There are various treatment options available for migraine, but many patients are turning to natural remedies in hopes of finding comfort without the side effects associated with traditional medications.

One such potential remedy that has garnered attention is magnesium oil, known for its potential benefits in addressing migraine headaches due to magnesium deficiency if oral solutions are not well tolerated.

Magnesium oil is a topical solution made from magnesium chloride and water, giving it an oily texture despite containing no actual oil.

It is applied to the skin to help increase magnesium levels in the body, potentially aiding muscle relaxation, pain relief,  improved sleep and migraine.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in several bodily functions, including nerve function and muscle relaxation.

A deficiency in magnesium has been linked to an increased frequency of migraine, making it an important mineral for those suffering from these painful episodes.

In this article, we will delve into the relationship between magnesium oil and migraine headaches, exploring how it works, its benefits, and the best ways to use it.

Choosing the Right Magnesium Oil Product

Magnesium oil is a topical solution of magnesium chloride and water that is applied to the skin to boost magnesium levels and may help with muscle relaxation, sleep and potentially migraine.

Before we go through all the ins and outs of magnesium oil usage, we want to go right to the points since it's essential to understand how to select a high-quality product.

When selecting a magnesium oil product for migraine management, quality and concentration are paramount.

The ideal product should contain pure magnesium chloride in a concentration between 31-33% and be free from contaminants or artificial additives.

Product selection guide:

Product characteristics by type:

Now let’s go ahead and dive into biochemical foundations because understanding the biochemical mechanisms behind magnesium's role in migraine management is crucial.

The Biochemical Foundations of Magnesium Action Related to Migraine

Magnesium is a crucial mineral that serves as an essential cofactor for over 300 enzymatic processes in our body. These processes include:

• ATP synthesis (energy production)

• Neurotransmitter regulation

• Ion channel modulation

• Muscle and nerve function

• Blood sugar regulation

• Blood pressure regulation

In people who experience migraine, low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can create several problems:

Magnesium Levels in Migraine Patients

Research shows that on average migraine sufferers tend to have lower magnesium levels compared to people who don't get migraine.

This difference is notable:

• During migraine attacks

• Between attacks (interictal periods)

• In both blood and tissue samples

Special Considerations for Women

Female migraine sufferers face additional challenges:

• Estrogen fluctuations affect magnesium levels

• Menstrual cycles can trigger magnesium redistribution

• Lower cerebral magnesium concentrations often coincide with menstrual periods

• This helps explain why many women experience menstrual-related migraine

Magnesium plays a vital role in pain regulation through its effects on:

• Serotonin:

• Helps regulate this mood and pain-controlling neurotransmitter

• Influences pain perception and threshold

• Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP):

• Helps control this important pain signaling molecule

• CGRP is a key target in modern migraine treatments

• Proper magnesium levels may help regulate CGRP release

Also, magnesium deficiency affects blood vessels in several ways:

• Alters normal blood vessel tone

• Can lead to inappropriate vasoconstriction

• May promote the formation of small blood clots

• Disrupts the normal calcium-magnesium balance in blood vessels

This understanding of magnesium's role in migraine pathophysiology helps explain why magnesium supplementation can be such an effective management t option for many migraine sufferers.

Transdermal Magnesium Absorption

Usually magnesium products, like thismedical food for migraine, are absorbed through the digestive system, with their effectiveness depending on the type of magnesium compound and individual gut health. 

In contrast, magnesium oil is absorbed through the skin, bypassing digestion, but its absorption rate can vary based on skin type, hydration, and other individual factors.

This part is a bit technical, but it is worth noting that the outermost layer of the skin’s (stratum corneum’s) lipid-rich matrix presents a formidable barrier to water loving (hydrophilic) magnesium ions (Mg²⁺).

However,it is suggested that hair follicles and eccrine glands serve as conduits for transdermal absorption, enabling localized delivery to deeper dermal layers.

Magnesium chloride absorbs through the skin’s hair follicles and sweat glands, with studies showing that cream-based formulas absorb much better (29.79 μg/cm² in 24 hours) than water-based solutions (6.18 μg/cm²). 

This shows that using the right formula is important, as creams and oils help magnesium pass through the skin more effectively.

Comparing Transdermal vs. Oral Magnesium

Note: The efficacy of transdermal magnesium absorption remains a topic of debate, with current research lacking conclusive evidence to support significant systemic absorption.

Oral supplementation has a more established profile regarding bioavailability and systemic effects. However, if you have GI issues, magnesium oil may represent an alternative option.

