Understanding Magnesium Replenishment Transdermally

The world is waking up to a new form of magnesium replenishment on the strength of the book, Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, that is experiencing high pass along and word-of-mouth growth. As a concept, the term “replenishment” would be positioned as a step beyond supplementation. “Supplementation” presupposes that you are getting somewhere near adequate supplies from traditional nutritional sources, which for most of us are through food and beverages.

But that’s not the case.

We’re not getting enough magnesium; not nearly enough, and our health — in the form of a rising tide of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Autism, cancer, and even AIDS — is showing it. This is not to say that magnesium deficiency is the “cause” of all of these conditions, but it is a major factor in the ability for each to exist. The severity of the deficiency is directly related to the severity of the disease.

One other factor that is almost never considered with respect to “nutritional” intake, is the water we ingest, not by drinking, but that which is absorbed through the skin. While we fastidiously take measures to buy the best and sometimes expensive bottled waters and convince ourselves that we’re well protected, we take showers, baths, and wash dishes with waters that are often treated with chlorine and fluoride. Chlorine, which is used as a disinfectant in water treatment systems, produces carcinogenic byproducts in the human body. Fluorides are used in water and toothpaste. Both are members of the halogen family of elements, along with bromide. All have harmful effects, and are ingested without much thought given to the consequences.

Irrespective of how one came to be magnesium deficient, our state of health and well-being improves when magnesium levels are increased. To that end, replenishment is important, and as a concept, it is still new. Well, it’s not really new; our experience with it is.

Many of the people who are now talking about transdermal magnesium intake are only discussing it in the context of being something that you apply to an ache or pain, or for inflammation. While this is true, this level of communication yields behaviors that maintain deficiencies because it is only being applied when something “hurts.” When the critical role of magnesium as a foundational nutrient that can and will help the body produce DHEA master hormone plus over 325 enzymes on its own is fully appreciated, different behaviors will ensue. We will apply it even when we’re not hurting. This will improve the condition of our bones, flexibility of muscles, including the heart.

Magnesium naturally breaks down calcium deposits, which can build up in the arterial system, increasing blood pressure and causing blood clots. It does much more.

I spoke to a man the other day whose son has an extreme case of psoriasis. He gave his son some “magnesium oil” (actually contains no oil). When he applied it, it was like someone had put liquid fire on his back. He summarily put the magnesium down, and didn’t pick it up again.

What happened?

I told his dad that this is what happens when magnesium chloride encounters toxins, pathogens, or heavy metal deposits that have lodged themselves in skin tissue. The magnesium chloride solution — which tests have shown contain virtually no toxins or impurities — would cause no discomfort if applied to tissue areas that have no toxin or heavy metal buildup. Since magnesium works in ionic form, entering inside each cell, it is crucial that a sufficient supply of magnesium ions are available.

When they enter through the skin, they will encounter toxins where they reside. Sensations experienced can range from mild itching to wildly painful. I call it a “shootout at the OK corral.” If you know what’s happening, then you won’t put the magnesium down and forget about it. You can dilute it and reapply, or add it to bath water or a foot bath. You can also apply it to another part of the body that doesn’t react as dramatically.

Once the magnesium has entered the body, it will be carried to the place of greatest need, where the greatest benefit can be realized. As your levels get to normal — whatever that is for you — any discomfort that you may have experienced, will abate. All you need to know is that it’s critical to the restoration and maintenance of your health.

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35 Thoughts to “Understanding Magnesium Replenishment Transdermally”

  1. Deb

    I have taken oral magnesium in the past and everytime, I’d either have immediate heart palpitations (a bit painful) that made me think I was having a heart attack or I would get severely dehydrated if it was oxygenated magnesium (oxycleanse). Would the chest pain be an allergy or just a detox reaction? My body is a mess right now so I’m not sure what it could be. I’m just really scared to try transdermal magnesium supplementation since it goes directly to the bloodstream.

    1. Julia

      Deb you might want to look into adrenal fatigue. Magnesium is good for you but people with adrenal fatigue may find that it makes their potassium levels plummet, which may be causing the heart palps. I have this same issue.

  2. Amanda

    I also have been experiencing an itchy, painful rash on my chest and inner arms since beginning transdermal magnesium oil. I also have been having difficulty breathing. The ancient minerals site says this is due to a magnesium sensitivity which is an extremely rare and relatively new condition as there is very little about it in medical journals. They say it may be due to taking too much too soon and recommend staring slooooww, possibly even using a different form of magnesium.

