Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil - 8 ounce & 64-ounce

Actually no, although this is a common misconception. Magnesium "oil" is a coined term for a highly saturated solution of magnesium chloride in water along with other trace elements, which happens to present itself in an oil-like texture due to its hygroscopic nature (attracts water molecules).

Where does Ancient Minerals magnesium come from?

The pristine source for Ancient Minerals magnesium products lies within a deep underground (nearly 2 miles) seabed in Northern Europe, referred to as the Ancient Zechstein Sea. It is extracted from the earth by a process known as solution mining, and it is currently the most coveted source of naturally occurring magnesium chloride on the planet. For more information, please visit http://www.genuinezechstein.com/.

Where can I purchase Ancient Minerals topical magnesium products?

Oasis Advanced Wellness.

Is the magnesium chloride in Ancient Minerals "Pharmaceutical Grade" or "USP Grade"?

While many manufacturers rely on the phrases “pharmaceutical grade” and “USP Grade” to convey a sense of quality to consumers, one must be familiar with their definition in order to have any true understanding of what this equates to. Both “pharmaceutical grade” and “USP Grade” essentially refer to the same thing – the public standards set forth by the United States Pharmacopeia. While there are several aspects of magnesium chloride that are defined by USP standards, arguably the most important and controversial standard is the maximum allowable heavy metal content (i.e. mercury, cadmium, and lead). After all, this is something that is coming into contact with our skin, and these elements are known toxins (even as low as a single part per million of mercury can have negative effects). In the case of magnesium chloride, the USP standard allows for a maximum heavy metal content of 10 parts per million (ppm). What this equates to for you the consumer, is that manufacturers can casually use the phrase “pharmaceutical grade” without telling you exactly what toxic heavy metals, or at what levels they exist in the finished product – so long as it is below the USP limit. By no means do we consider this to be an acceptable practice, and certainly not a suitable method to represent the purity of Ancient Minerals. And, for that reason, we refer to the “ultra-purity” of Ancient Minerals as being far beyond any pharmaceutical standard that exists in the world, period. We are completely transparent in our efforts to redefine purity, and the lab results are available proudly to all who seek them at http://www.genuinezechstein.com/

I experience some tingling when I apply the Ancient Minerals magnesium oil or gel. Is this normal?

Some users of the magnesium oil and magnesium gel who have sensitive skin may experience tingling and/or some slight irritation at the site of application due to the high concentration of magnesium chloride. This effect is completely harmless, and can vary based on a number of factors, including where you apply it on the body and how much you are applying. Diluting the magnesium oil 1:1 with pure spring water can reduce this effect, although it is a matter of personal preference. Additionally, those who do experience this effect report that the tingling lessens with each subsequent application. Another choice would be to opt for the Ancient Minerals magnesium bath flakes for use in foot soaks and/or full body soaks, which offers a gentler form of use for those with extremely sensitive or broken skin.

Will magnesium applied topically produce a laxative effect like oral magnesium supplements?

No, there is no potential for a laxative effect. This is a fundamental advantage of using Ancient Minerals magnesium products topically, as your skin can naturally self-regulate the absorption of minerals. The laxative effect seen by many users of various oral magnesium supplements is due to an inability of the GI tract to absorb larger quantities of elemental magnesium that are found in dietary supplements, and the consequence is your bowels attempting to flush the unabsorbed excess out. While different people have varying thresholds of sensitivity to oral magnesium supplements, there is zero potential for this to occur when Ancient Minerals is used topically.

Why are oral magnesium supplements so difficult to absorb for most people?

There are two primary reasons. The first, is that meaningful quantities of elemental magnesium from dietary supplements have a tendency to create a laxative effect in the majority of users, which reduces transit time through the bowels. There is good evidence to indicate that absorption of magnesium is impaired when the transit time through the bowels is less than 12 hours. Second, is that the percentage of magnesium absorbed is inversely proportionate to the amount of magnesium being consumed in a single dose (i.e. the more you take, the smaller percentage you actually assimilate). These two factors taken together equate to a less-than-efficient method of restoring cellular magnesium levels in the body.

Should I continue using other magnesium supplements orally if I am also using Ancient Minerals topically?

