Benefits of Magnesium Oil - Organic Authority (2024)

13 Benefits of Magnesium Oil and a few disadvantages to be aware of

13 Benefits of Magnesium Oil and some disadvantages

What are the benefits of magnesium oil?

Here are 13 benefits of magnesium oil. Magnesium oil offers a multitude of health benefits, making it a valuable addition to your daily routine. Dietary magnesium plays an essential role in the body, found in both food sources and dietary supplements. Healthcare providers often recommend monitoring serum levels of magnesium to ensure optimal intake.

Magnesium chloride flakes, used to create magnesium oil, can help improve sleep quality and reduce muscle cramps. Additionally, these magnesium flakes have a calming effect, helping to alleviate stress. From our experience, using magnesium oil can enhance skin health, support heart function, and boost overall energy levels.

Recent studies published in Clinical Nutrition (Clin Nutr) and Magnesium Research (Magnes Res) have shown that magnesium supplementation may help alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and restless legs syndrome. Research also suggests that adequate magnesium intake could support bone mineral density and aid in managing chronic pain.

At Organic Authority, we’ll show you how this natural remedy, rich in magnesium ions and essential minerals, can transform your well-being. Remember, while magnesium oil can be beneficial, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to monitor your serum magnesium levels and determine the appropriate dosage, typically measured in milligrams per day.

Now, let’s explore the 13 benefits of magnesium oil in detail, supported by scientific research and practical experience. Each benefit demonstrates how magnesium oil can enhance your health and well-being.

Benefit 1: Reduce Pain

One of the top benefits of magnesium oil is to reduce pain, including joint pain. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD wrote for Dr. Oz that magnesium can remedy both muscle and nerve pain: not only is it an excellent muscle relaxant, but a new study in The Journal of Physiology showed that magnesium helps to calm NDMA – a chemical that, when stimulated, creates pain.

Transdermal magnesium cream has also been shown to provide potential benefits for pain relief by increasing magnesium levels through topical application.

Magnesium oil spray can be used for pain relief, especially after a bath or shower when the skin is warm.

Kerri Knox, RN, notes that magnesium oil, when applied topically, can provide relief for localized back pain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Some people with carpal tunnel can rub magnesium oil on their wrists and the pain sometimes vanishes almost instantly,” she says.

Magnesium oil can also be used on the legs for all variety of pain and other leg discomfort, according to Gundry.

“I have a number of people who get leg cramps every night or even what they view as restless legs, and magnesium oil, applied to your feet, calves, and thighs, is a great relief,” he explains.

Benefit 2: Strengthen Teeth and Bones

Magnesium intake is also beneficial to successful calcium absorption, so it’s no surprise that when magnesium levels are low, calcium is not absorbed as well.

A 2013 data review in Nutrients found that “a tight control of magnesium homeostasis seems to be crucial for bone health.” This means that not only do you need to maintain appropriate doses of magnesium, but you need to do so regularly to ensure strong teeth and bones. Magnesium compounds are particularly effective in treating magnesium deficiency and supporting bone health.

Benefit 3: Repair Muscles

Magnesium has long been used by athletes to relieve pain associated with muscle soreness and inflammation.

Magnesium has long been used by athletes to relieve pain associated with muscle soreness and inflammation. Magnesium spray, typically applied using a spray bottle, is also an effective method for muscle repair, providing essential minerals directly through the skin. For those who cannot tolerate topical application, oral magnesium supplements are an effective alternative. However, oral magnesium supplementation is well-documented for its effectiveness in treating magnesium deficiency, contrasting with the skepticism surrounding the claims of better absorption through transdermal applications.

Pamula uses magnesium oil often for this reason at her spa. “We have clients who work out a lot, and they very often they overwork themselves and they have very tense muscles, so we recommend it for that,” she explains.

Benefit 4: Sleep Better

Magnesium’s natural muscle relaxant characteristics are part of what makes it such a great sleep aid – given its ability to relax GABA receptors in the brain and nervous system, magnesium oil makes it much easier to fall asleep.

