Magnesium has numerous roles in the body, such as cell metabolism, DNA and RNA synthesis, cell growth and reproduction. Magnesium controls nerve action, heart activity, blood pressure and flow, and neuromuscular transmission. In fact magnesium regulates over 325 enzymes in the body, the most important of which produce, transport, and store and utilize energy. (1) Magnesium is also wonderful to help relieve muscle cramps, soreness and can even help you get a better nights sleep.
Magnesium is a mineral that is critical to the body’s function. About 60-65 percent of our magnesium is in our bones and teeth. The remaining 35-40 percent is found in the muscle, tissue cells and body fluids. Magnesium helps maintain normal blood pressure and is essential for strong bones, muscle function as well as maintaining a steady heart rhythm. Magnesium also plays a vital role in detoxification from environmental pollutants, heavy metals and other toxins.
Why is magnesium deficiency so common?
There are numerous reasons including eating the wrong foods and poor soil quality.
Dr. Norman Shealy, M.D. Ph.D. and founder of the American Holistic Medical Association, was an early advocate for the advantages of magnesium and in particular benefits of transdermal applications of magnesium. He states, “The problem is magnesium absorption, as well as magnesium deficiency in our diets. The soil in every country in the world except Egypt has been farmed to a point of magnesium depletion”.
Many people in the U.S. are simply not consuming enough magnesium. In fact researchers analyzed the diets of 4,000 U.S. adults and sadly found that what they consumed was from subpar sources such as coffee, milk and bananas.
According to Carolyn Dean, The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is between 350 and 400 milligrams per day, which is just enough to ward off outright deficiency. But for optimal health and for the twenty-two conditions that are triggered by magnesium deficiency, perhaps twice as much magnesium is needed”.
There are many ways to help your body get the magnesium it needs such as making your own magnesium cream or oil, magnesium supplements or eating magnesium rich foods such as these:
12 Benefits of Applying Magnesium Topically
In the book Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, Dr. Marc Sircus shares some of the benefits of using magnesium cream:
Bone health
Cellular detoxification
Fewer migraines
Fewer muscle pains and aches
Heart health
Improved cognitive function
Improved sleep
Less frequent headaches
A couple of my favorite magnesium cream recipes:
From Dr. Axe:
Homemade CALM Body Butter
TOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup magnesium oil
- 3/4 cup cocoa butter
- 30 drops of lavender oil
- large glass jar
DIRECTIONS:
- In saucepan with water over low heat, place a jar containing the cocoa butter.
- Once melted, pour into bowl and let cool in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Using a standard mixer blend and whip it.
- Once whipped add in magnesium oil, avocado oil and essential oils and mix.
- Transfer to glass jar or plastic container and keep in refrigerator for 90 days.
From wellnessmama:
How to Make Magnesium Oil
Ingredients:
1 C. Magnesium chloride flakes
10 ounces Water
Directions:
Bring 5 ounces of water to a simmer. Remove it from heat and pour in 1/2 cup of magnesium chloride flakes. Stir until the flakes have completely dissolved.
Allow to cool and pour into a spray or pump bottle. That’s it!
How to Make Magnesium Cream
Ingredients:
2 C. Coconut oil
3 T. Beeswax pastilles-(I purchase these from Mountain Rose Herbs)
8 Drops Vitamin E Oil
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to boost its healing benefits
Directions:
After you have made your “oil” pour it into blender.
In a double boiler, melt coconut oil and beeswax over low heat till melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool till slightly warm.
Pour into blender and place blender cover on. Remove the center cap and slowly drizzle the beeswax and oil into the blender. Blend for a couple of minutes.
Allow to cool and blend again, add 4 drops of vitamin E oil (as a preservative). The mixture will become thick, creamy and white.
Divide into airtight containers. Be sure to label and keep in cool pantry.
Alternatively, you can skip the vitamin E oil and place a small amount in an air tight container for immediate use and keep the rest in another jar, labelled in the fridge.
Resources
- The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean, MD.
Products mentioned in this article include:
If you’d rather purchase your magnesium products already made, here are two I recommend: