Magnesium Oil is pretty wonderful and definitely a simpler recipe to make, but when you need to target tense shoulders or restless legs, magnesium gel is definitely easier to apply!
I incorporate magnesium into my body care routine, and I also take a powder supplement, and as a result, I honestly have never felt better: less tension, less headaches, better sleep – who wouldn’t want all of that!
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
So, if you have already discovered the wonders of magnesium oil, you will absolutely appreciate the awesomeness of this recipe. If you’re yet to try adding magnesium to your life, I highly encourage you give it a go. Magnesium oil has a tendency of causing a mild tingling feeling, however, I find this gel recipe to be a lot less tingly. As far as I am aware, magnesium is safe to apply on all ages, and during pregnancy (but, if you’re doubtful, do your own research).
Magnesium Gel
Makes: 200 g Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 100g magnesium chloride flakes
- 1 tsp (flat, approx 2g) xanthan gum
- 100g hot water
- 20-30 drops 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. Combine magnesium chloride flakes and xanthan gum in a bowl and mix until well combined.
2. Add hot water and mix quickly until ingredients are well distributed, smooth and combined.
3. Add essential oils and mix well.
4. Transfer into container of choice.
To Use
Apply to areas of body that hold tension, such as shoulders and back, and to sore joints and muscles.
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, rinse it off.
- Click here to check out my Magnesium Oil recipe.
- Click here to check out my Whipped Magnesium Cream recipe.
27 Comments
This is such a huge winner in our house from kids up to us adults. I have horrible restless legs and this has made a huge difference to me.
This gel has been amazing on my nurses back but since being pregnant for the second time and having the worst restless legs this gel has become worth its weight in gold! So easy to make and provides so much relief
Hi Krissy,
This one is hands down one of my favourite especially having leg pain and back pain all the time. How long will the product last and how often can I apply it daily?
Thank you so much?
That’s great to hear that the magnesium gel is helping you. You can find info here on shelf life (https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/) and, I personally apply it whenever I feel pain or discomfort. Unless you notice any adverse reactions, you apply it as often as you like.
I have tried the recipe of magnesium gel, it did not combine well as in your video. I am wondering if there was not enough xantham gum. Your recipe calls for 2g, but one teaspoon should be around 4-5g depends on the ingredients. Please help.
Just give it a good whip, no secret tricks in that video! Xanthan is very fine/light so a tsp of that won’t weigh as much as sugar, for example.
Thank you for your reply. I did whip it hard. I will try again.
Julie
Has it thickened over time?
Can an organic sunflower lecithin work as the thickener? I use magnesium gell daily and it’s quite expensive at 100$ a gallon and I’m greatly interested in making my own. But I have very sensative skin and concerned about using anything new on my skin.
You’re not keen on xanthan gum? I’ll be honest and say I haven never tested with lecithin sorry. Good luck x
Hi Krissy, would I be able to add Ice Blue oil blend from Doterra to this recipe for extra help to sooth aching and painful muscles? Thanks for your help.
I’m sure you can 🙂
Hi, this looks amazing! What would the shelf life be please?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Lisa, it is amazing!! Check out this link for preservative info > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/
Thanks Krissy, love how easy this was for being a new DIYer. When I transfer to jar it is still quite warm, do I leave uncovered to completely cool or place in fridge or anything? Sorry but worried about ruining it now I have had what seems a successful creation.
Hey Jennifer, that’s awesome! I just leave mine on the bench to cool – it doesn’t take long.
Hi Krissy I’m wondering would this go into a roll on bottle as I bought some magnesium rollons and they were really handy ☺️
Very well, but I would halve the xanthan (or guar) so it’s thinner in consistency:)
I made this today with Guar Gum, as my health food shop didn’t have any Xantham Gum in stock. It turned out very think and sticky, almost like slime. Is this because I used Guar Gum, or is it meant to be this consistency?
I’ve used guar gum and been very happy with the outcome. Either you need to adjust your expectations a little (mag gel tends to feel a little slimy, I suppose), or reduce the amount of guar gum. You might also like to make a second batch with no guar gum (so, magnesium oil > https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/magnesium-oil/) and add it to the gel to thin it out a little?
I’d there anything I could substitute for xantham gum? Struggling to find it!
Yep, guar gum 🙂
I bought mine from Local Health Food Store
I already use and luv the Whipped Magnesium Cream & the Magnesium Oil so decided to try the Gel. So easy to make and great addition to my pain management routine. Thanks Krissy for continuing to inspire us
That’s just so wonderful to hear! Thanks for sharing your feedback, Keitha! xx
Can I use magnesium sulphate??
You can try but it won’t be the same. I highly recommend magnesium chloride.