It is not necessary, but using magnesium supplements can still be helpful if used sparingly. Oral use of magnesium should be used in addition to topical use, rather than in place of.

Do I need to shower or rinse the magnesium off after using it?

Rinsing the magnesium oil or magnesium gel off after use is a matter of personal preference, and depends on how much you are applying and where. Typically, the more magnesium oil or gel one uses per application, the more likely it will be that you will want to rinse it off after the 20 minutes or so it takes for your skin to take full advantage of the magnesium. In addition, Ancient Minerals magnesium gel is designed to not be fully absorbed into the skin, so rinsing off after applying is a fairly common practice.

Are there any precautions for using Ancient Minerals magnesium products?

Avoid using Ancient Minerals magnesium oil near mucus membranes such as the eyes and nose, which can cause some irritation. Also, while applying the magnesium oil and/or gel to broken skin or wounds can be highly therapeutic and cleansing, the high concentration of magnesium salts can cause discomfort. If you are using Ancient Minerals on broken skin or lesions (i.e. psoriasis, eczema, acne, Morgellons, etc.) it is strongly advised to begin with magnesium baths until the skin had a chance to start healing and become less sensitive to the higher concentration of magnesium chloride in the oil and gel.

Is there a maximum daily limit for using Ancient Minerals topically?

No. As mentioned before, the skin has a unique ability to self-regulate absorption, and therefore overuse is of little concern.

Are Ancient Minerals magnesium products safe to use with children?

Most definitely! Ancient Minerals magnesium baths are the preferred application by most parents, and have been used with great success on children as young as 6 months old. They are not only safe, but highly therapeutic and can calm even the most restless young ones.

Are Ancient Minerals magnesium products safe for animals and pets?

Absolutely. Ancient Minerals topical magnesium products are just as effective on animals and pets as they are on humans. In fact, our magnesium gel and magnesium oil is used in natural and alternative veterinary clinics around the world for everything from wound care, to general health maintainance.

How does Ancient Minerals compare with other topical magnesium products on the market?

Ancient Minerals magnesium products are produced with very strict quality standards, from the purity of the raw ingredients to the production of the finished product. Other manufacturers utilize inferior forms of magnesium from impure ocean deposits and contaminated inland water sources. Ancient Minerals topical magnesium products are recommended by healthcare professionals the world over, and the only topical magnesium brand recommended by Dr. Mark Sircus, Ac., OMD, author of the book Transdermal Magnesium Therapy and director of the International Medical Veritas Association. Ancient Minerals is also the only topical magnesium brand formulated using the exclusive Genuine Zechstein™ magnesium chloride source.

I have heard that Ancient Minerals is beneficial for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema?

Correct. Ancient Minerals magnesium products are highly therapeutic and healing to skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, poison oak, etc. Topically applied magnesium chloride enhances skin barrier function, decreases inflammation, speeds wound healing, and augments skin cell hydration. However, if you have broken skin or have a good portion of your body is affected, it is advised to start with magnesium baths until the skin has had a chance to start healing and become less sensitive to the high concentration of magnesium salts in the magnesium gel and magnesium oil.

Is Ancient Minerals topical magnesium beneficial for detoxification?

Magnesium is not only beneficial, but essential! The body utilizes alkaline minerals such as magnesium to process cellular debris and counteract elevated uric acid production when combating a detox reaction. In addition, if there is not an adequate amount of magnesium for combating the detox reaction, it will remove the magnesium from the bones and body for this purpose. Studies have shown that magnesium is one of the most commonly deficient nutrients in the chemically toxic individual. People who tend to retain chemical and heavy metal toxins were observed to excrete a high amount of magnesium in their urine, and have problems maintaining adequate magnesium levels. Most importantly, magnesium shields our cells from heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and nickel, which rationalizes why we so desperately need magnesium for heavy metal detoxification. Magnesium, for the most part, is indispensable for the survival of our cells, but takes on additional significance in the age of toxicity where our systems are being overrun on a daily basis with heavy metals.