Magnesium spray is also effective for improving sleep by providing essential minerals through transdermal absorption. This method can significantly enhance magnesium absorption, ensuring that the body receives adequate levels of this crucial mineral for better sleep quality.

In fact, even when Gundry asks patients to use magnesium oil for other reasons, he suggests that they do so in the evening, right before they go to bed. The benefits of magnesium oil in the body for sleep is well documented.

Benefit 5: Improve Dental Health

Believe it or not, magnesium can also have health benefits when used as part of your oral hygiene regimen.

Dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman explains that magnesium oil can be sprayed orally to reduce plaque buildup and promote healthy gums, and Dr. Mark Sircus AC., OMD, noted in his book that using a magnesium gargle could strengthen oral and dental environments to such an extent that it reduces the risk of mouth cancer.

Just be sure to spit it out, or risk experiencing the intestinal discomfort that can come with taking too much magnesium orally.

Benefit 6: Treat Skin Problems with Topical Magnesium

Magnesium oil can be used topically to help solve a variety of skin troubles, including oily skin and acne.

A 1981 study in Lipids showed that magnesium can break apart different fats and oils, thus reducing the oiliness of the skin and helping with some types of acne.

Magnesium sulphate is also used in treating various skin problems, providing another effective option for transdermal magnesium application.

Engelman notes that in her dermatology practice, she uses magnesium oil to solve an even wider variety of skin problems, including rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

Benefit 7: Improve Heart Health

Magnesium oil is a powerhouse for heart health, standing out as one of its top benefits. This mineral marvel works tirelessly behind the scenes, fine-tuning your body’s calcium and potassium levels. The result? It helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and can even help prevent irregular heartbeat. Magnesium’s cardiac prowess is so respected that in hospital settings, doctors sometimes use intravenous magnesium sulfate for acute heart conditions.

The absorption of magnesium through the skin can directly enter the bloodstream via blood vessels, potentially enhancing its cardiovascular benefits.

Enhanced magnesium levels can improve heart muscle function, promote healthy blood flow, and decrease the likeliho od of arrhythmias, contributing to overall heart health.

By making magnesium oil part of your routine, you’re giving your heart a natural ally in its quest to stay strong and steady.

Benefit 8: Use as Deodorant

Magnesium is a great replacement for your regular stick deodorant. Magnesium oil is not linked to health problems when used as a deodorant.

“It has been shown in studies to minimize odor caused from excessive perspiration,” explains Engelman. You can even add a bit of your favorite essential oil, like lavender, to smell even better. Just be wary of spraying on freshly shaven skin, as this may cause irritation.

Benefit 9: Relieve Stress

One of the benefits of using Magnesium oil is less stress. Magnesium is typically evacuated from the body via urine in times of stress, and since magnesium is a key to the success of many major hormonal processes in the body, supplementing with magnesium during stressful times is always a good idea.

“It’s a major anti-anxiety agent, and it actually works because it quiets down the excitability of nerves, not only in our muscles and our heart, but also in our brain,” explains Gundry.

Naturopathic doctor Serena Goldstein also notes that magnesium is depleted by pharmaceuticals, caffeine, and alcohol, so those turning to an extra cup of coffee or glass of wine in stressful times should take special note to up their magnesium oil use.

Benefit 10: Reduce Hypertension and Blood Pressure

Hypertension and other heart problems are often linked to severe magnesium deficiency, according to Gundry, due in part to the fact that magnesium, along with potassium, is key to regulating our cardiac rhythm.

“The average person that comes into our hospital with heart disease, either heart attack or needing bypass surgery, is so deficient in magnesium that I have to give them two grams of magnesium sulfate intravenously every six hours for 48 hours to get their magnesium levels back up to a baseline,” he says.

Magnesium supplements can be used to manage hypertension effectively. While topical magnesium may have limited benefits, magnesium by mouth seems more beneficial, as oral supplements are better absorbed and supported by more evidence for helping lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. A 2012 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that simple magnesium supplementation could help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients, though the effects may not be as extreme in all cases.

