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Here’s my easy recipe for magnesium body butter! It’s soft and moisturizing, and delivers a healthy dose of magnesium. Great for sleep and muscle pain!
Magnesium body butter is a sore muscle’s best friend. Not only is it great for hydrating the skin, it’s also an incredible way to help soothe aches and pains. While there are many different types of magnesium, I love applying this whipped magnesium body butter at night for sleep as a way to get in a healthy dose of magnesium. And the best part? It’s inexpensive and super easy to make.
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Supplementing with Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for health, and due to factors such as modern industrial processing and soil degradation, most people are deficient in magnesium and could benefit from adding some back in topically or orally.
Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramps or weakness, restless legs, migraines and cluster headaches, irritability and anxiety, fatigue, hypertension, and sleep problems—to name a few.
If you’re not supplementing with magnesium, there are a couple different ways you can get it into your system. First, you can apply it topically through the application of this magnesium body butter. Topical, or transdermal application, is a method of delivering minerals to the body through the skin. It’s incredibly effective, especially when applied directly to areas of muscle pain.
Quality does matter when it comes to oral supplementation with magnesium, so it’s important to know which types of magnesium are best. My favorite magnesium supplements are ones that are a collection of many different forms for optimal absorption, like this one.
Applying Magnesium Topically
The two main topical magnesium products are magnesium oil and magnesium flakes. Magnesium oil is not actually an oil, instead, its magnesium dissolved in water. To use magnesium flakes, you add them to the bath to dissolve them in water.
While I love magnesium oil, it has a watery consistency, and therefore is hard to apply to popular areas of soreness like the neck or lower back. Adding magnesium oil to nourishing oils makes it easier to apply directly to muscles, and has the bonus effect of nourishing the skin.
How Much Magnesium Do You Need to Take?
The typical daily dosing for magnesium is 3-4 mg per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, you’d need between 450-600 mg per day. You can get this orally or topically, or through a combination of both.
While there are quite a few different essential oils that help relieve muscle pain or soreness, including marjoram and lavender, peppermint oil is used in this recipe because it is analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antis-spasmodic, meaning it can help relieve pain and inflammation, and reduce muscle cramps. Peppermint contains menthol, an organic compound which provides a pain-relieving cooling sensation and naturally alleviates discomfort, making this whipped magnesium body butter a perfect partner to long work days or workouts.
How to Make Magnesium Body Butter
- Melt: Put two inches of water in a small pot, and place it over medium-high heat. Place a glass bowl on top of the pot so the water is just underneath the bowl, but not touching it. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil to the bowl and stir until melted and combined.
- Cool: Turn off the heat. Once glass bowl has cooled slightly, place it in fridge for about 1 hour until the mixture becomes translucent, and has hardened slightly. The oils should be soft to the touch, but not liquid.
- Mix: Using a hand mixer, whip the ingredients in the bowl, and slowly begin to add in the magnesium oil, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Add peppermint essential oil. After about 2-3 minutes of whipping, the mixture should become light and fluffy, and have a lotion-like texture.
- Set: Let the body butter set at room temperature overnight. The lotion will become hard, but will still be malleable. You can speed this up by putting it in the fridge for one hour. Remove promptly, or your body butter will become too hard.
- Whip: Using a hand mixer, whip the lotion for 1-2 minutes until texture becomes light and fluffy. Use a spatula to transfer to a sealable glass jar for storage.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- This recipe uses pre-made magnesium oil, which typically has about 560 mg per tsp. This means, you’ll be getting around 100 mg of magnesium per tsp of whipped magnesium body butter.
- Because magnesium body butter is great for sleep, I highly recommend applying it before bed. If you don’t have any specific muscle you’d like to apply it to, try rubbing some onto your feet.
- If you’re not a fan of peppermint, feel free to swap it for lavender essential oil or marjoram essential oil.
- This recipe is great for all skin types. Of course—I recommend testing it on a small patch of your skin first to make sure there you do not experience any reactions.
Storage Tips
This body butter is stable at room temperature. I recommend putting it in a jar that has a lid, which will help the body butter keep its whipped consistency. If the consistency changes, you can periodically re-whip the lotion using a small spoon.
