Magnesium deficiency is rampant in our modern culture and contributes to many of our modern conditions and diseases.
Learn how to make magnesium oil and you can reverse many of those symptoms.
PMS, menstrual cramps, heart attacks caused by coronary spasms, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, constipation, and many other symptoms and syndromes can stem from magnesium deficiency.
Guess what else it contributes to? Stinky pits. Magnesium deficiency and liver congestion are the two main causes of body odor.
Many people report using Milk of Magnesia as an effective deodorant.
Magnesium: Essential Nutrient
Magnesium is one of the minerals essential for survival. Its involved in several hundred of the body’s enzymatic reactions, especially those related to energy production and cardiovascular function.
It helps to create and stimulate prostaglandins – lipid compounds that regulate inflammation and anti-inflammation -, relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, and is considered the ‘anti-stress’ mineral for its ability to calm and reduce anxiety and hyperactivity.
Read about the many benefits in my post on top 5 immune boosting supplements: magnesium.
To get the full spectrum of magnesium, I suggest eating plenty of leafy greens if digestion is optimal, taking Epsom salt baths, and supplementing with magnesium oil as needed.
Elements that Deplete Magnesium
- Stress
- Birth Control Pills
- Diuretic Drugs
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Caffeine
- Supplemental Vitamin D & Calcium
- Phosphorus (common in soda and some refined foods)
- Refined & Unsoaked/Unsprouted Whole Grains
- Softened Water
How to Make Magnesium Oil
(affiliate links)
1. Boil 1 cup of filtered water in a non-reactive pot (stainless steel, ceramic, or glass).
2. Turn heat off and pour in 1/4 cup of magnesium chloride for a 25% solution.
3. Stir until dissolved.
4. Once cool, pour into clean spray bottle and store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate.
Because of the concentration, I have had my current batch for over 6 months with no contamination issues. Many recipes that include water give an expiration of 3 days, so use caution and your discretion when storing for longer periods of time.
If the batch smells unpleasant, develops scum, or becomes black or fuzzy, throw it out.
Once you know how to make magnesium oil, it’s super easy to do. If you’re not the DIY type though, you can buy it here.
Why Magnesium Chloride?
The body has been shown to retain magnesium chloride longer than other forms of magnesium. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is usually excreted within 24 hours and is not recommended for mag oil.
How to Apply Magnesium Oil
1. Apply approximately 24 sprays to either your arms and legs (6 sprays each) to get 400 mg of magnesium (RDA).
It can either be applied to extremities or areas of thin skin on and around the torso, opinion varies on what is most effective.
I prefer to mix with lotion and apply to my torso and the bottoms of my feet just before bed. I also apply 2 sprays to my 5 year old daughter’s feet with 1 drop of lavender essential oil to help her relax.
My picks for relaxing essential oils: Lavender, German or Roman chamomile, and Patchouli (oils I use).
2. Leave on for a minimum of 30 minutes and either wash it off or leave it on until you shower next.
If it itches or burns, wash off and either dilute with more water or mix with lotion.
Further Reading
My favorite reference manual 
on magnesium.
Sources
The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.
Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine by Elson M. Haas, M.D.
DETOXIFICATION
IMMUNE SUPPORT
IMMUNE SUPPORT
THYROID SUPPORT
ADRENAL SUPPORT
HEALING RESPONSES
36 Responses
I take a magnesium tablet everyday. Helps relax my muscles and I sleep better. If I do have bad muscle cramps I use the oil after a hot shower and it works miracles.
I love hearing how well natural remedies work!
What’s your take on magnesium capsules/tablets? I am so bad about doing the oil regularly (really don’t like how it feels on my skin), and recently a friend told me they take Chelated magnesium tablets. I know from personal experience that magnesium citrate tablets are out (used in hospitals to help loosen the bowels). Tablets are SO much more doable for me…I’ve tried to research this and haven’t come up with much…thoughts?
They are helpful for some but not ideal, because we don’t usually absorb much. It’s best to get magnesium through food, but you can always try them to see if you notice a difference in symptoms. I’ve tried the powder in the past (Natural Calm) and felt calmer after using it.
You can also try alternating the tablets with Epsom salt or magnesium chloride baths too.
How much oil to how much lotion?
That’s difficult to answer. I thought of sharing a recipe, but there are too many variables. It will depend on how thick your lotion is and how much of it you put on.
What I do is fill my hand with some lotion, add a squirt of mag oil, rub it together to combine, and apply. I keep doing it until I’ve reached 20-25 squirts of oil, and then I lotion the rest of my body without any additional oil. My skin is quite dry and I use a thick skin balm, so that amount usually covers my arms, legs, and the bottoms of my feet.
Wow, that’s alot of sprays of oil! I have the magnesium oil you linked to (pre-made), and when I use 6 squirts and spread it on my torso, I feel very greasy. And I’ve never been sure quite how much I should be using.
If 24 squirts is the RDA, that’s still a fairly low amount, right? Isn’t the RDA for most nutrients pretty low, compared to what we really need? Can you give any guidelines for how we can know how much to use? Also, I recently used the oil on my toddler and wasn’t exactly sure how much to use, so I used only one spray on the bottom of the foot, and it seems to have been very calming. Did that a couple nights in a row and got nice results. But I don’t feel confident to know what amount (and how frequently) to give a toddler, an adult of my size, an adult of my husband’s size, etc. Or is it based more on symptoms rather than on body size, or something else?
Thanks!
I’m not sure of the concentration of the premade mag oil, you would have to contact the manufacturer or use their instructions.
The dose will be individual based on a person’s diet, digestions, adrenal health, and availability of co-factors. It’s not your only source of magnesium, so you’re not trying to take it like a vitamin. If 1 spray helps your toddler sleep, then it may be enough. I wouldn’t be able to say without an evaluation.