Benefit 11: Regulate Diabetes and Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium can also be helpful in regulating diabetes, according to Dr. Axe.

“Poorly controlled diabetes results in a large excretion of glucose in urine, which in turn, depletes magnesium levels and has major implications in insulin resistance,” he writes. “Proper magnesium blood levels are incredibly important in diabetes patients, as insulin resistance can result in major problems in trying to control diabetes mellitus.”. Adequate dietary magnesium intake is crucial for managing metabolic syndrome, which is often associated with diabetes.

Gundry has seen the effects of magnesium supplementation on people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic first-hand. “The addition of magnesium or magnesium oil is what really kind of kick starts them into having insulin work properly,” he says.

Benefit 12: Migraine Relief

Magnesium is a great general pain reliever, but migraine sufferers will be happy to learn that it also has a specific effect on migraine pain.

Topical magnesium, such as sprays or creams, can also be used for migraine relief.

Studies have shown that regular magnesium supplementation can reduce the frequency of migraines, as migraine sufferers have lower levels of intracellular magnesium during acute migraine attacks.

Benefit 13: Reduce Symptoms of PMS

Oral supplementation of magnesium has been shown to be effective in reducing PMS symptoms, often more reliably than topical applications.

When you really boil this one down to its essence, it’s not surprising: since magnesium can help with both pain and stress, it definitely helps PMS sufferers. A 1995 study in Townsend Letter for Doctors showed that 95 percent of women tested experienced less breast pain and had less weight gain before their periods when supplementing with magnesium.

Topical magnesium oil can also be used for reducing PMS symptoms, providing an alternative method of magnesium application.

Recent research has explored the potential benefits of magnesium supplementation for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, and bipolar disorder. While more studies are needed, initial findings suggest that maintaining proper magnesium levels may support overall neurological health.

Disadvantages of Magnesium Oil

While magnesium oil is often praised for its benefits, there are notable disadvantages that warrant attention. One primary concern is skin irritation; many users report experiencing itching, burning, or a rash upon application. These reactions can be particularly uncomfortable and may deter individuals from continued use. As noted by Dr. Brown, while some irritation might indicate magnesium deficiency, persistent discomfort could signal an adverse reaction to the oil itself, making it crucial to perform a patch test before widespread application

Moreover, the effectiveness of magnesium oil as a delivery method is debated. Dr. Fugo points out that the absorption rate through the skin is limited, which raises questions about whether users are receiving adequate amounts of magnesium to meet their needs. This uncertainty can lead to frustration, especially for those who are looking to address significant deficiencies or improve their overall magnesium status. For those with gastrointestinal tract issues that may impair magnesium absorption, topical application of magnesium chloride solution might be beneficial, though effectiveness can vary.

Additionally, magnesium oil should not be applied to broken skin or rashes, as this can exacerbate irritation and lead to further complications. Users should also be cautious about the potential for allergic reactions, which, while rare, can occur and may require discontinuation of use.

Given these potential complications, it’s crucial to approach the use of magnesium oil with caution. Whenever you choose to add a new supplement to your regimen, it’s always a good idea to check with your health care provider first. Certain people should be especially mindful of possible side effects of magnesium oil, including individuals with low blood pressure, people taking anti-anxiety medication, people with limited kidney function, and those with sensitive skin.

It’s important to note that magnesium oil is just one form of magnesium supplementation. Other options include dietary sources such as leafy vegetables and various forms of oral supplements. The National Institutes of Health recommends considering multiple factors when choosing a magnesium supplement, including bioavailability and potential interactions with medications or health conditions.

In summary, while magnesium oil can be beneficial, it is essential for users to be aware of these potential drawbacks and to consult with a healthcare provider if they experience adverse effects or have concerns about their magnesium levels. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate form of magnesium supplementation for your individual needs, whether it’s transdermal magnesium therapy, dietary changes, or other forms of magnesium supplements.