The Benefits of Magnesium Lotion

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Some of my training, and somewhat a passion, is research. The following product details provide as much or as little information as you’d like to receive. I love to know. Therefore, I’m presenting a few things that could be said about each of this lotion’s aspects. It is by far not exhaustive! But hopefully, for word nerds like myself, or anyone who may be curious, there is a little taste of the vast amount of information out there about magnesium and its herbal companions. I hope this also inspires you to do your own research.

Please use the following links to skip to sections about:

Why Magnesium Lotion?

How Topical Magnesium May Help

How Much of this Lotion to Use

Note on Absorption

Why Does Topical Magnesium Work so Well?

Details About Other Ingredients

The Benefits of Herb Infused Oils

References

WHY MAGNESIUM LOTION?

If swallowing pills or dealing with digestive discomfort makes taking magnesium challenging, topical magnesium might be a gentle and effective alternative, or complement, to oral supplements.

Why is magnesium supplementation helpful?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, protein synthesis, and the regulation of muscle and nerve function (1). It is also vital for maintaining healthy bones, supports cardiovascular health, and helps to balance blood sugar levels (2). Despite its importance in the body’s daily functioning, magnesium deficiency is surprisingly common, affecting an estimated 50% of the population (3). Factors contributing to this deficiency may include poor dietary intake, soil nutrient depletion, high stress levels, constant exposure to non native EMFs without mitigation protocols (4), and medical conditions that impair magnesium absorption, such as gastrointestinal disorders (5).

Importance of Magnesium Supplementation

• Energy Production: Magnesium is a cofactor in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the body. Without adequate magnesium, energy levels can drop, leading to fatigue (6).

• Muscle and Nerve Function: Magnesium regulates the movement of calcium and potassium across cell membranes, essential for muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, and maintaining a regular heartbeat (7).

• Bone Health: Approximately 60% of the body's magnesium is stored in bones. It helps regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, which are critical for bone density and strength (8).

• Stress and Sleep Regulation: Magnesium modulates the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the body's stress response. It also promotes the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that encourages relaxation and supports restorative sleep (9).

How Topical Magnesium May Help

While dietary magnesium is important and supplementation may be vital for some, it can also be difficult for some people to meet their daily requirements through food or oral supplements alone, especially if they have digestive issues, trouble swallowing pills, or conditions that impair absorption. This is where topical magnesium comes in as a practical aid.

• Direct Absorption Through Skin: The skin is the body’s largest organ and can absorb magnesium chloride directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal system entirely. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive challenges or those prone to diarrhea that sometimes comes with high oral magnesium doses (10).

• Localized Relief: Topical application targets specific areas, such as sore muscles or joints, delivering magnesium directly where it’s needed and potentially enhancing its effectiveness for localized issues (11).

• Reduced Risk of Overdose: Since the skin regulates the absorption of magnesium, there’s less risk of consuming excessive amounts compared to oral supplementation.

• Convenience and Accessibility: Magnesium sprays, creams, and lotions are easy to incorporate into daily routines, whether applied before bedtime to promote relaxation or after exercise to soothe tired muscles (12).

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies by age, gender, life stage, activity levels, and specific/personal metabolic needs, but adult women generally need 310–320 mg per day, while men generally require 400–420 mg (13, 14).

Using a high-quality topical magnesium product won’t necessarily meet your total daily requirement, but is certainly a good way to complement dietary sources and oral supplements, helping to bridge the gap -- Especially since magnesium is a cofactor for over 300 enzyme systems in the body, and is involved in the synthesis and stability of DNA and RNA, supporting genetic information transmission and cellular replication (15).

Summary of some potential benefits of using topical magnesium:

• Relief for sore muscles and joints: It may ease muscle cramps, chronic pain, and even nerve discomfort.

• Better sleep: Magnesium can help relax tense muscles and support a more restful night's sleep.

• Migraine relief: Applying magnesium topically may help reduce the intensity of migraine pain (16).

• Soothing anxiety: Magnesium has calming properties that might help with feelings of anxiety.

• Energy boost: It can support energy levels, giving you a gentle lift when you need it (17).

• Stronger bones: Magnesium plays a key role in helping your bones absorb calcium, essential for bone health.

This is a versatile way to enjoy the benefits of magnesium, especially if you prefer a hands-on, holistic approach to wellness.

HOW MUCH OF THIS LOTION TO USE - HOW TO USE:

How much magnesium is in magnesium lotion?

