TRENDING INGREDIENT: Magnesium Oil

By: Alexis Atkins

Whether you call it “Aunt Flo”, “Mother Nature’s Gift” or your sacred “Moon Time”, that time of the month can be unbearable.

Symptoms like migraines, nausea, fatigue, constipation, bloating and acne plagues us for an entire week. And let’s not forget how incredibly painful cramps can be. To offset these symptoms, we often turn to extra strength versions of Advil or Tylenol. But it's important to note that there are all-natural alternatives that are just as effective and even beneficial to our health.

One of these natural options that the wellness and beauty industry have been buzzing over is the benefits of magnesium. Outside of it being an essential nutrient in our diet, studies are showing positive results for period relief. In this post, we are going to break down everything you need to know about magnesium and how you can incorporate it into your non-toxic wellness routine.

What is magnesium?

Our bodies require a select group of essential nutrients to carry out the daily processes that keep us functioning. Those nutrients are considered essential because our bodies cannot synthesize them on their own so we have to absorb them through our diets.

Magnesium is one of the minerals that fall into that special category of being considered an essential nutrient for our bodies. From supporting a healthy immune system to aiding in blood glucose regulation, magnesium is needed in over 300 biochemical reactions.

Aside from maintaining healthy immune systems and blood glucose levels, magnesium is integral in a number of processes like:

• Promoting healthy brain function
• Sustaining a steady heartbeat
• Helping with muscle movements
• Assisting with converting food into energy
• Encouraging health nervous system regulation

Needless to say, we need magnesium in our diets consistently to maintain optimal health.

Now you may be wondering what this has to do with your menstrual cycle. When it comes to menstrual cramps, magnesium works to relax the muscles in the uterus. Once the muscles are relaxed, the prostaglandins that cause period pain are reduced significantly. This allows symptoms like nausea, severe cramps, and headaches to subside.

There’s a number of options available to ensure that you are getting the daily recommended dose of magnesium. For example, you can eat a balanced diet that consists of magnesium-rich foods. Some of these foods include avocados, whole grains, and legumes. You can opt for magnesium supplementation through over-the-counter pills or liquid versions. Or you can go with magnesium oil which is the latest addition to magnesium supplementation.

Regardless of the method that you choose, ensuring you are meeting your magnesium intake can improve not only your menstrual cycle but your overall health and wellness.

If you are considering adding magnesium-based products into your wellness routine, be sure to consult a doctor beforehand. Although magnesium toxicity is rare, it’s always good to seek professional advice.

Benefits of magnesium oil

Studies about the effectiveness of magnesium oil are limited. With this in mind, there’s currently no hierarchy if you choose to use the oil formula over the capsule form.

But there are some benefits to using magnesium in a topical form.

• It’s easier to apply as opposed to having to swallow a capsule.
• Limited studies detailed by The National Institutes of Health show that topical magnesium can be comparable or more effective than oral forms because it doesn't have to travel through the gastrointestinal tract.
• Magnesium oil has been shown to improve additional conditions including sleep deprivation, anxiety, migraines, and ADHD.

How can I incorporate magnesium oil into my wellness routine?

The easiest way to use magnesium oil is to apply it directly onto the targeted area and then follow-up with a gentle massage. By massaging the oil into the skin, it allows for transdermal absorption of the magnesium directly to the troubled area. Consistent application of magnesium oil will boost the magnesium levels in your system so that you can experience the desired results.

Fertile Alchemy is an all-natural brand available at BLK + GRN that specializes in fertility and women’s health. Their Aromatic Magnesium Oil is designed to aid with three fertility specific goals in mind:

• PMS and menstrual discomfort
• Hormonal balance and fertility
• Relaxation and emotional wellness

The key to using this non-toxic oil is to apply it with a loving intention to encourage positive results. After massaging the oil, allow it to sit and absorb into the skin for 20 minutes before washing it off to moisturize.

Are there any risks?

Using magnesium oil on a regular basis is reasonably low risk. According to Fertile Alchemy’s findings, nearly 8 out of 10 Americans are not reaching the recommended daily intake of magnesium with their diets. Furthermore, magnesium toxicity is extremely rare, but be sure to not over do it. Applying magnesium oil, once or twice a day is sufficient enough to achieve noticeable results.

As mentioned earlier, if you have any questions on if magnesium oil is for you, speak to your health professional.

Have you tried magnesium oil before? Share your experience with us in the comments below.