Whipped Magnesium Body Butter
Here’s my easy recipe for magnesium body butter! It’s soft and moisturizing, and delivers a healthy dose of magnesium. Great for sleep and muscle pain!
Materials
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup magnesium oil
- 3 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 20–30 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
Tools
- Small pot
- Glass bowl
- Hand mixer
- Glass storage container
Instructions
- Melt: Put two inches of water in a small pot, and place it over medium-high heat. Place a glass bowl on top of the pot so the water is just underneath the bowl, but not touching it. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil to the bowl and stir until melted and combined.
- Cool: Turn off the heat. Once glass bowl has cooled slightly, place it in fridge for about 1 hour until the mixture becomes translucent, and has hardened slightly. The oils should be soft to the touch, but not liquid.
- Mix: Using a hand mixer, whip the ingredients in the bowl, and slowly begin to add in the magnesium oil, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Add peppermint essential oil. After about 2-3 minutes of whipping, the mixture should become light and fluffy, and have a lotion-like texture.
- Set: Let the body butter set at room temperature overnight. The lotion will become hard, but will still be malleable. You can speed this up by putting it in the fridge for one hour. Remove promptly, or your body butter will become too hard.
- Whip: Using a hand mixer, whip the lotion for 1-2 minutes until texture becomes light and fluffy. Use a spatula to transfer to a sealable glass jar for storage.
Notes
- While I like using a hand mixer for this, you can also use a stand-alone mixer. Simply transfer the mixture from the bowl to the stand mixer after it has cooled down in the fridge.
- Want to make your own magnesium oil? Just bring 1/2 cup distilled water to boil. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in 1/2 cup magnesium flakes. Let it cool before transferring to a glass spray bottle.
Got any questions about how to make this whipped magnesium body butter? Post them below and I’d be happy to help!
Cheryl says
At what point do you add the essential oil?
Noelle says
Cheryl! Great question. The best time to do that is when you are whipping it with the magnesium body butter. I will add that in! 🙂
Marie A Guyer says
Where do you get the Shea Butter, jojoba oil, and the magnesium oil and are there particular brands that are better,?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I linked to the ones I researched and used above!
Malena says
How long do you think this will keep? I’m thinking about making this and giving it away as gifts. I’d like to give people a heads up on how soon they should use it up.
Noelle says
Hi Malena! Honestly, I don’t have a specific date on how long this will keep; however, I would expect the consistency to change somewhat after some time. So, I would suggest telling people to use it between 3-6 months. If my recommendation changes, I will let you know! 🙂
Malena says
Awesome! Thanks for this idea! I plan make some for myself, too! Yay!
Jessica says
I am wondering if magnesium citrate absorbs through skin as well? I have some powder on hand so thought it might be worth a try if it does.
Thank you!
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
No. For transdermal application, you need what I’ve specifically linked to above (the magnesium oil).
Mara says
Noelle, it looks good enough to EAT! Thanks for the recipe!
Noelle says
You are so welcome! 🙂
Jessica Beacom | Simply Nourished says
I’m heading to the store right now to get the ingredients! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for (and could’ve definitely used this past weekend after completing a 25K trail run!!)
My sore muscles thank you!! xo
Noelle says
Awesome!! So excited for you to use it! You’re going to love it. 🙂
Kayla says
Just whipped some of of this body Butter and I’m super excited to try it in the morning when I get off work! 🙂
Nushi says
Hi- DC. Should store the leftover Shea butter in the frig or at room tempreture?
Noelle says
Hi Nushi! Shea butter is perfectly find at room temperature! 🙂
Valerie says
Hi, great recipe! I have made something similar–same ingredients except jojoba oil. What does the jojoba oil do?
Thanks!
Noelle says
It’s a great oil for skin care! 🙂
Stefanie says
So thrilled I found your IG and website! I want to live a healthier life but so many healthy people out there seem like they’re living a life I can’t live with 4 kids because it’s all so complicated and too many no-no’s! I love how you focus on what’s good and give simple, healthy options. Thank you and keep up the good work! (Your podcast is also life changing. For real.)
