a simple, affordable, and effective addition to your home apothecary.
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is often called the “miracle mineral,” and for good reason—it’s involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. From supporting energy production to regulating nerves, muscles, and even your heart rhythm, magnesium is essential for staying healthy and functioning at your best. Yet, despite its importance, many people are deficient without even realizing it.
So, why are we so deficient? A combination of modern diets, depleted soil quality, and stress are to blame. Processed foods strip out natural magnesium, and even the fresh produce we eat today contains less magnesium than it did decades ago because of industrial farming practices. To top it off, caffeine, alcohol, and stress can all deplete magnesium levels further, making deficiency incredibly common.
This is yet another reason why I’m so focused on growing my own food. By cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs in my garden, I can ensure they’re grown in nutrient-rich soil, free from the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that often strip away essential minerals. It’s one more way to take control of my health while connecting with nature and enjoying the satisfaction of a sustainable, homegrown lifestyle.
When you’re low on magnesium, your body sends signals—sometimes subtle, sometimes loud. Here are some common symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Poor sleep quality or insomnia
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Brain fog or trouble focusing
- Headaches and migraines
- High stress levels and anxiety
Magnesium doesn’t just keep your body functioning; it also promotes calm, balance, and restoration. That’s why it’s so helpful for muscle recovery, reducing stress, and improving sleep.
Magnesium Oil Benefits
The good news? There are easy things you can do to replenish your magnesium levels. While oral supplements work for some people, magnesium applied through the skin—like with Epsom salt soaks or magnesium oil—has been gaining popularity.
One of the key magnesium oil benefits is its ability to bypass the digestive system for faster absorption, making it an excellent choice for people who want quick relief from muscle tension, cramps, or stress. It’s easy to use, fast-acting, and simple to incorporate into your daily routine.
Here are some commonly reported magnesium oil benefits:
- Muscle Relaxation: Many individuals use magnesium oil to help relax muscles after physical activity.
- Stress Reduction: Some people find that applying magnesium oil promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
- Sleep Support: Magnesium is known to play a role in sleep regulation, and topical application is sometimes used as part of a bedtime routine.
- Skin Health: Magnesium oil is sometimes applied to the skin to support skin health.
- Energy Levels: Magnesium is essential for energy production, and maintaining adequate levels is important for overall vitality.
- Digestive Considerations: Topical application of magnesium oil bypasses the digestive system, which may be beneficial for individuals who experience gastrointestinal discomfort with oral supplements.
How to Make Magnesium Oil at Home
Despite its name, magnesium oil isn’t actually an oil at all—it’s a magnesium chloride brine. The reason people call it “oil” is that it has a slightly slippery, oily feel when applied to the skin, even though it contains no actual oil. Making your own magnesium oil at home is incredibly easy, affordable, and only requires two simple ingredients. With this DIY recipe, you can enjoy all the magnesium oil benefits without spending a fortune on store-bought products.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup of magnesium chloride flakes (highly absorbable and ideal for making magnesium oil)
- ½ cup of distilled water (to ensure the solution remains clean and free of impurities). I make my own distilled water. Learn how here: How to Make Distilled Water at Home
- A small saucepan
- A glass spray bottle or jar for storage
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Water – Bring distilled water to a boil in a small saucepan. Using distilled water is essential because it is free of minerals that could interfere with the effectiveness of magnesium chloride. Additionally, distilled water can help extend the shelf life of your magnesium oil.
- Dissolve the Magnesium Flakes – Place the magnesium chloride flakes in a heat-resistant bowl. Carefully pour the boiling water over the flakes and stir until fully dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear and have a slightly oily texture—this is your homemade “magnesium oil.”
- Let It Cool – Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring it to your glass spray bottle or jar.
- Store and Use – Store your magnesium oil in a cool, dark place. It doesn’t require refrigeration and should last up to six months when made with distilled water.
How to Use Your Homemade Magnesium Oil
- Spray on your skin: Apply 5–10 sprays to areas like your legs, arms, or abdomen. For muscle soreness or cramps, spray directly on the affected area.
- Allow it to absorb: Let the oil sit for about 20 minutes. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, especially if you’re new to magnesium oil—this is normal and usually subsides with regular use.
- Rinse if needed: If the oil feels too itchy or uncomfortable, you can rinse it off with water after 20 minutes. Many people get used to the sensation over time.
Pro Tip:
If you have sensitive skin, start with a more diluted version by using ¼ cup magnesium flakes to ½ cup water and increase the strength as your body adjusts.
Why Make Your Own Magnesium Oil?
- Cost-effective: Store-bought magnesium oils can be pricey, but this DIY version costs just a fraction of the price.
- Customizable: You can adjust the concentration to suit your needs.
- Convenient: Having a spray bottle on hand makes it easy to use daily for supporting muscle relaxation and overall wellness.
How to Use Magnesium Oil Safely and Effectively
Now that you’ve made your own magnesium oil, let’s talk about how to use it for the best results. While transdermal magnesium is generally safe and easy to use, there are a few tips and precautions to keep in mind to maximize magnesium oil benefits.
How to Apply Magnesium Oil
- Start with Clean Skin: Apply to clean, dry areas like your legs, arms, or feet.
- Spray and Massage: Use 5–10 sprays and gently massage it in.
- Let It Absorb: Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off if desired.
- Use Regularly: Apply daily or as needed for consistent results.
Addressing the Tingling Sensation
If you’re new to magnesium oil, you might experience a tingling or itching sensation when you first apply it. This usually subsides over time as your body adjusts. This is normal and often happens because:
- Your skin is adjusting to the magnesium.
- You may be deficient in magnesium, which can make the tingling more noticeable.
How to Reduce Discomfort:
- Dilute the mixture: Add more distilled water to your magnesium oil to make it gentler.
- Apply on less sensitive areas: Start with your legs or feet instead of sensitive areas like the neck or chest.
- Incorporate into a lotion: Some people find that mixing magnesium oil into a natural lotion or body butter makes it easier to tolerate, especially for those with sensitive skin. This method also helps moisturize the skin while delivering magnesium.
- Rinse after 20 minutes: If the sensation is too strong, rinse it off with water after absorption.
When and How Often to Use Magnesium Oil
- For general health and relaxation: Use 5–10 sprays daily, ideally after a shower when your pores are open for better absorption.
- For muscle cramps or soreness: Apply directly to the affected area after physical activity or at bedtime.
- For sleep support: Spray magnesium oil on your legs, arms, or stomach about 30 minutes before bed to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Who Should Avoid Magnesium Oil?
As with any supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating magnesium oil into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. While magnesium oil is safe for most people, you should check with your healthcare provider if you:
- Have kidney disease (excess magnesium can be harmful).
- Have open wounds or sensitive skin (magnesium oil may sting).
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding and want to confirm safe use.
More to Explore
For more natural health and wellness recipes, explore these other popular articles:
Sources:
Axe, Dr. “Magnesium Oil Benefits, Uses, DIY Recipes and Side Effects – Dr. Axe.” Dr. Axe, 19 Dec. 2018, draxe.com/nutrition/magnesium-oil/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
“Office of Dietary Supplements – Magnesium.” Nih.gov, 2016, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium-healthprofessional/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Whelan, C. (2018). Magnesium oil. [Online Article]. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-oil-benefits
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