Alexandra Clark wrote:For cramps and plantar fasciatis, using magnesium oil massaged right into the soles of the feet and then let it dry (it isn't really an oil, but does feel oily) helps tremendously==it helps the area relax.
Magnesium oil is critical, I think for everyone and not just the feet (but yeah: definitely great for the feet!)
Caroline Dean's "The Magnesium Miracle" covers most of the salient arguments. Google it.
A few points:
Don't use epsom salts (for anything) unless you know the source. Most magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is taken directly from the wood processing industry and almost certainly polluted.
Magnesium chloride (MgCl) makes the best "oil". Great for baths too. Don't buy expensive liquids, just get a bag online or from your favorite health store (sometimes called "dead sea salts" - check the label) and dissolve in hot fresh water 1:1 or more. Use a bottle of commercial RO if you don't have a good well.
Freshly washed warm feet absorb best, but I regularly douse my whole body once or twice a day. You would not believe how much it helps allergies, digestion, cramps, etc. Magnesium is critical to almost everything we do and almost nobody gets enough.
It can itch, although you quickly get used to it. Rinse off after 20 minutes or so if it's bad, and you will still absorb plenty (hundreds of times more than oral supplements). I find a bit of any reasonable ointment quickly clears the itching if you can stand to leave the oil on to fully absorb.
Consider potassium (K) supplements as well (K pills or powder digest and absorb well, where Mg likely won't). Every cell needs magnesium, potassium, and sodium, and quite a lot of each. You probably get enough sodium, but the rest are dependent on diet and of course our soil is so depleted...
~r