DIY Magnesium Body Butter Recipe: Why You Need It for Better Health

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a health professional. The following post is based on my research and discussions with my doctor. As always, consult with your physician before taking any supplements. This post is not intended as medical advice.

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This DIY Magnesium Body Butter Recipe is a simple yet powerful addition to your self-care routine. It’s easy to make, deeply nourishing for your skin, and packed with incredible health benefits—especially if you’re experiencing signs of magnesium deficiency like headaches, muscle cramps, or restless sleep.

Magnesium is a key mineral that supports hundreds of processes in the body, yet many people don’t get enough of it. This soothing body butter provides a natural and effective way to boost your magnesium levels through your skin while leaving it soft, hydrated, and healthy.

Why Magnesium Is So Important

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals in the human body, playing a critical role in over 300 biochemical processes that keep you healthy and functioning. Yet, despite its importance, magnesium deficiency has become incredibly common, and it often goes unnoticed.

Here’s why magnesium is so important:

• Muscle and Nerve Function: Magnesium helps relax muscles, reduce cramping, and regulate nerve signals. Without adequate magnesium, muscles can become tight, sore, or prone to spasms, which is why it’s often recommended for muscle cramps and restless legs.
• Supports Brain Health: Magnesium is vital for calming the nervous system and balancing neurotransmitters. It can help reduce headaches, migraines, and even symptoms of anxiety or irritability.
• Improves Sleep Quality: Magnesium promotes relaxation by regulating melatonin, the sleep hormone, and calming the nervous system, making it essential for those who struggle with falling or staying asleep.
• Heart Health: Magnesium helps maintain a steady heartbeat, supports healthy blood pressure, and reduces the risk of hypertension. It also works alongside calcium and potassium to keep the cardiovascular system balanced and functioning properly.
• Bone Strength: While calcium often gets the spotlight, magnesium is just as crucial for strong bones. It aids in calcium absorption and supports bone density, which is essential for preventing osteoporosis.
• Hormonal Balance and Fertility: Magnesium plays a role in hormone regulation, which is why it’s particularly beneficial for women dealing with PMS, menstrual cramps, or fertility issues. It can help reduce symptoms of hormone imbalance, such as mood swings and bloating.
• Digestive Health: Magnesium supports healthy digestion by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, improving regularity, and preventing constipation.
• Energy Production: Magnesium is involved in converting food into energy at a cellular level, which helps combat fatigue and supports overall energy levels.

Despite its importance, many people today are deficient in magnesium due to modern agricultural practices. Over time, our soils have become depleted of this essential mineral, meaning the vegetables and other foods we rely on for magnesium contain far lower levels than they used to. Add to that stress, poor diets, and other lifestyle factors, and it’s no surprise that magnesium deficiency has become so widespread.

If you’re curious to learn more about the many roles magnesium plays in your health, I highly recommend reading The Magnesium Miracle by Dr. Carolyn Dean. This book dives deeper into the science behind magnesium, its importance, and practical tips for achieving optimal levels to enhance your overall well-being.

By understanding the critical role magnesium plays in your body, you can take simple steps—like using this DIY Magnesium Body Butter—to restore balance, ease symptoms, and support your health naturally.

How do Our Bodies absorb Magnesium Best?

There are three main ways to absorb magnesium:

1. Dietary Magnesium
Magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocados, and legumes are natural sources of this essential mineral. However, due to modern farming practices and soil depletion, the magnesium content in these foods has significantly decreased, making it harder to meet your body’s needs through diet alone.

2. Magnesium Supplements
Oral magnesium supplements, such as powders, capsules, or liquids, can be a convenient way to boost magnesium levels. However, absorption through the digestive system can vary depending on the type of supplement and your body’s ability to process it. For some people, higher doses may lead to digestive discomfort like bloating or diarrhea, which limits how much magnesium the body can absorb at once.

3. Transdermal Magnesium (Through the Skin)
The most effective and gentle way to absorb magnesium is transdermally—applying it directly to the skin. This method bypasses the digestive system, ensuring higher absorption while avoiding stomach issues. It also allows for targeted relief for sore muscles, cramps, and tension, and it can promote relaxation and better sleep.

That’s why this DIY Magnesium Body Butter is a perfect solution—it delivers magnesium directly to your body while soothing and hydrating your skin. Combining topical magnesium with a balanced diet will give your body the support it needs to thrive.

