The Benefits of Magnesium Lotion

Topical magnesium in the form of oil, lotion, cream or even added to a bath for soaking, is nourishing to the body and nervous system. I've been experimenting with topical magnesium for some time and it is something that I am passionate about.

Handcrafted with care, this magnesium lotion is made in small batches using ethically wildcrafted botanicals and nourishing​ organic ingredients. Organic extra virgin olive oil is slowly infused with cottonwood buds, cedar, cleavers, and bleeding heart, then blended with locally sourced beeswax, unrefined shea butter, a soothing essential oil blend​, and high quality magnesium. Designed to absorb easily and support relaxation, this formula offers a gentle way to nourish the body while honoring the gifts of the earth.​ Made to support well-being, it is free from synthetic additives, allowing the wisdom of plants to shine through. You can find this particular formulation by scrolling to the bottom of this page, or by clicking here.

Some of my training, and somewhat a passion, is research. The following information about magnesium and its topical benefits, 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.

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 can be a practical addition.

• 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 may differ based on by age, gender, life stage, activity levels, and specific/personal metabolic needs, with guidelines advising 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 potential benefits of using topical magnesium:

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

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

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

Topical magnesium can be a versatile way to experience the benefits of magnesium, especially if you enjoy 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 (16, 17).

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 less likely that a person 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?

The effectiveness of magnesium for alleviating muscle pain and body aches, have been known to be associated with these 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 (18).

• 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 being investigated, some studies have demonstrated that magnesium creams' transdermal delivery may contribute to increased local magnesium concentrations, potentially aiding in muscle relaxation and pain relief (19).

The best part (in my opinion) is that 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 see the references listed below.

For details about the other organic, local, and wildcrafted ingredients and herbs found in this lotion, please read on. Or, for an even deeper dive into the herbs and references used, please check out the list of online herbal databases, monographs, and books listed below. (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 (20, 21).

Herb Infused Oils 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 tool to enhance spiritual, energetic, and emotional well-being. In understanding this, it has been a joy to work with these plants for which I hold so much reverence; the herbs are what make herb infused oils so potent and magical.

Physical touch can be an energy conduit: Our skin is not only the largest organ but also a receptor for energetic exchanges. By using herb infused oils, you can channel and direct healing intentions to specific parts of your body. The act of massaging oils creates a ritual that blends physical care with energetic alignment.

A practice that can enhanced presence and intentions: When applying herb infused oils or lotions, we can take it as an opportunity to hold a conscious intention, whether for emotional healing, grounding, or cleansing, connecting with the herbs and reinforcing their energetic spiritual properties. This combination of physical action and focused intent amplifies the herbs' energetic influence on your etheric and spiritual body.

Herbal & Energetic Properties of Cottonwood Bud oil

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.

Some of my most beloved foraging memories, and something I look forward to is collecting cottonwood buds. After a storm or windy days, particularly in the autumn but sometimes even in winter, seeing downed branches is like a gift. The sticky sap is so fragrant, it reminds me of an ancient perfume, and it stays on your hands for a while. I don't mind :) Popping the juicy buds from their stem and seeing how they vary in shape, density and resinous qualities, is fascinating. I'm quite fond of this tree and its gifts.

Cottonwood 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 (22, 23).

"Bitter salicylates in the buds and twigs reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Rub the oil on sore muscles and strains... The bud salve reduces swelling, prevents infection, and promotes rapid skin cell regeneration... [and can be] especially helpful for burns and chapped lips... On an emotional level, the deep anchoring and solidity of this tree is a signature for its ability to impart calmness. Black cottonwood teaches us to radiate a quiet dignity and to receive and transform chaotic energies" (Kloos, 2017, pg. 98-99).

• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief

• Skin Healing and Anti-aging

• Antimicrobial and Antifungal

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.

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 cottonwood bud salve, which is a salve containing only the oil and locally sourced beeswax, you can find that here.

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

Infusing organic extra virgin olive oil with bleeding heart (whole plant), cedar (leaf), and cleavers (aerial parts) brings together the potent benefits of each plant, offering 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).

Bleeding Heart Key Benefits

Bleeding heart is traditionally known for its analgesic and sedative properties, often used to alleviate pain and muscle spasms.

"The alkaloids restore the flow of knotted and blocked energy at the sties of physical trauma... [may be] well suited to relieve acute anxiety or shock after a traumatic event. The above ground parts of the plant, in addition to their analgesic effect, are nourishing to the nervous system" (Kloos, 2017, pg. 247-248).

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 -- perhaps also able to help with calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation (24, 25).

Spiritually & energetically: These are my personal reflections in relating to the plant, it may be different for you. If you can ever sit with this plant for a while, where it grows, it is possible it will speak to you if you say hello. For me, this plant has shown me that when my heart is feeling overwhelm, shaped by an undercurrent of melancholy or some certain sadness, especially about interpersonal relationships or my relationship to the world around me -- it has provided me with a supportive respite -- akin to a mother's protective embrace. For my experience, it is not to be confused with the energetic heart support that a plant like hawthorn might give. This is a bit deeper, more steadfast, and serious about its comfort. Whereas for me, hawthorn's heart support is sweeter, more uplifting, patently optimistic, nourishing and light hearted.

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. Not for use during pregnancy.

Cedar Key Benefits

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 (26).

"Cedar's cooling and drying leaves resolve hot, damp conditions in the body... Apply the infused oil to oozy skin conditions to relieve irritation and speed their healing. Apply salve at the first sign of redness and itching" (Kloos, 2017, pg. 358).

Cedar is also known to possess highly regarded energetic & spiritual properties:

• 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.

• Energetically, cedar may help one ground themselves, fostering a strong connection with the earth. This grounding energy can aid in stabilizing emotions and helping one to feel more centered and secure. I really resonate with using cedar smoke to cleanse myself and my space.

• Cedar is 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.

• 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.

Contraindications

(Mainly regarding internal use, but use caution for external use if the following conditions apply to you): 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.

Cleavers Key Benefits

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 (27, 28).

This plant was a joy to get to know and always salutes me with its wavering, fingerlike fronds as soon as it proliferates in the spring. Its energy has always been joyful, gleeful and simply radiant, seeming to not have a care in the world. Its abundance is remarkable. And, the friends it grows nearby are always some of my favorite plant people as well. In fact, as a side note, that is how these three came to be together in this formulation, they were all growing near each other and seemed to choose it. Though there is less information to be found on the use of cleavers in topical applications, I wholeheartedly believe that what they can help with internally translates well for external use also.

Other potential energetic & spiritual properties of cleavers

• Just as cleavers physically help cleanse the lymphatic system, spiritually it may be considered to assist in clearing stagnant energy and emotional blockages.

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

• Cleavers support the removal of stagnant energy, much like it assists the lymphatic system in detoxifying the body. Topical use, especially through massage can facilitate the flow of energy, helping to remove blockages and allowing for smoother emotional and spiritual expression.

• 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.

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.

Benefits of Unrefined Shea Butter

I like the deep nourishment that organic, unrefined shea butter adds to the skincare experience. Although the smell of unrefined shea butter can be pungent, I chose it over refined Shea Butter with its neutral scent, because the refining process removes some of the natural healing properties of shea butter. 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:

• It is very hydrating and can make skin feel soft and smooth.

• May help soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling and redness.

• Contains vitamin F, which may help maintain skin elasticity and prevent sagging.

• Full of antioxidants that may help improve skin texture and appearance.