Noelle says
You are so welcome!
Dee says
Can you use magnesium flakes as well?
Noelle says
Yep! Dissolved in water, of course. 🙂
Kathy says
Hi! I was so looking forward to trying this for my leg cramps. However, mine came put so oily it won’t even soak in. Would adding some corn starch help? I tried it immediately after making it. Hopefully it will firm up over night.
Noelle says
Hi Kathy! In order for it to become a body butter, you’ll need to let it sit in the fridge to firm up, and then whip it with a hand mixer. I would not recommend adding corn starch to it.
Kathy says
Thanks for replying, Noelle. I let it sit in the fridge for the two hours that the recipe called for (1 hr each time between whippings). Are you saying i need it to stay in the fridge after the processes were completed? I followed the recipe exactly. I’ll put it back in the fridge to see if that helps. I really can’t figure out what went wrong, unless its my magnesium oil. What about whipping in some melted beeswax?
Noelle says
Did you make your own magnesium oil? Also, did the recipe harden appropriately in the fridge before you tried whipping it?
Kathy says
I used magnesium from a spray bottle that i used for cramps. It says its 100% magnesium. I let it harden until the sides were very firm. Had to scrape the firm portions off the sides of the bowl before i whipped it. It looked beautiful, but very soft. It wasnt until i put it on my legs that it turned to pure oil and wouldn’t soak in. And i waited an hour to go to bed. It was still so oilY that i had to wipe it off so it wouldn’t get all over my sheets.
Noelle says
Hi Kathy! OK, so I would recommend using a much smaller amount than you did. While we typically put quite a bit of regular “lotion” on, oil-based body butters are MUCH different—especially with the addition of the magnesium oil. Try only using a dab, and rubbing it in well.
Dotty says
Can i use coconut butter in place of shea butter?
Noelle says
Hi Dotty. No, I don’t think that would work out.
Mickey says
FYI you can’t see the comments for the large square with a person or figure on it.
Can you use something other than coconut oil. My daughter is allergic to coconut, but has lots of sore muscles.
Noelle says
Hi Mickey! You can try a different oil, however, it might change the consistency of the body butter slightly.
T says
How much does this recipe make?
Noelle says
About 1.5 cups of magnesium body butter.
Meenakshi says
Hi Noelle
Can i use frankincence oil in this whip as it is also great for inflammation.
Noelle says
Sure! If you’re comfortable and knowledgeable in using essential oils, feel free to switch it up!
Beverly says
I bought magnesium powder as that was all the local heath store had, can I use it instead of the oil?
Noelle says
I’m sorry, you can’t in this recipe. You’ll have to dissolve it in water to make magnesium oil.
Beverly says
How much powder to water ratio?
Noelle says
See here: http://empoweredsustenance.com/magnesium-oil-uses/
pria says
Hi There!
Love the recipe, but I was wondering where you got the Jar that you stored it, from the image above form?
Thank you!
Noelle says
Hi pria! The jar is a Weck jar.
Jen says
I bought Magnesium Flakes to make the Magnesium oil but didn’t realize it had MSM in it until it was too late . Can I still use it to make the oil? what is MSM?
Noelle says
Hi Jen! I’m not sure as to the exact ratio or how to make magnesium oil from magnesium flakes, as I’ve never done that personally. I would recommend checking out other posts for information about how to make magnesium oil from magnesium flakes and what brands to use, like How to Make Magnesium Oil from Wellness Mama.
Susan says
Can you use cocoa butter instead of shea butter?
Noelle says
Yes! 🙂 They do have slightly different consistencies, but it should work!
Terra says
Would Magnesium gel work?
Noelle says
Magnesium oil—yes. Not sure what magnesium gel is or what the consistency is of that. But it should be liquid like water.
Michele Rowley says
If you use magnesium citrate flakes instead of magnesium oil, how much of the flakes do you use, (dissolved in water)?