    My thoughts are that it took us a long while to experience toxic overload so it may take a long while to undo the damage. I’m hoping with a little patience and persistence these reactions will become more mild. Anyone have any more info on this?

  3. ilove8s

    I’m Magnesium deficient as well as Vitamin D deficient and I’ve been trying Magnesium oil for the last 3 weeks or so but can’t tolerate more than a couple sprays at a time. I can fit in about 8 sprays a day but I feel like even that is pushing it. It makes me feel a little queasy and out of it as well as feel a slight headache for about 20 minutes. I’ve been struggling for about 6 years now with severe fatigue and host of other problems but thought that magnesium oil would be a good way to get my levels back up. Is it common to have these symptoms? I think my adrenal glands are trying to recover as well so I don’t want to over tax them. I’m thinking maybe I’m creating some sort of detox symptoms but I don’t have the bad itching that everyone else here is talking about. I notice very mild irritation but it only last for a minute or two when I first apply it. I’ve had the same symptoms when taking different oral versions of magnesium. I’m hoping it’s just a kickstart to my immune system or some sort of detox that I can get over after starting slowly. Any thoughts? I don’t want to quit taking this since I know I’m deficient!

  4. Today, I went to the beach front with my children.
    I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear
    and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  5. Joe

    I have been taking oral Magnesium for about 4 months now. It has been nothing short of a miracle for me, my Neuropothy in my feet is 90% gone and leg cramps at night are a thing of the past besides being regular for the first time in my life… I tried the Magnesium oil for the first time last night applied all over my torso, legs,feet. Within a 10 min as I layed in bed I started getting severe leg cramps… I am not giving up on the oil yet and still taking magnesium chloide pills but I was shocked to have leg cramps for the first time in months immediatly after using the oil…coincidince? just curiuos as to your thoughts.

    1. Hi Joe,

      Given that you’ve described the neuropathy as being 90% gone, it’s very possible that the cramping phenomenon is the result of new “penetration” of Mg coming from the different direction due to the absorption through the skin. Magnesium also facilitates electrical conductivity throughout the body. Neuropathy is a result of the cutting off of electrical (Life) energy, which you are restoring. Calcium and magnesium have a “yin” and “yang” relationship with respect to neurological, and consequently, motor function. As such, a certain balance must be maintained. Your transdermal addition of magnesium, which went directly into the bloodstream instead of having to be “processed” through the digestive system, most likely caused a temporary “short” in neurological messaging, which was expressed as a cramp. Once the body was able to make the necessary adjustments, you were good to go.

  6. AJ

    I enjoyed reading this article. Are epsom salts a good way to achieve good magnesium levels in the body? It says “not for human consumption” on my container and my thinking is that there is maybe too many other unwanted impurities added in the manufacturing process?

    Whats the concensus here?

    1. personally, I believe the only salt one needs is Himalayan sea salt!Himalayan salt is profoundly amazing. It is 200 Million plus years old and has been nurtured by earth energy and pressure over this time. This ancient sea salt has been alchemized over millions of years into a special energized crystalline form in a process analogous to how coal gradually becomes a diamond. The 84 minerals in this salt are in an ionic form which is molecular instead of colloidal like regular sea salt. It is therefore more easily absorbable and much more use-able by our bodies than any sea salt. Sea salt because of its relatively large size is difficult for the body to digest and use whereas ionic Himalayan salt is molecular and virtually no digestion is required. http://www.natural-salt-lamps.com/Walt-wellness-series.html

      1. Vicky

        Epsom salts don’t have actual “salt” or sodium chloride that we ingest. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate crystals. We soak in them to absorb the magnesium transdermally. “salts” simply means the crystalline physical form.

  7. Great article on transdermal magnesium therapy! My toddler has autism and, if I spray him with Mg oil, it really stops his tantrums and makes him so happy. It took me awhile to stumble across it but it really has had a positive effect as long as I spray him twice per day. It does cause some itching, but not as bad as originally.

