How to Make Magnesium Oil: A Surprisingly Simple Solution to Modern Mineral Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency has become something of a silent epidemic in our modern world, with some estimates suggesting that up to 80% of Americans aren't getting enough of this crucial mineral. Yet here's the kicker – one of the most effective ways to boost your magnesium levels doesn't involve swallowing another supplement. Instead, it involves mixing two simple ingredients in your kitchen and applying the result directly to your skin.
I stumbled upon magnesium oil quite by accident during a particularly brutal bout of leg cramps that had me pacing my bedroom at 3 AM like a zombie. A friend mentioned this "oil" that wasn't really an oil at all, and honestly, I thought she'd lost it. But desperation makes believers of us all, and within days of using this strange concoction, those midnight charlie horses became a distant memory.
Understanding the Magnesium Oil Paradox
First things first – magnesium oil isn't actually an oil. I know, I know. The name is about as accurate as calling a tomato a vegetable. What we're really talking about is a supersaturated solution of magnesium chloride in water that happens to feel slippery and oily on your skin. This slippery sensation comes from the hygroscopic nature of magnesium chloride – it pulls moisture from the air and creates that distinctive texture.
The beauty of transdermal magnesium application lies in its ability to bypass the digestive system entirely. When you take oral magnesium supplements, your gut has to work overtime to absorb them, and let's be honest, many forms of magnesium have a rather... explosive effect on the digestive system. Not exactly ideal when you're trying to boost your mineral levels.
Through the skin, however, magnesium can be absorbed directly into the tissues where it's needed most. Some researchers argue about the exact absorption rates, and there's definitely some debate in the scientific community about how much actually gets through. But anecdotal evidence from thousands of users (myself included) suggests that something beneficial is definitely happening.
The Ridiculously Simple Recipe
Making magnesium oil at home requires exactly two ingredients and about five minutes of your time. You'll need:
- 1/2 cup of magnesium chloride flakes
- 1/2 cup of distilled water
That's it. No fancy equipment, no complicated procedures, no need for a chemistry degree.
The process itself is almost embarrassingly simple. Boil your distilled water – and yes, it should be distilled water, not tap water. The minerals and chemicals in tap water can interfere with the solution and potentially cause skin irritation. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat and stir in the magnesium chloride flakes until they completely dissolve.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a glass spray bottle. Plastic works too, but I've found that glass bottles tend to preserve the solution better over time. Plus, there's something satisfying about the weight of a glass bottle in your hand – call it a tactile preference.
The Art of Application (And Why It Might Sting Like Hell)
Here's where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean potentially uncomfortable. The first time you spray magnesium oil on your skin, you might experience what I like to call "the tingle of truth." For some people, it's a mild tingling sensation. For others – particularly those who are severely magnesium deficient – it can feel like you've rolled in a patch of stinging nettles.
This stinging sensation is actually a sign that your body needs magnesium. As your levels improve over time, the stinging typically decreases. It's like your skin is saying, "Finally! Where have you been all my life?" in the most uncomfortable way possible.
Apply the oil to areas with thinner skin for better absorption – the insides of your arms, behind your knees, or on your belly. Avoid freshly shaved areas unless you enjoy unnecessary suffering. Trust me on this one.
Leave the oil on for at least 20-30 minutes before showering or wiping it off. Some people leave it on overnight, but if you're new to this, you might find the residue a bit... crusty. It's not harmful, just not particularly pleasant.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the solution crystallizes in the bottle, especially in cooler temperatures. This doesn't mean it's gone bad – magnesium chloride is incredibly stable. Just add a bit of warm water and shake vigorously. Problem solved.
If the stinging is unbearable, dilute the solution with more water. There's no prize for suffering through the burn. You can also apply the oil to damp skin right after a shower, which tends to reduce the intensity of the sensation.
Some folks develop a rash or irritation from magnesium oil. This could be due to the concentration being too high, or it might indicate that transdermal application isn't the best route for you. There's no shame in admitting defeat and switching to Epsom salt baths instead.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
We live in a world where our soil has been depleted of minerals, where stress burns through our magnesium stores like a California wildfire, and where processed foods dominate our diets. Is it any wonder that magnesium deficiency has become so common?
Making your own magnesium oil isn't just about saving money (though at roughly $2 per batch versus $20+ for commercial versions, the savings are substantial). It's about taking control of your health in a simple, tangible way. It's about understanding that sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.
I've been making and using magnesium oil for years now, and it's become as routine as brushing my teeth. My sleep is deeper, my muscles rarely cramp, and that eye twitch that used to plague me during stressful periods? Gone like yesterday's news.
Storage and Shelf Life Considerations
Your homemade magnesium oil will last indefinitely if stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place – though it doesn't need refrigeration. The solution might develop some sediment over time, but a quick shake sorts that right out.
I typically make a fresh batch every couple of months, not because the old one has gone bad, but because I've used it all up. Between post-workout applications, bedtime rituals, and the occasional gift to a crampy friend, a batch doesn't last as long as you might think.
Final Thoughts on This Mineral Marvel
Making magnesium oil is one of those rare instances where the DIY version is genuinely as good as – if not better than – the store-bought alternative. It's a perfect example of how taking health into our own hands doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
Sure, you could buy pre-made magnesium oil. But there's something deeply satisfying about creating your own health solutions, about knowing exactly what's in that bottle on your bathroom shelf. Plus, once you realize how easy it is, you'll probably feel a bit silly for ever considering paying premium prices for what is essentially salt water.
The next time you're lying awake with restless legs, or dealing with post-workout soreness, or just feeling that general malaise that comes with mineral deficiency, remember that the solution might be as simple as mixing two ingredients in your kitchen. Sometimes the best remedies are hiding in plain sight, waiting for us to stop overcomplicating things and just give them a try.
Authoritative Sources:
Dean, Carolyn. The Magnesium Miracle. Ballantine Books, 2017.
Gröber, Uwe, et al. "Myth or Reality—Transdermal Magnesium?" Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 8, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579607/.
National Institutes of Health. "Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals." Office of Dietary Supplements, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/.
Rosanoff, Andrea, et al. "Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated?" Nutrition Reviews, vol. 70, no. 3, 2012, pp. 153-164.