There is escalating evidence that low levels of magnesium plays a role in the deposition of heavy metals that may have accumulated in brain tissue. In fact, the cause and solution of numerous physical maladies can be as easy as correcting a magnesium deficiency. In addition, many of the difficulties with mercury chelation can be reduced when the subject is administered sufficient magnesium. Most information associated with chelation will tell you that chelating wastes minerals and yet very little investigation has been done into the critical mineral whose loss cannot be tolerated without unacceptable risk. Magnesium is vital for phase one detoxification and along with other minerals such as zinc, dislodges toxic heavy metals from the body. The bottom line is that magnesium is a fundamental factor in the natural self-cleansing and detoxification responses of the body. According to Doctor Frederica P. Perera, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, there is a 500-fold difference in the ability of each person to detoxify the same exact toxin. One of the main indicators - is each individual's level of magnesium.

Why can topical applications of magnesium chloride be so healing?

It is healing by way of the medium of the skin. This is a very ancient practice, and is described in many ayurvedic texts. The efficiency of topical applications in regard to magnesium is justified by the skin's ability to absorb substances which are then carried by the circulatory system around the body. It is also harmless as the skin will not absorb more magnesium than the body needs. Topical application of magnesium chloride is also considerably superior to the commonly suggested oral magnesium supplements and in actuality is the most practical way magnesium can be re-established to proper levels. When utilizing magnesium on our skin, we are producing "tissue saturation". This is the ability to launch the nutrients exactly where you want them, which is directly into circulation where your body tissues have access at therapeutically efficient levels without any loss. With Ancient Minerals magnesium oil, magnesium gel, and magnesium flakes, you have a potent natural substance that penetrates the cells with dramatic results on cell biochemistry, and it is inexpensive, safe, and a do-it-yourself at home method.

Magnesium Chloride - The Master Magnesium Compound

Magnesium, like other minerals of definitive nutritional value, occurs as various inorganic and organic forms in nature and with varying degrees of efficiency in human biochemistry. And yet, while magnesium remains undeniably therapeutic to the human body in its own right, much is left unsaid to address the type and quality of magnesium being utilized to provide the user with recognizable benefits. Magnesium oil, liquid magnesium, and magnesium spray – all names which invariably refer to a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride, recognized by many medical professionals as the “Master Magnesium Compound” for both dietary and topical use.

Why Magnesium Chloride?

According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, author of the Magnesium Miracle and world renowned expert on magnesium therapy, magnesium chloride and other inorganic magnesium salts occur as metal-ligand complexes. These metal-ligand compounds are assigned a value, called a stability constant, which can range from less than one, into the teens. Essentially, the stability constant of a metal-ligand complex defines its relative ability to dissociate into ionic form (e.g. free magnesium and chloride ions). The closer the stability constant is to zero, the more soluble the complex is, and the more easily the complex can break down into ionic form for bioavailability. After all, we are not assimilating magnesium as the magnesium chloride compound, but rather, as free magnesium and chloride ions. Magnesium chloride has a stability constant of zero, allowing it to be totally ionized across a wide pH range, from a low pH of 2 to 3 as one would find in stomach acid, to as high as the slightly alkaline physiologic pH of 7.4 (the pH of the main extracellular body fluids such as serum and lymph).¹ Of notable importance, is that the natural pH of the skin mantle is a mildly acidic 4.5 to 6, creating an ideal environment for total ionization of magnesium chloride, and optimal uptake into underlying tissues when used as a transdermal magnesium therapy.

As for the success of magnesium chloride as an oral supplement, the benefits are admirable. Many researchers advocate magnesium chloride as the most effective form for dietary supplementation, in part due to the vital role that chloride has in the production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach. Magnesium chloride has enough extra chloride to increase production of gastric acid, thereby enhancing absorption and assimilation of this critical mineral, and overall digestive efficiency. This is of key importance, because as we age, production of HCL in the stomach declines, often dramatically, and is almost always left undiagnosed. Some people simply do not produce enough HCL due to various health implications and disorders that affect the stomach, while others do not produce enough HCL for reasons unknown. And, while there are many potential problems that could arise from steadily declining secretions of gastric acid in the stomach, a lack of sufficient HCL certainly equates to mal-absorption of vitamins and minerals, a failure in proper digestion, and an increased susceptibility to unwanted bacteria, viruses, and yeasts passing through the gut. The additional chloride offered from oral magnesium chloride supplementation creates an ideal environment for assimilation, not only of magnesium, but of other critical micronutrients.