According to some sources, generally 1 teaspoon of organic magnesium lotion delivers approximately 280 mg of elemental magnesium (18, 19).

For this lotion, based on the amounts of magnesium/brine used in the recipe, there is approximately 9,300mg of magnesium per jar/4 ounces, and approximately 387 mg per teaspoon. Absorption rates vary (more on this below).

How to use:

Start with a test patch on your skin, then use a teaspoon or more as desired: Apply it after a shower to achy joints and muscles, or before bed for restful sleep. Some people apply it to the bottoms of the feet and cover with socks before getting into bed. It takes some time to fully absorb so putting on clean (preferably natural fiber) clothing after applying is advised. As always, listen to your body and/or ask a qualified practitioner for guidance if you require it.

NOTE on absorption: Presently there is limited data to determine the exact amount of magnesium absorbed from applying topical magnesium. Factors such as individual skin properties, duration of application, and hair follicles might influence absorption rates. Current research suggests that while some transdermal absorption may occur, relying solely on topical magnesium applications to meet daily requirements is not currently supported by sufficient evidence. (It is unlikely that one can take in too much topical magnesium, but always start slow, listen to your body, and seek professional help if you require it.)

Why does topical magnesium work so well for some people for relieving pain and aches?

To more deeply answer this question about the effectiveness of magnesium lotion in alleviating muscle pain and body aches, let’s look at the following potentially contributing factors:

• Magnesium's Role in Pain Modulation: Magnesium inhibits the entry of calcium ions into cells by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, leading to an antinociceptive effect. This action helps prevent central sensitization caused by peripheral tissue injury, which is associated with enhanced pain sensitivity (20).

• Muscle Relaxation Properties: Magnesium plays a pivotal role in muscle function, including muscle relaxation. Its involvement in neuromuscular conduction and muscle contraction suggests that adequate magnesium levels can help alleviate muscle tension and spasms.

• Potential Transdermal Absorption: While the extent of magnesium absorption through the skin is still under investigation, some studies have indicated that formulated magnesium creams can deliver magnesium across human skin. This transdermal delivery may contribute to increased local magnesium concentrations, potentially aiding in muscle relaxation and pain relief (21).

The best part (in my opinion) is, the act of applying lotion and massaging it into the skin may enhance blood circulation and provide a soothing sensory experience, which may contribute to perceived pain relief.

If you are interested in delving even deeper into the science behind magnesium and its benefits click here for more references listed below.

For details about the other organic, local, and wildcrafted ingredients and herbs found in the lotion, click their links to follow.

And, for a deeper dive into the herbs and references used, please check out the list of online herbal databases, monographs, and books listed below or, click here. (I am not affiliated, nor necessarily endorsing any of these references, simply providing resources for the curious to build upon.)

Cottonwood Bud Oil

Bleeding Heart, Cleavers, and Cedar Oil

Unrefined Shea Butter

LifeFlo Magnesium Flakes

Humble Bee Beeswax

Palmarosa Essential Oil

The Benefits of Herb Infused Oils

All the herb infused oils in this formulation are in a base of organic extra virgin olive oil (evoo) with vitamin E for added freshness and a longer shelf life (a natural antioxidant that helps slow down oxidation and keep the oils from going rancid). This choice originated as I started making this for personal use, and because my ancestry is Italian I thought, this oil would be very resonant with my body (on a “nutritional epigenetics" or "ancestral epigenetic adaptation” level - referring to the idea that ancestral epigenetics, meaning, heritable changes in gene expression influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle, may play a role in how our cells "recognize" and interact with the nutrients present in certain types of foods).

Also, given that evoo has a comedogenic rating of 2, meaning it's considered low comedogenic, this oil may be suitable for a variety of skin types (as always, first do a small test patch of any new product). The extra virgin olive oil used (organic, single source) is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It may help to reduce inflammation and improve skin health due to its high levels of oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol (22, 23).

How Topical Application May Assist with Physical, Energetic & Spiritual Support

Topical use of herbal oils may help to bridge the physical and spiritual realms, offering both a tangible way to support health and a spiritual tool to enhance emotional well-being and energetic balance, for example:

• Physical Touch as an Energy Conduit: Skin is not only the largest organ but also a receptor for energetic exchanges. By using infused oils topically, you can channel the healing vibrations of the herbs directly into your body. The act of massaging oils creates a ritual that blends physical care with energetic alignment.