    1. Himalayan salt is profoundly amazing. It is 200 Million plus years old and has been nurtured by earth energy and pressure over this time. This ancient sea salt has been alchemized over millions of years into a special energized crystalline form in a process analogous to how coal gradually becomes a diamond. The 84 minerals in this salt are in an ionic form which is molecular instead of colloidal like regular sea salt. It is therefore more easily absorbable and much more use-able by our bodies than any sea salt. Sea salt because of its relatively large size is difficult for the body to digest and use whereas ionic Himalayan salt is molecular and virtually no digestion is required.

  8. P,K,Deshpande,Pune, India

    Wonderful site !

  9. So glad I found your sight!! I am very mag deficient and suffer from footcramps. It sounds so mundane but it is horrid and gets me out of bed at night and ruins my day. NOW>>. I am using mag oil for several days. It is helping and I have hope. I did start taking calcium as well to help me balance. I attempt to keep the ratio at 1:1 I guess it is. The rash started today. First on the chest, then under breasts and some on my upper thighs. My palms also hurt some. Do you have any wild guess how long this lasts? I am avoiding putting the oil on my chest area until the rash passes and the pain! This seems to even help my heart beat! I will get that ‘skipped beat’ thing. At my checkup the doctor said not to worry, that I am ‘hyper sensitive’ to it as I also suffer panic attacks.
    Mostly wanted to thank you will all my heart for your article. Plus of course the rash issue… ;0)
    I’m still scared of bad cramping, but so far it is mostly some twinges and odd pulling sensations. My chiro said this should help my back too (magnesium supplementation, he knows nothing about mag oil), as that going out has been an issue for several years. I so wish I had known about this magnesium difenciency sooner. Sadly the AMA seems oblivious.
    Kind Regards,
    Lori

    1. meditation is great for balance too.

  10. Hello,

    This post is great. Thank you for this post. I like this type of people who share knowledge with others

  11. I hope its not too late to post a question here! If have the itchy rash that folks are describing! its on both sides of my neck. I read about mag deficiency in a recent issue of Wise Traditions, The Weston Price Foundation journal. I sound like a candidate for “replenishment”. Ive been spraying all over my body and neck once a week for a month after my shower with Swanson Ultra, from an ancient Zechstein Sea in The Netherlands, it is a super-saturated spray of pure magnesium chloride and water. I am taking Trace Mineral Research Mag liquid 400mg, taking just a bit less than the suggested amount at about 3 droppers per day. I am having no issues with loose bowel movements. But I have the rash and the oil stings on contact, everywhere I put it.

    Also, I am currently doing a canida cleansing diet for almost 2 weeks (no sugars, no dairy due to a lactose sensitivity, no gluten to to a sentivitiy). I have various candida systoms including a mysterious and sometimes intense “itchy arm syndrom” that responds to antihistimine creams and when taken orally if warranted. This itch beings in the summer and resolves itself at some point in the winter, only to return. I believe the itch may be related to candida, perhaps flaring up during the warmer months? I have minimized this issue by reducing my sun exposure on my arms. Ive lived for 20 yrs in a cold, dry environment at 9000. I grew up in South Florida.

    My diet is good, mostly WAPF based; all meals from scratch, a modest amount of 100% organic fruit and veggies and lots of various of high quality animal fats (at least 30% of diet), meat, organs and prepare soups and stews using bone broth I make myself. I culture raw dairy products. All animal products come from local grass based ranch, and wild elk, salmon and trout, and lots of pastured eggs. Some gluten in the form of fresh baked yeasted bread and crackers. I usually drink 14 oz or so of fresh cultured raw jersey cow milk and consume raw cultured butter and raw cultured sour cream (eliminating gluten was easy, sugar no problem, but no dairy). My immune system is improving and I have not been sick in 4 years and have very seldom environmental allergies. Upon muscle testing by a certified Dr. Michael Liebowitz and consultation about the diet, I am taking Melia Supreme – neem to clear the candida. Other than mag supplementing, I take daily fermented cod liver oil with high vitamin butter oil, and a iodine/iodide complex.

    ok finally my questions! 1. you mention the mircobial die off, what about mags affect on candida? 2. the stinging and buring is all over my body! Should I dilute my product?

    THANK YOU!! THIS IS A GREAT ARTICLE!!

