- Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium? - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579607/)
- Effects of transdermal magnesium chloride on quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia: a feasibility study. - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26343101)
- Serum Magnesium and the Risk of Death From Coronary Heart Disease and Sudden Cardiac Death - (http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/5/1/e002707)
- Why all migraine patients should be treated with magnesium. - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22426836)
- The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703169/)
- Magnesium intake, bone mineral density, and fractures: results from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3953885/)
- Magnesium deficiency and increased inflammation: current perspectives - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783146/)
- Magnesium and Osteoporosis: Current State of Knowledge and Future Research Directions - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775240/)
- Magnesium Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes - (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/34/9/2116)
- Magnesium and type 2 diabetes - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4549665/)
- The role of magnesium in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22051430)
- Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208934/)
Health Benefits of Magnesium Oil - Overview
Magnesium is a mineral, which is required by the body to carry out important functions. Magnesium oil can be produced from a mixture of magnesium chloride flakes and water.
Despite its name, magnesium oil is not a true oil. It is called an oil because an oily texture is formed when magnesium chloride flakes are mixed with distilled water.
Magnesium oil when applied topically to the skin is easy to absorb and it may even raise the level of this nutrient in the body. You can purchase magnesium oil from the market from a reliable source or easily prepare it at home.
An interesting study found application of magnesium oil on the skin is more effective than oral magnesium supplementation. Plus the absorption of magnesium was better and side effects were fewer as it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
So, eating just magnesium-rich foods may not be the only best way to fill up your body's magnesium stores. Magnesium oil can do wonders too.
1. Fights Fibromyalgia
Application of magnesium oil is beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain, discomfort, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Individuals with this syndrome have low levels of magnesium in the body. Application of magnesium oil on lower and upper limbs helps the tight muscles to relax naturally.
It further regulates functioning of the nerves and helps in getting rid of pain.
2. Eases Anxiety And Depression
Low levels of magnesium in the blood results in anxiety and depression-like behavior. A magnesium oil or spray can improve the level of magnesium in the blood.
This relaxing mineral may help you cope with stress and anxiety. Magnesium chloride suppresses the release of stress hormones, prevents their entry into the brain and regulates the nervous system.
3. Relieves Constipation
Magnesium chloride, which is an important part of magnesium oil is an excellent laxative. It has an osmotic effect, which means it draws water into the gut from other tissues.
Such an action of magnesium chloride facilitates peristalsis, the muscular movement of the intestines that help in the elimination of stools.
This water further adds moisture to the dehydrated fecal matter and softens the stools so that they are easily eliminated.
4. Promotes A Good Night's Sleep
Magnesium chloride present in magnesium oil is effective in combating insomnia. It is easily absorbed and it induces rapid and uninterrupted sleep.
Magnesium chloride further reduces stress and tension, which helps one to sleep better. It activates the brain chemicals, which have a calming effect on the body.
Magnesium chloride helps the muscles to relax, hence, it promotes a good night's sleep.
5. Prevents Asthma
Rubbing magnesium oil on your throat, chest and back is beneficial for individuals with asthma. Being a muscle relaxant, magnesium chloride prevents shrinking and tightening of airways and reduces symptoms of asthma.
It further blocks the production of pro-inflammatory compounds, which are responsible for triggering an asthma attack.
Hence, the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects of magnesium oil are encouraged as an adjuvant therapy for individuals with asthma.
6. Reduces inflammation
A magnesium deficiency is associated with increased inflammation. Such a deficiency causes excessive production of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory compounds. This leads to inflammatory stress in the body, which is a major cause of various life-threatening diseases. A regular application of magnesium oil may improve the blood levels of this mineral, which can further suppress the production of inflammatory compounds.
7. Promotes A Healthy Heart
A moderate magnesium deficiency may cause changes in how the heart, blood vessels and tissue function. It can even cause your heart to beat faster than normal, which is dangerous for the health.
Magnesium oil may help in correcting low magnesium levels. Magnesium maintains nerve and muscle function. It further helps the heart to control its electrical signals and reduce disturbances in the heart function.
8. Relieves Migraines
Studies have found a link between recurring migraine attacks and magnesium deficiency. Low levels of magnesium in the brain can promote the hyperactivity of the neurotransmitters and brain chemicals.
It further causes excitation of the nerves, which leads to headaches. Magnesium regulates nerve function and reduces the intensity of pain.
You can use the magnesium spray on your shoulders and upper back or magnesium oil can even be applied on the forehead.
9. Helps To Keep Bones Strong And Healthy
Low blood levels of magnesium are associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased bone fragility.
Magnesium is required for the absorption of calcium. It stimulates the production of bone-preserving hormone and regulates bone breakdown too.
Using magnesium oil regularly improves blood magnesium levels, which in turn strengthens the bones.
10. Regulates Diabetes
Magnesium deficiency is a risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Among all the forms of magnesium, magnesium chloride is better absorbed. This makes it useful for individuals with diabetes mellitus because it promotes healthy insulin production.
Correction of the magnesium status improves insulin sensitivity. This facilitates entry of glucose into the cells and tissues and prevents the presence of excess glucose in the bloodstream.
11. Reduces Hypertension
Magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker. It helps in the widening of the arteries and blood vessels. It helps the muscle cells in the arterial walls to relax. This ensures a smooth blood flow throughout the body.
12. Treats Skin Problems
Rubbing magnesium oil on your skin may help you get rid of acne and premature aging of the skin. It helps in reducing skin oiliness, which in turn reduces acne.
Besides this, it combats oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals, the reason behind wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging.
13. Reduces Premenstrual Symptoms
Magnesium nutritional status is compromised in individuals with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies have reported that a deficiency of magnesium aggravates symptoms of PMS.
Magnesium helps in controlling the neuromuscular stimulations. This exerts a relaxing effect and relieves symptoms of PMS like mood swings, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
14. Improves Hair Growth
Magnesium oil when applied on scalp, prevents hair fall, nourishes the hair and reduces dandruff too. Having too much calcium and low level of magnesium in the body can block the hair follicles, which results in hair loss. Improving magnesium status boosts hair growth and improves scalp health too.
Magnesium Oil Side Effects
If you decide to use magnesium oil, apply a small amount of oil on your hand. If there are no adverse reactions, you can go ahead with it. Some people may experience a burning or stinging sensation. Discuss with your doctor or nutritionist before using magnesium oil.