• Enhancing Intentions: When applying this lotion, regard the application with conscious intention—whether for emotional healing, grounding, or cleansing—you’re reinforcing the herbs’ spiritual properties. This combination of physical action and focused intent amplifies the herbs' energetic influence on your aura, chakras, and spiritual body.

Herbal & Energetic Properties of Cottonwood Buds (oil)

Background

The cottonwood buds in this formulation were ethically wildcrafted, foraged from beloved cottonwood trees in the Willamette River Valley. Each of the buds were collected from freshly downed branches, thoroughly cleaned, and then infused into organic extra virgin olive oil for a minimum of 6 weeks.

Key benefits

Cottonwood bud oil is a natural remedy prized for its numerous therapeutic benefits. The resin in the buds contains compounds such as phenolic acids, salicylic acid, and antioxidants, which give the oil its potent healing properties (24, 24a).

Contraindications: Because cottonwood contains salicylic acid, people who have allergies to salicylic acid should avoid using it. Not indicated for use if you are pregnant or nursing.

• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: Cottonwood bud oil is commonly used to alleviate muscle pain, joint aches, and swelling. It is particularly effective for conditions like arthritis, sprains, and strains due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The salicylic acid in the buds also provides pain relief, similar to aspirin, but without the gastrointestinal side effects.

• Skin Healing and Anti-aging: When applied topically, cottonwood bud oil helps heal various skin conditions, including burns, sunburns, scrapes, and cold sores. It stimulates blood flow, promotes cell regeneration, and maintains the skin's surface as antiseptic, making it excellent for speeding up recovery from injuries and soothing irritation. Additionally, the oil's antioxidant properties protect against premature aging and enhance collagen production, supporting skin health.

• Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Cottonwood bud oil has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it useful for treating minor skin infections (it’s not advised to apply this lotion to open wounds).

These wide-ranging benefits make cottonwood bud oil a valuable addition to topical remedies, especially for those seeking relief from inflammation, skin issues, or minor infections. If you are interested in a cottonwood bud salve, which is a salve containing only the oil and locally sourced beeswax, let me know as I have that available upon request as well (24b).

Furthermore, cottonwood bud oil is also known for its so-called profound energetic and spiritual significance.

Energetic & Spiritual Properties

• Energetic Shielding: Cottonwood bud oil is believed to offer a layer of energetic protection, helping to shield the individual from negative influences or toxic emotional environments. It is particularly useful for individuals who tend to absorb other people's emotions, as it provides a spiritual boundary, promoting personal space and energetic integrity (25).

• Grounding: When applied topically, particularly on the feet, legs, or lower back, it connects you to the grounding energies of the earth. This can be especially beneficial during times of emotional turbulence or spiritual overwhelm, as it helps stabilize energy and promotes emotional resilience (26)

• Heart-Centered Healing: Cottonwood bud oil is energetically linked to emotional release and heart-centered healing. It is associated with letting go of grief, sadness, and emotional burdens. Applying it on the chest or heart center may facilitate the emotional release of deeply buried pain and sorrow, making it a powerful ally during periods of heartache or loss (27).

• Nurturing Self-Compassion: The oil's soothing qualities extend to nurturing self-compassion and emotional forgiveness. Spiritually, it is said to open the heart chakra, helping individuals develop greater empathy toward themselves and others, making it ideal for those healing from trauma or emotional distress.

• Transformation and Renewal: Cottonwood is closely associated with themes of growth, change, and renewal. The tree itself is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments, symbolizing personal transformation. When used in rituals or massages, cottonwood bud oil can be a spiritual tool to assist with releasing old patterns and welcoming new beginnings. This makes it helpful during transitions, such as moving through grief, life changes, or spiritual awakenings.

• Connection with Nature's Cycles: The tree buds, harvested in early spring, resonate with the energies of renewal, rebirth, and the natural cycles of life. Applying this oil may help individuals attune to these cycles, aiding in the release of stagnant energy and embracing new spiritual growth.

• Energetic Clearing: Cottonwood bud oil’s antimicrobial and purifying properties extend into its spiritual use as well. When applied to pulse points or used in anointing practices, it may cleanse the aura and clear negative energy, much like it heals the skin physically. This makes it ideal for use after periods of stress, conflict, or exposure to negative environments.