When to Use Magnesium Body Butter

This magnesium body butter has been a game-changer for me, and it’s an incredibly versatile way to get the magnesium your body needs. Whether you’re using it for specific symptoms or as part of your regular self-care routine, here are some of the best ways to use it:

• Muscle Cramps: Massage the lotion directly onto the affected area for quick relief.
• Morning Sickness or Pregnancy Heartburn: Apply it daily during pregnancy to ease discomfort.
• Tension Headaches: Massage a small amount onto the back of your neck to help alleviate tension.
• Relaxation: Use it at the end of a long day to promote calmness. Even better, have someone give you a relaxing back massage with it!
• For Kids: Studies suggest magnesium can reduce ADHD symptoms, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. This lotion is safe for children—apply it to their feet before bed for a more restful night.

I recommend incorporating this body butter into your weekly routine, even if you don’t have obvious signs of magnesium deficiency. It’s gentle, easy to use, and so beneficial for your overall health. Personally, I use it a few times a week and have noticed a significant difference, but you can adjust based on your needs.

How to use magnesium butter

One teaspoon of this body butter contains approximately 250mg of magnesium.
Start with 1/2 teaspoon per day and gradually increase to 1 teaspoon as your body adjusts. If you have higher magnesium needs, you can increase the dose to match those needs.

Make sure to leave the lotion on for at least 20 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the magnesium fully. For me, applying it at night and leaving it on while I sleep has been the most effortless and effective way to get its benefits.

Where do you put magnesium butter?

Most people like to apply magnesium butter to their feet, legs, arms, or back. However, it can be applied anywhere in the body as long as it does not touch very sensitive areas nor open wounds.

A slight tingling sensation is normal, but the lotion should never cause pain or irritation. While it’s rare, if you do experience a rash or discomfort, you may be allergic to one of the ingredients and should discontinue use.

Why I Made This Magnesium Body Butter

I used to use magnesium oil spray on my legs, leaving it on for 20 minutes before showering, but the sticky residue and intense itchiness were too much to tolerate. I was told the itching would fade as my magnesium levels improved, but it never did, and eventually, I gave up on the spray altogether.

When my naturopath confirmed I still needed magnesium, I tried a different approach: incorporating magnesium oil into body butter. It turned out to be the perfect solution! I got the magnesium my body needed without the itchiness, and as a bonus, it left my skin soft and hydrated—a win-win!

DIY Magnesium Body Butter

This recipe makes enough lotion to fill four 4 oz. glass jars. If you don’t need that much, you can halve the recipe. 

One teaspoon of this body butter contains approximately 250mg of magnesium. Keep in mind that this lotion last a long time since you only need 1/2 – 1 teaspoon at a time.

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons of shea butter
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil (or use 4 tablespoons of coconut oil if you don’t have grapeseed oil)
• 1/4 cup of Ancient Minerals magnesium oil

Directions:

Melt the shea butter and coconut oil using a double boiler. Once melted, transfer the mixture to a glass bowl and let it cool.

When the mixture reaches room temperature, add the grapeseed oil and magnesium oil. Mix well.

Place the bowl in the fridge until the mixture hardens (about 30–60 minutes).  I usually make this lotion at night and then continue with the remaining steps the next day.

Once the magnesium body butter has hardened, use a mixer to whip the mixture into a creamy consistency. Whip it for a few minutes until you don’t see any big chunks of lotion left.

Transfer the body butter into airtight glass jars for storage.

How to Store Magnesium Body Butter

You can store this lotion in an airtight glass jar. I keep mine in the fridge because I love how it feels cool on my skin, especially after workouts or sore muscles. It will also last longer if you keep it refrigerated. 

Final Toughts 

This magnesium body butter has indeed been a lifesaver for me. It’s helped ease my migraines, soothe sore muscles, support me through pregnancy, and even improve my family’s overall health. The best part is how simple and effective it is—just a small amount goes a long way.

By using this body butter regularly, you can experience noticeable improvements in your health over time, from better sleep and reduced muscle cramps to feeling more relaxed and balanced overall. It’s one of those DIY remedies that’s easy to make, safe for the whole family, and a must-have in every household!

Have you tried making your own magnesium body butter? Share your experience in the comments below!