Most people are deficient in Magnesium… in fact, you probably are too.
Magnesium is the second most abundant element in our bodies, and is used in regulating over 300 enzymes and reactions in the body.
I’ve written before about how the depleted magnesium levels in our food and water, and the imbalance of nutrients in the foods that we eat have left most of us dangerously deficient in magnesium.
Most of us also have too much calcium in our bodies, relative to our magnesium levels (thanks to fortified foods and imbalanced soils).
Many forms of magnesium are difficult to absorb when taken orally, especially for those with a damaged gut (that is most of us too).
Here is where Magnesium Salt Baths and Transdermal Magnesium Oil can make a big difference…
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and as such, has an amazing ability to absorb, filter toxins, and deliver nutrients to the body. It is also a visible sign of the health of the body as a whole.
When the skin has rashes, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, acne, or other problems, this is often a sign of deeper issues within the body. As the skin is also an elimination organ, the body will push out toxins through the skin when the other organs of elimination (gut, liver, kidneys, etc.) are taxed or burdened.
A damaged gut can also make absorbing magnesium and other minerals through the digestive system more difficult, so topical magnesium oil or magnesium baths are a great solution.
Magnesium Salt Baths are Great for the Following:
- Stress relief
- Muscle aches
- Increasing insulin sensitivity
- Improving circulation
- Better nutrient absorption
- Headache relief
- Speeding up wound healing
- During illness, especially respiratory illness
- For children to help mineral absorption and improve sleep
- For acne, eczema or other skin problems
- For joint pain relief
- To help relieve poison ivy or skin reactions
- Improving skin hydration
How to Incorporate Magnesium/Salt Baths
I regularly add a cup of epsom salts or magnesium flakes and a few tablespoons of Himalayan salt to my kids baths. When I have the time, I take relaxing baths in this mixture also.
When I can’t take the time for a bath, magnesium oil also helps. Amazingly, I notice the benefits of transdermal magnesium (baths or magnesium oil) much more quickly than when I take internal forms of magnesium.
My Favorite Magnesium Salt Bath Recipe
- 1-2 cups of epsom salts or magnesium flakes(magnesium flakes are absorbed much more easily)
- 1/2 cup Himalayan or Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp of natural vanilla extract
- 10-15 drops of essential oil of choice (I love lavender and mint)
I mix the salt and magnesium flakes and then sprinkle with the vanilla and essential oil. The whole mixture gets added to a warm bath, and I soak for at least 20 minutes, though 30 is preferable.I try to make time for this at least once a week, though my kids get it added to their bath each night.
For intensive therapy (illness, eczema, etc.) these baths can be done daily, though you should check with a doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Do you ever add magnesium to your bath? Will you try it? Share below!
I tried a magnesium oil spray and it burned the first application then I broke out in a rash. The only ingredients listed are water and magnesium. Have you ever heard of something like this happening?
I’ve read that this can happen for those who are very deficient. try just using on the feet at night first and work up slowly
Try making a magnesium lotion with the oil, no more burning 🙂 I found a recipe on Pinterest from modern alternative mama
Hi wellness mama,
Thanks for that tip.
Just curious why being “deficient” would cause that type of reaction?
Is this safe to do while pregnant?
No, baths are not recommended for women while pregnant. This is because the fetus has not developed any intrinsic mechanism to manage its own temperature. Temperature regulation for a fetus is done passively through the amniotic fluid. When a pregnant woman submerges in warm water, the temperature of the amniotic fluid increases in relative proportion to the water temperature, leaving the fetus unable to escape or compensate for the elevated temperature of the womb. Although magnesium baths for transdermal absorption may be beneficial, the risk to unborn fetus outweighs any of its benefits absolutely.
I was told that a bath is fine. Just no hot tubs or extremely hot baths.
I started training in the Krav Maga discipline last year and was be incredibly sore all week for the first few months. Then, I started taking epsom salt baths after my classes and the soreness went away almost immediately! It was such a great relief to not be in pain so often bc I really love my Krav training!
I have eczema, I’ve kept it under control for 3 years with steroids and body creams. I’m working to reduce the toxins in my life so II started adding Epsom salt to my baths. and using coconut oil instead of vani cream. No new break outs and I feel like my skin looks healthier. plus Epsom salt baths are so relaxing.
Hello! My 9 month old son has been having an eczema flare up the past few weeks….It initially appeared when he was a month old but we got it under control with your lotion bars and switching to a goat’s milk formula. I was wondering if it is ok for him to take this salt bath or use the oil? Or if you have any ideas for salves, etc…I appreciate any advice! Thanks 🙂
Oh, it is worst in the folds of his arms, behind his knees/thighs, and he has learned to scratch the outsides of his ankle area with his toes so that looks pretty bad too. The past 2 days he has gotten light splotches all over his torso.
Would this be okay for my 5 month old girl who has some eczema? What are some causes of eczema.
I don’t have a bathtub so I use epsom salts in the shower…I put about 1 cup epsom salt in a cup and add a liquid soap to it and then scrub up. I suppose a shower isn’t the best way because you don’t actually soak in the water. It sure has made my skin nice and soft.
If you get Epsom salt & liquid “soap” to mix, then it’s not real soap. Real soap & Epsom salt would form magnesium soap, which doesn’t dissolve in water.
Would taking 400 mg of magnesium oxide have the same effect?
My research suggests that magnesium oxide is poorly metabolized by the body. One site said only 4% to 50% of the m.o. gets absorbed when taken internally. transdermally is much more effective, but use magnesium flakes or Epsom salt.
I am so sold on Himalayan salt that I use Sole water in the morning, and use the fine ground Himalayan salt in all my cooking (looks pretty in pink in a little ramekin next to my stove top).
Is there a specific brand of salt that you recommend?
I use epsom salts with some Himalayan or celtic salt added in for salt baths, but for eating, we stick to Himalayan.