  12. I’m so glad to find your site. Without giving medical advice… please advise: I sprayed diluted magnesium oil (magnesium chloride under the brand Health and Wisdom Inc.) three nights ago and woke up to a relentless itchy rash that I’ve been clawing at ever since. (I even changed sheets because I could not get over the sensation of bugs crawling under my skin!)
    I used the oil as a potential alternative to the tart-tasting supplement I usually ingest with great results (ionic magnesium citrate under the brand Natural Calm). But, days later the rash shows no sign of fading and the “track marks” from scratching are dreadful. Needless to say, I haven’t sprayed more oil. I’ve used fresh aloe, calamine lotion, then 2% cortisone and just resorted to having dermatologist “call something in.” (Who knows what.) Sauna/sweat/heat seems to aggravate the condition considerably.
    What’s going on??? Also I have a primarily plant-based diet (never meat, seldom animal ingredients or packaged “foods,” and regular sweaty exercise).

    1. The magnesium oil has caused resident microorganisms to go “on the run,” thus the rashes. It’s your immune system kicking back into gear.

      Your eating a plant-based may not be the best practice, as your body may not be metabolizing the nutrients fully, hence the increase in microbial populations. The book, Electrical Nutrition, by Denie and Shelley Hiestand, provides a fresh take on the subject.

    2. Moira

      i found the best topical mag oil spray to be from OMICA ORGANICS they have one that has a little lavender and helichrysum extract in it which reduces the itch..but really the more i use it the less i have a reaction to it..BTW if you or anyone you know has lymes or any other bacterial invasion..this stuff is a must!

      1. Where can this be purchased in large quantiles?

  13. Jay

    Hey. Quick question. How much magnesium is in an ounce of magnesium oil? Or does it vary by brand? Thanks!

    1. Donna

      I am using natural calm for 3 months I take one tsp five times a week it is great for for my cramps anxiety and sleep however I have started getting a yeast rash in groin area never had it before and I am 69 years old could this be the mag.i had the hair test done and results in mag. We’re really low I don’t want to stop taking it and don’t want yeast problems any suggestion would be appreciated

  14. Kitty

    My 20 year old son suffers terribly from debilitating stomach pain and nausea; he can rarely eat any more. All medical tests to date have been “normal”; I buy him Ensure now because he’s dropped 90 lbs in the past 2 years without trying. He was overweight to begin with but now he is getting thinner and thinner. I suspect that it might be more nerves than gastric, and I wonder if he has a magnesium deficiency. Since he can barely swallow anything without it making him sick I was happy to find reference to transdermal magnesium. Do you think it would help him and would it be wisest to use the footbath approach at first, as I’m sure if I told him to use something that is going to burn like fire he will not be too excited about it? Thank you for any advice you might offer.

    1. Kitty- have you had your son tested for Celiac Disease? Hope he is going better!!

    2. Rae

      use grounding, his belly on the ground, the earth, damp is best. It may help tremendously. Also, I have been reading how mag suspended in water is most usable, so maybe baths with mag sulfate, epsom salts, I understand this is more detoxifying, and not to be combined with or used the same time as Mag Chloride, which is going to raise your mag levels more than the Mag Sulfate. Just learning. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MagnesiumAdvocacy/?fref=ts
      magnesium closed discussion group. Please join us!
      Great article!

  15. Hi Meg,

    I’m glad you found us.

    The answer to your first question is twofold. The FIRST: You are NOURISHING. Getting magnesium ions into your system is providing long needed mineral nourishment to your body.

    This bolsters your IMMUNE system. When your IMMUNE system is strengthened (becoming more ALKALIZED), it will the begin eradicating microbial overgrowth… particularly anaerobic microorganisms. This can create ITCHING sensations, as well as RASHES.

    However, instead of stopping, you should continue, as the phenomenon will end.

    I have used magnesium oil from Global Light Network. I also use it from Subtle Energy Therapy out of Edmonton, Alberta. I recently obtained some from Sacred Health, of Sedona.

    I spray it directly on the skin and rub it in, and also use it in a foot bath. 1 to 2 oz in the water.

    As for the water… Sacred Health has a line of water filters that, in my opinion, address the drinking water question very nicely.