Noelle says
It depends. Here’s a recipe for making your own magnesium oil: https://empoweredsustenance.com/magnesium-oil-uses/
Lesley says
Hello Noelle,
The Butter is so white and beautiful! I am wondering…(?) have you ever had an issue with using the Magnesium oil made with the flakes ? The recipe is to add the boiling water over flakes and stir… so isn’t it actuallly a “Water” being added to the butter? OR? Hope lol, does the Magnesium turn the water into an oil..(?), and there isn’t an issue of the oil/ water , situation?
As in adding aloe juice to coconut (example) do you have them both at same temp? Drizzle the Magnesium into the coconut while whipping as in a lotion recipe wo use of any product , that neither of us wouldn’t normally have on hand? I would just love to hear it’s never an issue lol…. I’m going to make it for sure for myself ! I have several (Friends) who could sure use some….. know it would be loved!
Warm wishes, on a nice CA rainy night!
Noelle says
Magnesium “oil” products are just actually magnesium in water—no difference if you make it yourself.
Deborahzzle says
They call it an oil, because of the feel of it after putting it on. It basically feels oily to the touch, but realistically, it is salt water, just like the ocean. They say that is why it makes us feel so good when we go to the beach !!
Lesley says
This butter reminds me of big soft clouds!
I made some last night as I was bhaving a , night of muscle cramps in a arnlm muscle I must have stretched out the wrong way, it really really helped so I was amble to sleep! Feels so much better:)
Thanks for this deelish recipe, so simple, so useful ! 🙂
Noelle says
Glad it helped!
Heidi says
Hi. I am interested in using mango butter instead of Shea, would this still work?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
It probably would! As long as it’s the same consistency of shea butter.
Pat says
Made this and it is awesome. I used it both on my cards and on bottom of feet and it helped with muscle cramps at night. I prefer it on feet as it makes my feet soft.
Harmony says
Do you think it’s best to use lavender oil rather than peppermint if part of the purpose is for calming at bed time and less for muscle soreness?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Yes! That’s a great swap!
Michelle says
do i need a preservative? and has the shelf life changed from 3-6 months?
thanks
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Follow the recipe as instructed!
Margrit says
I find it difficult and very messy to transfer the magnesium butter to smaller jars. How do you do it?
At what temperature do you whip the butter? It’s a great recipe, thank you,
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I just use a spatula! Wide mouth jars are best.
Dana says
Hello, what a great idea! Can I swap the Jojoba oil for something else like Vitamin E oil or Sweet almond oil?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I think almond oil would work great!
Cindy says
I have everything except coconut oil. Is there something other than coconut oil I can use with the Shea butter? Thank you
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I only recommend following the recipe as described above.
Ashlie says
Can i use olive oil instead of jojoba oil?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
You can since both are liquid at room temperature. It will be an experiment, so I can’t guarantee you will get the same finished product.
Ashley says
Is there a reason that magnesium flakes can’t be added directly to the other ingredients instead of making the magnesium oil and then adding that? Seems like leaving out the water would make it less likely to mold. Am I missing something as to why making the magnesium oil is necessary?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
It has to be dissolved in order to be absorbed transdermally.
Brenda Jackson says
Wouldn’t it dissolve in the melted oils?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
No, they’re water soluble.
Leeza says
Can you put this recipe in plastic jars?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Yep!
LaDonna says
Can I use this on my kids?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Yep!
Michelle Mchale says
Can i substitute magnesium chloride for magnesium citrate?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
No
Tawnia says
I make my own lotion with my homemade tallow. Is there any reason I can’t substitute this for the Shea butter? I made the mistake of trying magnesium flakes in my lotion, I should have researched my “attempt” before just going for it! Live and learn.
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I think it should be OK!
Brenda Jackson says
I made this today and it is so lovely. I used peppermint oil and rose oil instead of just peppermint. I also use Sweet Almond oil for the jojoba as I didn’t have any jojoba. I’ve used it on my knee that I had surgery on 2 months ago any it feels and smells great. Thank you for sharing the recipe. It whips up into the fluffiest, creamy consistency. I rinsed and place all the beaters, bowls, spoons, pan, etc. in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Love it!!