Herbal & Energetic Properties of Bleeding Heart, Cleavers, and Cedar oil

Background

Infusing organic extra virgin olive oil with bleeding heart (whole plant), cedar (leaf), and cleavers (aerial parts) brings together the potent benefits of each constituent, offering a wide range of potential therapeutic effects for topical use. Each of these plants were wildcrafted from the Willamette Valley, taking only a few plants from each stand to insure the ethical collection (or in the case of the cedar, collecting fallen leaf bundles), in order to avoid over harvesting and insure the plants continue to thrive. For this oil, I chose to infuse these plants together - this was an intuitive choice that was affirmed by the plants (see Intuitive Plant Medicine, by Asia Suler).

Key Benefits

Bleeding Heart: Bleeding heart is traditionally known for its analgesic and sedative properties, often used to alleviate pain and muscle spasms. While the plant is typically used in tincture form, incorporating it into an oil infusion may provide similar soothing effects, especially when applied topically to areas experiencing muscle tension or joint pain. It is also believed to help with calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation (28, 29).

Contraindications: (Regarding internal use): Do not take a large dose of Bleeding Heart tincture. Do not take internally while using other pain killers. Do not take if pregnant. It may induce a false positive in urine testing for opiates. Externally: A safer bet for use and one that most everyone can tolerate. An oil with the roots and leaves may help ease pain and uncontrollable muscle spasms.

Energetic & Spiritual Properties

• Energetic Healing: Bleeding heart is often associated with emotional release, particularly from feelings of grief, sadness, and emotional trauma. It is believed to help people let go of attachments to relationships or situations that no longer serve them, fostering emotional healing.

• Heart Chakra Alignment: This plant is energetically linked to the heart chakra, helping to open and balance this energy center, allowing for the free flow of love and compassion. It's used to mend broken hearts and help those going through heartache.

• Promotes Emotional Resilience: Spiritually, it helps to bring emotional clarity and can assist in developing a deeper sense of inner peace and compassion, both toward oneself and others.

• Emotional Healing Through the Skin: Applying bleeding heart-infused oil to areas such as the chest or heart center can help alleviate emotional pain and support the release of deep-seated grief. The herb’s energy works to dissolve emotional blockages, particularly around relationships and heartache, allowing for spiritual and emotional liberation.

Key Benefits

Cedar: Cedar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for skin conditions and respiratory health. When infused in olive oil, it may help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and act as a natural antiseptic. Cedar oil is also thought to help in alleviating stress and promoting respiratory well-being, making it also useful in aromatherapy (30).

Contraindications (mainly regarding internal use): Cedar contains strong volatile oils including thujone, a ketone that is known to be toxic in large quantities. Cedar should be used internally with care – the dosage is usually low and it is not used for long periods of time. It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with kidney weakness.

Energetic & Spiritual Properties

• Spiritual Protection and Purification: Cedar is commonly used in smudging and cleansing rituals for its strong protective qualities. It is believed to ward off negative energies and entities, making it a powerful tool in spiritual purification practices.

• Grounding and Connection to Earth: Energetically, cedar helps individuals ground themselves, fostering a strong connection with the earth. This grounding energy can aid in stabilizing emotions and helping people feel more centered and secure.

• Sacred Wisdom and Ancestral Communication: Cedar is also revered for its ability to connect individuals with ancestral wisdom. In various indigenous cultures, it is used to strengthen spiritual communication and deepen meditation practices, allowing one to tap into spiritual insights and guidance.

• Spiritual Purification: Cedar’s purifying properties can be absorbed through the skin when applied topically. Massaging cedar-infused oil on the body can create a protective shield against negative energies, making it an excellent addition to rituals where spiritual cleansing is needed. Cedar helps to clear negative energy, particularly if applied before meditation or spiritual work.

Key Benefits

Cleavers: Cleavers is a powerful lymphatic herb, known for promoting lymphatic drainage and supporting detoxification. It is said to help reduce lymph node swelling and improve the removal of metabolic waste from the body. Cleavers also have diuretic properties, supporting urinary tract health. Topically, cleavers-infused oil may aid in managing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling effects (31, 32).

Contraindications: (mainly regarding internal use): Cleavers have strong diuretic properties, and should be therefore used with caution by people with diabetes or other conditions where fluid balance is controlled using medications. Externally: Test on skin to ensure there is no allergic reaction.

Energetic & Spiritual Properties

• Lymphatic Energetics: Just as cleavers physically help cleanse the lymphatic system, spiritually it is considered to assist in clearing stagnant energy and emotional blockages, especially those that may be impacting the heart or throat chakras. It supports emotional detox, helping individuals release emotional weight and stress.

• Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal: Cleavers is often used in rituals or as an infusion for spiritual cleansing. It is said to support the removal of energetic impurities and facilitate a sense of renewal. In essence, cleavers help "cleanse" both the body and spirit, making way for spiritual growth.

• Connection to Flow: Its association with the movement of fluids in the body mirrors its energetic effect, as it helps promote the flow of emotions, ideas, and spiritual energy, encouraging a more harmonious and balanced life.

• Energetic Detoxification: Cleavers support the removal of stagnant energy, much like it assists the lymphatic system in detoxifying the body. Topical use, especially through massage or application near the lymph nodes (neck, underarms, groin), can facilitate the flow of energy, helping to remove blockages and allowing for smoother emotional and spiritual expression.

• Emotional Renewal: Cleavers applied to the skin is said to promote the release of stored emotions or spiritual congestion. Its cooling nature also calms inflamed or “heated” emotions, making it useful in managing overwhelming feelings and achieving a state of emotional clarity.

Benefits of Unrefined Shea Butter

Organic, unrefined shea butter stands out for its natural purity and maximal nutrient content, ideal for those seeking an organic skincare experience. On the other hand, refined Shea Butter, with its neutral scent and longer shelf life, is well-suited for mainstream beauty products and those sensitive to stronger aromas. However, the refining process removes some of the natural healing properties of shea butter. I chose to use unrefined shea butter in this formulation for these reasons, however, the scent is very strong and that is why I’ve also chosen to use a small amount of essential oil. In the future, I will experiment with offering an unscented version of this lotion, with refined shea butter for those people that are sensitive to essential oils and/or fragrances of any sort.

Unrefined shea butter has more nutrients and benefits for the skin than refined shea butter:

• Moisturizing: Unrefined shea butter is very hydrating and can make skin feel soft and smooth.

• Anti-inflammatory: Unrefined shea butter may help soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling and redness.

• Skin elasticity: Unrefined shea butter contains vitamin F, which may help maintain skin elasticity and prevent sagging.

• Antioxidants: Unrefined shea butter is full of antioxidants that may help improve skin texture and appearance.

• Antibacterial and antimicrobial: Unrefined shea butter may help treat inflammatory acne.

• Natural healing properties: Unrefined shea butter has natural healing properties that refined shea butter lacks.

References

Magnesium Research Articles:

Magnesium and Pain

Effect of topical magnesium application on epidermal integrity and barrier function

Efficacy of a Cream Containing Ceramides and Magnesium in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis

The Magnesium Manual: The Forgotten Mineral Every Body Needs: This Missing Mineral Could Hold The Key To Your Health

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy: A New Modality for the Maintenance of Health

Transdermal Magnesium: Evidence of Efficacy

A randomized controlled trial of transdermal magnesium oil for chronic low back pain management

The Role of Magnesium in Pathophysiology and Migraine Treatment

The Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disorders

Effects of transdermal magnesium chloride on quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia

The human "magnesome": detecting magnesium binding sites on human proteins

Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium

Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults

Clinical significance of low serum magnesium in pregnant women

Magnesium supplementation to prevent high blood pressure in pregnancy: a randomised placebo control trial

Oral magnesium supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis improves clinical and functional variables: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial

Role of magnesium in cardiovascular diseases

Magnesium non-academic resources:

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy

Magnesium Oil Benefits: Forms, Benefits, Uses, and Risks

Transdermal Magnesium Explained: Sprays, Lotions, Creams, and Gels

Benefits of Transdermal Magnesium

Top 5 Benefits of Topical Magnesium

Magnesium Lotion Benefits

Herb References:

Monographs, Materia Medica & Databases:

Herb Rally

7Song Herbal Base

Herbal Medicines Compendium

American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

United Plant Savers

The Herbarium

Healing House Herbal

Herbal Oracle

School of Evolutionary Herbalism Materia Medica Monthly

The Forager’s Path

Northeast School of Botanical Medicine

One Willow Apothecary - Asia Suler

Acorn Herb School

Wildness Within

Books:

Buhner, S. H. (2004). The secret teachings of plants: The intelligence of the heart in the direct perception of nature. Inner Traditions/Bear & Co.

Cowan, E. (1995). Plant spirit medicine. SwanRaven.

Kloos, S. (2017). Pacific Northwest medicinal plants: Identify, harvest, and use 120 wild herbs for health and wellness. Timber Press.

Maier, K. (2021). Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions Integrating Elements of Vitalism, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Moore, M. (2011). Medicinal plants of the Pacific West. UNM Press.