Efficacy of Topical Magnesium Chloride Preparations

There is certainly no shortage of positive reports from medical professionals and consumers regarding the health benefits achieved from using magnesium chloride topically. In fact, many of the unique experiences that have been shared from supporters of Ancient Minerals describe in detail the immediate and profound impact the use of topically applied magnesium chloride has had on their health, where oral dosages of various magnesium compounds in the past have fallen short of their expectations.

With respect to documented research on the effect topically applied magnesium chloride has on blood chemistry, a small study conducted by Dr. Norman Shealy, M.D., is often the most cited. Dr. Shealy enlisted sixteen individuals with low intracellular magnesium levels who were instructed to perform a 20 minute foot-soak with magnesium chloride flakes, in additional to spraying their entire body once daily with magnesium oil. Intracellular magnesium levels were assessed on all participants after 4 weeks, utilizing a diagnostic called EXA™ Test. The results – 12 of the 16 participants in the study showed marked improvements in their intracellular magnesium levels.

Magnesium Absorption and Assimilation

A commonly asked question among professionals and consumers is exactly what percentage of the magnesium contained in Ancient Minerals is being absorbed by the skin? And, how effectively are topical preparations of magnesium chloride absorbed, in direct applications of magnesium oil and gel, or in foot soaks – and in comparison to oral use?

Fick’s Law of Diffusion states that the amount of any solute (e.g. magnesium chloride) absorbed is directly dependent upon the concentration of the solution, and the length of time the solute is in contact with the membrane (e.g. the skin). Additional variables should also be taken into account, including application sites on the body, temperature of the solution, etc. While these points do provide insight into the conditions which would favor effective uptake of magnesium by the skin, a definitive answer as to precisely how many milligrams are absorbed is of course unattainable in vivo; exact values are similarly unattainable when oral dosages are called into question. Far too many intrinsic factors exist to influence exactly how much and how fast magnesium is assimilated and subsequently sent into circulation, whether it be the oral or topical route called into question.

However, the clear-cut efficiency of the skin for mineral uptake coupled with the broad effectiveness of magnesium chloride in topical applications, certainly provides a well laid foundation for rapid benefits to the user. What is measurable, are the effects on blood chemistry as demonstrated in Dr. Shealy’s study above, along with immediate improvements in one’s health from restoration of magnesium deficient cells. And, what is generally acknowledged by those who have experience with topical magnesium therapy – magnesium chloride arguably delivers more usable magnesium to cells than any other form, especially when the skin is used as a primary path of entrance.

Shortfalls in Oral Magnesium Supplements

Oral magnesium presents unique challenges for many individuals to effectively restore intracellular magnesium levels. Usage of poorly ionized forms of magnesium could be one factor to blame – a study in 2001 indicated that magnesium oxide, an inexpensive magnesium complex included in popular dietary supplements could have a fractional absorption in the gut as small as 4 percent. If one was to ingest the commonly recommended (albeit modest) adult dosage of 300-400mg elemental magnesium per day, this would equate to a usable dosage of only 12-16mg. And yet, realistic absorption rates from oral magnesium supplements are rarely taken into account when dosages recommendations are given.

Inconsistencies in bioavailability from one form of magnesium to the next remains a concern, but nearly all magnesium supplements share a common tendency to create a laxative effect in the bowels. The effect of different magnesium compounds on bowel motility and stool softness is further amplified with the quantity ingested in a single dose. The higher any single dosage, the greater the potential to cause diarrhea, thereby reducing transit time through the bowels. This is of key importance, and as Dr. Shealy indicates in his book Holy Water, Sacred Oil: The Fountain of Youth, there is reliable evidence to indicate that absorption relies heavily on magnesium’s staying power in the intestine – at minimum 12 hours. If transit time is reduced to less than 12 hours, the percentage of magnesium absorbed may be drastically impaired.

When these points of consideration are taken in conjunction with the unpredictability of each individual’s efficiency to absorb magnesium through oral means, the results become unreliable in many cases. In contrast, bypassing the digestive system with topical use of magnesium chloride circumvents the many common drawbacks which would accompany oral supplementation.

