Beat Insomnia With This DIY Magnesium Balm
Magnesium is a co-factor in more than 300 enzyme systems, and an important mineral to the body’s regular functions. Are you getting enough? Studies say that you aren’t! Recent studies show that nearly 20% of American adults only consume half of the magnesium that they require daily, and less than 30% consume the Recommended Daily Allowance.
Magnesium plays an important role in the human body, playing a vital role in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure regulation. It has also been proven effective for several physical and mental ailments including anxiety, headaches, restlessness, muscle cramps, irritability, seizures and, you guessed it, insomnia!
While magnesium can be found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, these food sources are not longer as nutrient rich as they once were. Industrial farming practices have caused a significant amount of depletion of the minerals in our soils, and as a result it has caused a decrease in the levels found in our foods. Adding fuel to the fire, our body only absorbs approximately 30-40% of the magnesium that we consume!
How do you know if you are dealing with a magnesium deficiency? Watch for these early signs:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle contractions and cramps
- Seizures
- Personality changes
- Abnormal heart rhythms
While there are a number of supplements available on the market, this magnesium lotion can be made quickly and easily at home. If you are currently battling insomnia, try this recipe!
DIY Magnesium Lotion
You Will Need:
- Highly concentrated magnesium chloride flakes
- Unrefined virgin coconut oil
- Beeswax pellets
- Unrefined Shea butter
- Boiling water
- Quart-sized mason jars, or something similar to store your magnesium balm
- A measuring cup
- Mixing bowls
- Immersion blender
- Essential oils to scent your lotion (if desired)
Directions:
- Place approximately half a cup of magnesium flakes into a bowl. Bring ½ cup of water to a boil. Measure out 3 Tbsp of boiling water into the bow. Stir until the flakes have all dissolved, and then set the bowl aside.
- In the quart mason jar, or other storage container, measure equal parts of coconut oil, beeswax and Shea butter. Place the jar into a small pan, and fill the pan with approximately 1 inch of water. Place the pan, with the jar, into the stove and turn the heat to medium high.
- Allow the ingredients in the jar to melt, swirling the jar occasionally. When all the ingredients within the jar are fully melted, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool on the country for approximately 5 minutes.
- Pour the dissolved magnesium prepared in step 1 into the jar. This may cause it to solidify upon contact, do not allow that to concern you. If desired, add essential oils. Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the jar, blending the contents completely.
- Apply the magnesium lotion to your skin, all over your body, about an hour before bed each evening for a relaxing, restful sleep!