I am obsessed with this “oil”! I have honestly never felt better since I started using it. This recipe came about after I saw a small bottle in a health food store with a price tag around $30. I read about the success people experienced with commercial magnesium oil and thought I’d give a DIY version a whirl. Let me tell you a little about magnesium…
Did you know that 80% of us are deficient in magnesium? It is necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium “helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong.
It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aid in the production of energy and protein. There is ongoing research into the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes” (source). While it is naturally present in many foods, unfortunately, our soils are not as mineral-rich as they used to be, due to over-farming; this means our crops are lacking in nutrient density.
Caffeine, alcohol, medications and processed food may also affect our body’s ability to absorb and maintain magnesium levels.
Low magnesium levels are typically diagnosed by symptoms as it is hard to get an accurate gauge through blood tests alone. Here are a few symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
〉Depression and anxiety
〉High stress levels
〉Insomnia, difficulty sleeping
〉Restless legs
〉Nausea
〉Low blood pressure
〉Headaches, migraines, cluster
headaches
〉Muscles aches and pains
〉Hair loss
Magnesium oil isn’t actually an oil, rather magnesium suspended in water. Research suggests that magnesium is absorbed much more effectively transdermally, with studies proving that levels are boosted after topical application. So, I figure I have nothing to lose and everything gain; are you on board the magnesium train now too?
Magnesium Oil
Makes: 100 g Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 50 g hot water (see recipe notes)
- 50 g magnesium chloride flakes
- 30 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are lemon and lavender, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until magnesium has dissolved.
2. Transfer into a bottle (with spray atomiser).
To Use
Recipe Notes
Water should be distilled, purified or pre-boiled and cooled to extend shelf life.
If the tingly feeling doesn’t subside or it bothers you too much, spray your feet before bed and wear socks. The same applies when using the spray on children.
Check out this Whipped Magnesium Cream recipe too!
36 Comments
Hi,
I have a question,
Is this considered a 50% concentration of mag oil?
Thanks
Yep 🙂
I’ve been using this recipe for several months, and I wanted to let you know that I do love it, and I definitely noticed the nights where I forget to use it! However, I do feel as over time it is drying my feet out. On the occasion that I am awake long enough to do so, I have been rinsing it off of my feet and that seems to help. But I am wondering, on the nights where I just can’t stay up any longer to wait for it to soak in, do you have a recommendation for an oil that I can use to moisturize and “seal” the magnesium in?
Love that you love the mag oil, it’s so good hey?! Could you try using it at night, and every morning apply a simple balm or just olive oil? I love these lotion bars and apply before I put my socks on each morning – it keeps my feet so soft! Great for hands and cuticles too: https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/body-skin-care-recipes/solid-moisturising-bars/
Love this magnesium oil. Simple and easy to make but really works on those tired achy muscles. I’m a shocking sleeper and I find it helps me get a good nights sleep as well.
Thanks Krissy, This is the best recipe. So simple to make, a lot cheaper to make and it is a remedy for so many things.
Are the essential oils “essential” to this recipe?
Nope, leave them out if you like.
This is a beautiful recipe. I’ve ever used a magnesium oil before but I have noticed significant improvement with muscle fatigue and pain. I do find that it makes me itch (like Krissy says in the recipe) however it does pass!
How would this type of spray go for children?
I use it on my kids, can tingle tho so maybe on feet with socks before bed.
Love this recipe and it’s so easy to make ??
I love this magnesium spray, it’s helped me so much on my tired aching restless legs, especially at night time before bed, it certainly makes a difference for a good nights sleep, I’ve also gained more energy when I use this spray regularly
Love love this recipe….so good for someone that suffers calf cramps regularly! So easy to make!
This will be so much cheaper than what I am presently paying for magnesium oil. Will be doing this recipe for sure!
Hi, How long does it last in the spray bottle for?
Thanks
I share info on shelf life here > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/
I have mine for 6+ months but here are so many considerations with DIY and no added preservatives so I recommend you read the post x
Hi Krissy, thank you very much for the recipe ! Am curious to know the benefits of rubbing the oil onto the abdomen regardless of (& as well as) the location of the specific area of pain
I’d apply to belly for general uptake, and on to areas the specifically need targeting if pain is present.
thank you !
how much magnesium is in 6-8 sprays?
Not sure exactly, the amount of magnesium delivered per pump can vary depending on the pump’s volume. However, since the solution is 50% magnesium, you can measure the volume of each pump and work it out that way?
Hi there,
I was wondering if it’s an option to use magnesium sulfate instead of the magnesium chloride in this recipe? I think I accidentally ordered the sulfate instead of the chloride!
Thank you, love your site and ideas, Melissa
They’re not interchangeable in this recipe, sorry. I’d use the epsom salts in your next bath and wait until you get mag chloride to make the Magnesium Oil.
Okay, thank you for letting me know!
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Can this spray be used on babies
From my research, magnesium can be used on all ages, but it can sting so you might be better off adding a little magnesium chloride to the bath.
Thank you very much Krissy. I have just ordered some and I’ll give it a try!!
Is this Magnesium Oil toddler-friendly?
It is my understanding that magnesium oil is suitable for all ages, in fact, it’s essential that everyone has optimum levels. It can sting/tingle a little so maybe spray a little on his/her feet and see how that goes. Magnesium in a bath is also another option for the littlies 🙂
What brand of magnesium flakes do you use?
I get mine from Blants (https://www.blants.com.au/magnesium-chloride-flakes/)
Thank you sincerely for your generosity of spirit!?
That’s is a lovely thing for you to say, thank YOU! xx
Where do I find magnesium flakes please
Hi trinity, heaps of suggestions here > https://krissyballinger.com.au/sourcing-diy-ingredients/