Charisma Moore says
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I just finished making it for a friend who gets so much cramping. It melts like butter on your skin and absorbs beautifully! She already knows it works because i made a poopy premade lotion mag oil mix just to get it on her. She is going to just love this I know it. My forever recipe! That’s for sure! <3
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Awesome! So glad it worked well for you!
Madeleine K Polce says
I made this following your recipe. I love it, plus it helps my daughter with her shoulder. I use it on my back. Feels wonderful. I just love the feel of it. Thank you. Maddy
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
So glad to hear you love it! Magnesium body butter is so great for aches and pains!
Debbie Bear says
Hi Noelle
What are some of your favorite Calcium supplement brands?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hey Debbie! I actually don’t recommend supplementing with calcium.
Talita says
Ola Noelle, gostaria de saber onde compro o óleo de magnésio?
Taunna says
How long will this last? What is it’s shelf life? Is it best to be stored in the refrigerator or can it be left in a cabinet?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hey there! Via the tip above “This magnesium body butter is stable at room temperature. I recommend putting it in a jar that has a lid, which will help the body butter keep its whipped consistency. If the consistency changes, you can periodically re-whip the lotion using a small spoon.” I’d say this will last about 1-2 months.
Debora Warner says
The house is so warm it took overnight and a little time in the ridge to cool to a temp I could get it to ‘butter up’ but when it did… it was magnificent! Doubled the recipe and passed out containers this morning! Thank you!
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
So glad you loved it!
Marge says
Can I make the mag oil from flakes and if so how?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Yes! I just updated the post with an easy homemade magnesium oil recipe. Just bring 1/2 cup distilled water to boil. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in 1/2 cup magnesium flakes. Let it cool before transferring to a glass spray bottle. How much magnesium is in the oil will depend on the flakes you use.
Karla I says
Thank you for your help and appreciate your understanding
Brenda G Self says
Where do I get magnesium
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Linked above! 🙂
Brenda G Self says
Where do I get magnesium
Mary says
Magnesium oil can be bought (more expensively) online or it can be made up using magnesium flakes and water.
Jennifer says
Is it supposed to be so oily?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hey Jennifer! Not at all. Sometimes if the mixture doesn’t cool enough, it won’t whip properly when you add the magnesium oil.
Starwyn Stark says
Hi Noelle,
How long is the magnesium oil and the magnesium body butter effective for? Or rather does it have an expiration date? I’m excited to try this recipe. I love magnesium lotion but it’s normally expensive to buy. Thanks for your advice!
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I would use it within a month of making it. Glad it’s helpful!
Martina Suttles says
I made this per the recipe, just swapped out the jojoba with avocado oil bc of allergies. It’s incredible. Fluffy, beautiful enough to eat, absorbs great, not left with an oily feeling. Super excited to find this recipe on the first try!
Cyndi G says
I’m wondering. Do you use your food hand mixer for this? Should I get a separate mixer for making lotions?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I use the same mixer I use for food! Just throw the beaters in the dishwashers after use.
Cyndi G says
THANKS!!
Sheri says
My batch is too hard to whip, how can I rectify this?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
You’ll need to leave it out at a warmer room temperature to let it soften.
Christine says
Just wondering if I can use scented Epsom salts for this recipe. In addition to the Epsom salts there is:
Cannabis sativa seed, fragrance, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, juniperus mexicana oil (cedarwood), thyme oil. I’m not able to get into or out of a tub. I have a couple new bags that I would like to use somehow. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I’ve personally never tried that. You would need to completely dissolve it in water first.
Dawn Sanor says
I doubled the recipe so that I could file it out to family members. It has not formed up at all and looks nothing like your picture. I whipped but the consistency did not change. Should I add more coconut oil or Shea butter?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hi Dawn. Oh no! Did you use a liquid measuring cup? You’d likely need to add more shea butter if it’s not firming at all.
Bonnie says
Mistakenly added the magnesium oil to the pot with the shea butter etc… will it affect the magnesium?
Bonnie says
I added the magnesium oil into the pot when I was melting the shea butter etc… will the heat affect the mag oil?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hi Bonnie! It won’t since it’s very low indirect heat. However, it will impact the texture.