Depth and Scope of Application

A quick search of PubMed will yield thousands of scientific studies highlighting the benefits of various magnesium compounds in human biochemistry. From migraines and pain management, to depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and memory, magnesium has clearly demonstrated enormous versatility as a healing mineral. However, magnesium chloride has expressed unique characteristics above and beyond the scope of other inorganic magnesium salts that are of special interest. As discovered in 1915 by French surgeon Pierre Delbet, M.D., the application of a magnesium chloride solution to external wounds had favorable effects over leucocytic activity and phagocytosis, making it ideal for wound cleansing. Dr. Delbet also discovered that oral magnesium chloride was a powerful immuno-stimulant, exhibiting a broad tonic effect on the host. Thirty years later, another French doctor, A. Neveu, M.D., utilized magnesium chloride orally for a broad spectrum of disorders benefiting from the immune bolstering effects that magnesium chloride offered.³

Dr. Jose Perez Albela Beraun, M.D., director of the Instituto Bien de Salud in Lima, Peru, is a zealous supporter of magnesium, where magnesium chloride is the form used almost exclusively in his work. Dr. Albela spreads the word of magnesium chloride through his various radio shows, public lectures, and colleagues, and in fact manufactures and distributes single dose packets of magnesium chloride, often giving them away to the needy. Success stories from the patients of Dr. Albela could fill an entire book.¹

Magnesium Oil, Magnesium Gel, or Magnesium Baths?

Information supporting the use of magnesium chloride as a principal agent for restoration of intracellular magnesium levels is indeed strong, especially in topical applications. But, the often posed question is what application of magnesium chloride is most appropriate for the task at hand. Magnesium oil? Magnesium gel? Magnesium baths? All of the above? The short answer is that it mostly depends on the preference and needs of the user. All of the above mentioned topical preparations hold therapeutic potency, but some are certainly more appropriate based on individual needs. However, Ancient Minerals magnesium oil remains the most versatile and most recommended by professionals, as it has the highest concentration of magnesium and other trace minerals in an easily applied liquid spray. It also does not contain anything other than the pure, raw minerals drawn from deep within the ancient Zechstein Sea, utlizing the exclusive Genuine Zechstein magnesium source. Please consult our product literature for more detailed information.

Expert Opinions

“The form of magnesium which the human metabolic system recognizes and assimilates most readily is magnesium chloride, the same form contained in seawater, but very few nutritional supplements on the market today include this type of magnesium. And the simple secret to the proper administration and optimum assimilation of magnesium is to apply it topically, i.e. via the skin, not as an oral supplement.”

- Daniel Reid, leading authority on Eastern Medicine, and author of The Tao of Detox

“The therapeutic value of magnesium as a transdermal application reaches well beyond the potential of dietary
magnesium. Transdermal therapy effectively saturates the tissues, delivering high amounts of magnesium to where we need it most, directly into circulation.”

- Dr. Mark Sircus, Ac., OMD, author of Transdermal Magnesium Therapy

“A very exciting addition to the magnesium family is a product loosely referred to as magnesium oil. It’s not actually an oil at all, but a super saturated solution of magnesium chloride. Magnesium oil can be sprayed or rubbed on the body, and is readily absorbed through the skin. It helps to greatly increase the amount of magnesium in body tissues and overcomes the problems that some people have with loose stools when they try to take enough magnesium to meet their needs. This can be especially important in cases of severe magnesium deficiency that were only treatable with IV magnesium before magnesium oil came along.”

- Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., author of the The Magnesium Miracle

References

1. Dean, C. (2007). The Magnesium Miracle. Ballantine Books.

2. Eby, G. (2006, October 26). Stability Constants of Various Metal Chelates. Retrieved February 2, 2009, from George Eby Research: http://george-eby-research.com/html/stability_constants.html

3. Gupta, C. (2005, September 15). Magnesium Chloride In Acute And Chronic Diseases. Retrieved February 9, 2009, from New Media Explorer: http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2005/09/15/magnesium_chloride_in_acute_and_chronic_diseases.htm