If you would like to learn more, I would suggest purchasing the book I recommend in the post. It’s very comprehensive and would be a wonderful resource to have on hand. Best of luck!
Hi, I have fibromyalgia and have heard that it can simply all be a magnesium deficiency. Im the type to have leg cramps, reccuring yeast infections, chronic pain AND chronic fatigue as well as being extremely stressed, taking birth control pills and loving my wine and sugar. When i was pregnant of my 3 year old, i had morning sickness (nausea and vomitting) for a full 4 months, and i found on another site that this could be a magnesium defficiency as well. I am following a gluten, dairy and refined sugar free diet right now, and though it has helps loads on my IBS symptoms, it hasn’t helped much else. Im super uber curious about this, but i have a funny question… why call it oil if its made with water? Am I missing something? I have super dry skin (in the winter it cracks and bleeds!) so the idea of incorporating this into cream is fantastic as i apply lotion to my hands and legs every single day.
Are all magnesium chloride solutions equal or should it be a specific grade? (i work in a lab, so i know there are different chemical qualities!)
Thanks so much!
Unfortunately, an autoimmune condition can’t be reversed with a single nutrient. It’s caused by chronic – and often generational – deficiencies and needs a multidirectional approach. Magnesium is definitely an important nutrient to add to it!
Magnesium “oil” is the common name, because the solution is oily in nature even though it’s not a true oil. I’d prefer to call it a magnesium solution, but the name stuck so I go with it. The solutions will all be individual based on the formulation of each company’s recipe and the source of magnesium will change the properties. I prefer to make my own, so it can be adjusted to my needs and to use magnesium chloride.
I keep mine in a spray bottle and add a few squirts to my skin balm as I’m applying it. That way, I know just how much I’m getting without having to calculate a new recipe.
Thank you! I will definately try it, and I will go with the 25 squirts 1/4cup magnesium chloride ratio you use and see 🙂 Is it possible to get too much or is excess magnesium simply excreted? I also love the idea of using it on the feet of my daughter to help her sleep. Do you add the drop of lavender straight to her feet every night or do you put some drops straight in the mag oil? wouldn’t mind having the lavender oil in the one ill use with my cream as well – i love the smell!
Laylu05..Coconut oil works real good for dry skin
Sounds to me like you have candida.
What about magnesium oil and pregnancy??
Highly approved of during pregnancy. 🙂 Adequate magnesium intake can help prevent and relieve morning sickness, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, and premature uterine contractions.
I use the magnesium oil on my son every night. The doctor wants him taking 400 mg/day as you recommend however spray nozzles differ greatly. Giving your best estimate, how many ml would you say 24 squirts is?
From the post: “Apply approximately 24 sprays to either your arms and legs (6 sprays each) to get 400 mg of magnesium (RDA).” 🙂
Hello, Jeri here. Can I use Magnesium pills 250 milligrams to make Mag oil. It’s all I have. Thank you. God Bless you. Have a great day.
It depends on the source of the magnesium. Oral supplements are usually magnesium citrate and won’t have the same therapeutic effect.
Hi! I’ve been looking at many recipes for mag oil. Most indicate a 1:1 ratio. May I ask the reasoning behind your 1:4 ratio?
It’s based on the linked book in the resources, The Magnesium Miracle.
Hello, sounds interesting but I wonder why you call it an ‘oil’ while the recipe is Water with magnesium ?
I know, right? It’s the common name because it feels oily.
Once making this “oil”, is it possible to take it orally instead of applying topically? Thank you.
I’m sorry for my delayed response! I was on maternity leave. If the magnesium is food-grade, absolutely. It tastes pretty terrible though. 🙂 Mag chloride is usually recommended for topical use.
If someone were to use this for anxiety/pms purposes where should the oil be applied?
You want it to be absorbed into the bloodstream, so the best location is the torso where the skin is soft and non-callused.
If it is best absorbed by thin/non calloused skin, why apply it to bottoms of feet?
Some people have skin too sensitive to use it elsewhere. The bottoms of the feet are always a safe bet to avoid itching or burning with very sensitive skin.
Hi! Do you think this would work in a roller bottle? My son has autism & ADHD and is very particular about sprays. I usually put a bit of lavender, geranium, patchouli EO blend on the back of his neck at night to help him sleep; adding mag oil would be fantastic if it can be applied that way.
Thanks!
Absolutely! It would need to be applied to a larger area to be effective though. You could combine it with an Epsom salt or magnesium chloride bath for better results if he’ll take one.
Good Morning Jennifer, Thank you for your post. I slept like a baby last night! First time in a very long time. No leg cramps! No endless thoughts racing thru my head. No dreams. Just peaceful sleep. That means the world to me. Thank you again.
Hi Jennifer so happy to hear your answer on autoimmune diseases i am so over people trying to state a miricale cure . I would be interested in what is meant by a multidirectional treatment ? I come from a fitness and health background so i get really touchy when i am told to use farmacy rather than pharmacy ! I really didn’t get up one morning and say i know i will take biological medications quite the oposite actually . I refused treatment i wouldn’t take the drugs offered , i treated myself with juicing vitamins exercise and clean eating ! When i couldn’t get out of bed and had to crawl to the bathroom and would drag myself to heavy weight training when i got home my husband would carry me in and put me in a magnesium bath . Five years later i am in a wheelchair i can no longer train i can no longer walk unaided i am on strong pain meds for pain and on chemotherapy drugs to slow the disease down and on a biological to treat my poor sick immune system ! Fortunately my Rheumotologist is forward thinking and will let me try any of the natural treatments as long as he knows what they are and i don’t stop taking my meds ! He is actually the person that put me on to magnesium orally as well as the oil and soaking in it.