How Effective is Magnesium Spray? What You Need to Know
Magnesium levels can be raised by incorporating magnesium rich foods into your diet such as nuts, seeds, dairy and soy products, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.
But what about magnesium spray? Can one little bottle hold all of the answers to raising your magnesium levels?
In this article we take a closer look at magnesium spray, its effectiveness, potential benefits, uses in pregnancy and interactions. We’ll even tell you how to make your own magnesium spray! Magnesium deficiency can be responsible for a range of debilitating disorders including anxiety, headaches and sleep disorders [2].
Disclaimer:WARNINGS: Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This post is based on general knowledge and does not provide specific medical advice. This article is for informational purposes only and in no way attempts to diagnose a specific medical problem. You must consult your healthcare provider before commencing magnesium supplementation. |
How Does Magnesium Affect Your Body?
Magnesium is one of those powerhouse minerals that is required for the proper function of nerves and muscles within your body.
Magnesium enables communication between cells in your nervous system. It interacts with different cell receptors, preventing overstimulation and causing them to relax, thus enabling them to remain healthy.
Magnesium balances out the absorption of calcium; preventing over-contraction of muscles. It is therefore proven useful in treating restless leg syndrome and muscle spasms and cramping [3].
Magnesium enables the function of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that blocks ‘wakeful’ brain signals.
How does magnesium spray work?
It is believed that by spraying magnesium directly onto the dermis it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the many blood vessels in the lower layer of skin.
While many studies have shown that magnesium is much more easily absorbed via oral supplementation methods, topical magnesium including sprays can have positive effects on your body [1]. Even better, they can do this while bypassing your gut, alleviating the risk of GI problems, the main side effect of oral magnesium supplements. (FYI, magnesium is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives, so when we say GI problems, you get the idea…)
Magnesium spray is sometimes referred to as magnesium oil spray, funnily enough, it has no oil in it. The name refers to the oily consistency of dissolved magnesium.
Top Benefits of Magnesium Spray
Magnesium sprays have been reported to have the following potential benefits [2][3]:
- Promote Healthy Sleep
- Relieve Muscle Tension and Cramps
- Ease Pain and Relieve Growing Pains in Children
- Help Relieve Migraines
- Boost Energy Levels
- Support Muscle Recovery
- Help Ease Anxiety
- Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome
How to Use Magnesium Spray
Magnesium sprays are simply sprayed and rubbed onto your skin.
Magnesium chloride is the form most frequently used in oils, sprays and creams due to its water solubility
Magnesium sulfate, AKA Epsom Salt, is often sprinkled into the bath when soaking to aid in muscle relaxation and healing after strenuous activity.
Due to limited research, maximum dosage of sprays is yet to be established. Potency of products varies greatly, so stick to the recommended dosage on the product label.
Where to spray magnesium spray?
You will often hear that the best place to spray magnesium spray, or to rub in essential oils for that matter, is the soles of the feet. This may be due to sweat glands and receptors present in that area of the dermis. Likewise, spraying magnesium spray under the armpits provides a direct route to your lymphatic system and could theoretically improve absorption [1].
Some research indicates that magnesium is better absorbed into the skin when sprayed on an area with a high density of hair follicles [1].
If you’re using magnesium spray for cramps or muscle aches, you can spray it directly onto the affected area. Just be sure to avoid broken skin, eyes and sensitive areas.
How to Make Magnesium Spray Out of Magnesium Flakes
- Boil ½ cup of distilled water
- Pour water over ½ cup of magnesium chloride flakes into a bowl
- Stir until dissolved. When cool, add to spray bottle
What is the Difference Between Magnesium Spray and Other Forms of Magnesium?
There are multiple other absorption methods out there including:
- Magnesium Capsules
- Magnesium Tablets
- Magnesium Powder
- Magnesium Flakes
- Magnesium Creams
- Magnesium Gels
Research is heavily weighted towards oral magnesium supplementation and at current, indicates that oral supplementation has a much more significant effect on raising magnesium levels as opposed to transdermal magnesium application [1].
Some practitioners recommend topical magnesium supplementation due to the fewer side effects than oral magnesium supplementation, as it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
Side Effects / Precautions / Interactions
Magnesium supplementation can cause nausea, cramps and diarrhoea, however topical solutions, such as magnesium spray, avoid the GI tract, alleviating this potential side effect.
Some people experience a tingling sensation on their skin after applying magnesium spray. This should subside quickly, with many users reporting this effect to occur only the first few times they apply the spray. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
Those with kidney disease or poor kidney function should avoid supplementation with magnesium.
Certain antibiotics can interact negatively with magnesium supplements. You should avoid using magnesium supplements until the course of antibiotics is complete.
Can you use magnesium spray when pregnant?
A bottle of magnesium spray is considered the holy grail to pregnant women. Restless leg syndrome, which can run rampant when you’re pregnant, can be relieved by rubbing magnesium spray onto the legs before going to bed, resulting in a more restorative sleep.
There is no evidence to suggest that topical magnesium is harmful to pregnant women or their baby [1]. As is the case with all vitamins and supplements taken during pregnancy or lactation, it is best to check with your GP first.
Top Product Recommendations
Amazing Oils Magnesium Spray 200ml
Organically sourced Magnesium Chloride from the Salt Lakes of Australia. Spray in the morning for energy balancing and evening for relaxation. Click on the product to read more.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil 118ml Spray
Pure Magnesium Chloride harvested from the Ancient Zechstein Seabed that is rapidly absorbed by the skin to aid in muscle and nervous system relaxation. Click on the product to read more.
Mageze Magnesium Oil Spray 250ml
Highly concentrated topical mineral liquid that is readily absorbed into the skin.
Herbs of Gold Magnesium Muscle Cream
Herbs of Gold Magnesium Muscle Cream provides high-strength magnesium for topical application to support muscle health.
Karma Rub Liquid Magnesium | Sport Spray 250ml
Karma Rub Magnesium Sport Spray is fast and effective. Karma Rub (TM) Magnesium Sport Spray is 100% natural, 100% Australian and contains high levels of magnesium chloride.
Summary
Much of the research into the benefits of supplementing with magnesium focus on oral supplementation as opposed to sprays and topical solutions. Science has solidified the importance of magnesium in nervous system regulation and warns of the dangers of magnesium deficiency.
Supplementation may be necessary to balance healthy magnesium levels; many clinicians favour topical applications as it bypasses the GI tract and minimises the risks of side effects.
Magnesium sprays are a gentle avenue to raise your magnesium levels which could potentially relax your nervous system including muscles, relieving tension and promoting a good night’s sleep.
References
[1] Gröber U, Werner T, Vormann J, Kisters K. Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium? 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579607/
[2] WebMD, 2022. Magnesium: Uses, Side Effects and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-998/magnesium
[3] Healthline, 2023. Magnesium Oil. https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-oil-benefits