    Their web site is http://www.sacredhealth.net

    Best wishes,

    Adam…

    1. Kimberly

      Hi Adam – This is a response to an old post, but wondering if the magnesium oil eradicating microbial organisms (and I don’t doubt that it does if it’s alkalizing) causes itching and burning, then why does it happen on one’s first usage…is it also due to toxicity as I read somewhere else? I have a bit of a sense that these
      ideas are just grasping for straws…is there research that shows this is what’s going on? How are you certain about the explanation?
      Thanks so much for your time,
      K

      1. Hi Kimberly,

        The body is naturally designed to keep us healthy. That doesn’t mean eradicating microbial organisms, but keeping the microbial, as well as the mineral population, in balance. Whether there has been research on this subject or not, microorganisms definitely have the ability to travel to virtually any part of the body. It is their world, and pathways that are quite small to us, can be like huge chasms to them. Each serves a purpose, and plays a role in maintaining our presence in this world. It simply makes sense when we see a rash appear after adding a nutrient such as magnesium where there had been a deficiency, or chlorine dioxide (via MMS) where there had been an anaerobic microbial overgrowth. The rash would indicate the flight of microorganisms that have an aversion to oxygen. It makes sense to me that we would experience that rapid movement as itching. I’m not attached to being “right” about it. It simply makes sense, especially in lieu of a better explanation.

        Warm regards,

        Adam…

  16. Meg McCall

    I’m so grateful for your site! I am a nutritionist and even after years of study – I am WOWed by the discovery of transdermal magnesium therapy.

    My story goes: I struggled with chronic fatigue etc even with trying numerous things – diets, supplements etc.

    9 months ago I got turned onto Enagic which is a machine that alkalnizes your tap water. At first – this seemed to help me greatly but after 9 months I began to get extremely depressed and fatigued.

    Apparently there is alot of cheap limestone in our Houston city tap water and that contains ALOT OF CALCIUM. My machine was highly concentrating this.

    I was probably already magnesium deficient and then this made is severe.

    NOW: the transdermal Mg is working well but I am getting these ITCHING ATTACKS!!

    I am detoxing right?

    QUESTIONS:

    1. What is your favorite type of Mg?

    2. How much do you use?

    3. Have you heard of this detoxing reaction before?

    4. Don’t you think that people are super unaware of overing doing the Calcium and Vit D or even these water systems that are alkalinizing my tap water which would not have a good mineral profile?

    5. What is your solution for drinking water? I already have a serious filter on the shower.

    THANKS FOR BEING OUT THERE!!!

    Love and Peace to you,
    Meg McCall

  17. Melody

    I was already taking oral magnesium, but I decided to try transdermal magnesium after reading Dr. Sircus’s Transdermal Magnesium Therapy. To my surprise, magnesium oil completely relaxes my tight muscles, and takes away a lot of ‘aches and pains’ I experience after my power yoga class.

    I get ancient minerals magnesium oil from Integrated Health:

    http://www.IntegratedHealth.com

    I prefer Ancient Minerals for direct use on skin because it is a slightly less irritating form than Ocean Minerals. Ancient Minerals comes from deep underground deposits millions of years old. It is extremely pure, and suitable for oral use.

    Integrated Health also carries Ocean Minerals magnesium oil. This is an excellent form to use in baths and footbaths. I also use it directly on skin in my favorite skin lotion. You can also make your own skin lotion using equal parts magnesium oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel.

    I also have experienced greater energy and better sleep. There’s a lot to like about transdermal magnesium therapy!

  18. Lane

    After stumbling on oral magnesium as a partial help to my acute urticaria, I researched it more fully. Since encountering the transdermal magnesium oil, I have ordered and used it for about a week. Wow! What a difference. I’m still taking oral magnesium, but have added the topical magnesium application at least once a day. My red itchy skin is mostly clear now and my stubbornly painful feet are in recovery. I’ve ordered Dr. Sircus’ book thanks to you and hope to continue seeing wonderful things. Thank you!

  19. Ginny, I am not a health care provider, so don’t consider this advice. Lasix is a diuretic, which as all diuretics do, causes a loss of body magnesium. Toprol Xl is a beta blocker. Your body needs magnesium, especially since you’re taking something that only opens you up to even greater medical complications. Magnesium naturally regulates your heart rhythm, naturally breaks up blockages caused by calcium overload, which affects blood pressure and inflammation. A naturopath could advise you on how to wean yourself from these drugs, once you begin replenishing.

  20. Ginny

    would using transdermal mag. chloride have any drug interactions with Lasix and Toprol Xl, meds taken for CHF? Would like to get OFF these meds if possible.

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