It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate form of magnesium supplementation based on individual health needs and conditions.

How to Apply Magnesium Oil for Migraine

Proper application of magnesium oil is crucial for achieving best results in migraine support.

The key is to apply it both regularly and at the first sign of an oncoming migraine for best results.

For long-term use, apply magnesium oil once or twice daily to maintain adequate magnesium levels.

During an active migraine or when you feel one approaching, you can apply it more frequently, up to every 2-3 hours as needed.

Primary Application Areas

The most effective areas for magnesium oil application during migraine include:

• Temples and forehead (avoiding the eye area)

• Back of the neck and upper shoulders

• Behind the ears

• Base of the skull

Step-by-step application process:

1. Start with clean, dry skin

2. Spray or apply 5-10 sprays of magnesium oil to your palms

3. Gently massage the oil into the target areas using circular motions

4. Allow the oil to absorb for 20-30 minutes

5. If desired, wipe off any excess after absorption

For sensitive skin, consider diluting the magnesium oil with equal parts pure water or adding a few drops to your regular unscented moisturizer.

Tips for Optimal Results

Many users find enhanced benefits when combining magnesium oil application with other migraine management techniques. Consider these additional tips:

• Apply before bed to help with night-time or morning migraine

• Use after a warm shower when pores are more open

• Combine with gentle neck stretches during application

• Keep a small roll-on version in your bag for on-the-go application

It's normal to experience a slight tingling sensation upon initial application.

This typically subsides after regular use as magnesium levels normalize. If irritation occurs, dilute the solution or reduce application frequency until your skin adjusts.

Best Time to Use Magnesium Oil

Timing your magnesium oil application strategically can significantly enhance its effectiveness for migraine prevention and treatment.

Please note that individual responses may vary. Adjust timing and frequency based on personal experience and migraine patterns.

Synergistic Integration with Migraine-Specific Medical Food

For those that tolerate oral magnesiumMigraKet exemplifies the convergence of magnesium with mitochondrial and energy support, combining 325 mg magnesium (as R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid Magnesium Salts) with ketogenic agents (D-β-hydroxybutyrate), coenzyme Q10, and L-carnitine and 30 other bioavailable micronutrients.

Magnesium BHB is very bioavailable and support energy metabolism not only via the magnesium, but also by giving the brain it’s preferred fuel source: ketone bodies.

This formulation addresses the multifactorial energy deficits in migraineurs’ brains:

• Ketones provide an alternative fuel source during glucose hypometabolism

• Magnesium for all reasons aforementioned 

• Antioxidants (selenium, vitamin E) mitigate cortical oxidative stress

Just keep in mind that transdermal magnesium might be the better option for those that experience GI distress after oral magnesium..

Side effects of magnesium oil can include minor dermatological reactions (erythema, pruritus)  in <5% of users, typically resolving with application frequency reduction. Contraindications include:

• Open cranial wounds or post-neurosurgical incisions

• Concurrent use of calcium channel blockers (additive vasodilation risk)

• End-stage renal disease (impaired excretion)

Frequently Asked Questions

You may still find yourself with some lingering questions about magnesium oil and its effects on migraine, so in this section we will try to cover them.

How does magnesium oil compare to other forms like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide?

While oral supplements like magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are common forms of supplementation, they can cause gastrointestinal issues like loose stools and abdominal cramping in higher doses.

Magnesium oil bypasses the gastrointestinal tract entirely, making it an excellent alternative for those who experience digestive sensitivity to oral supplements.

Can I use magnesium oil alongside my preventive medications?

Yes, magnesium oil can generally be used safely alongside most preventive medications.

However, always consult your healthcare provider, especially if you're taking calcium channel blockers or other medications that affect mineral balance. The topical application typically doesn't interfere with most migraine medications.

What role does dietary magnesium play in conjunction with magnesium oil use?

While magnesium oil provides some supplementation, maintaining a diet rich in magnesium through leafy greens and other leafy vegetables is still important for overall health and the bioavailability of magnesium oil may not be as high as oral magnesium.

The combination of dietary sources and topical application can help maintain optimal brain magnesium levels more effectively than either method alone.

How can I tell if magnesium oil is helping my cognitive function during migraine?

Track your mental clarity, concentration, and memory during migraine episodes when using magnesium oil versus when not using it.

Many users report improved cognitive function during attacks, particularly when the oil is applied at the first sign of symptoms. Keep a symptom diary to monitor these changes.

What should I do if I experience dry skin or irritation from magnesium spray?

If you experience skin irritation, try diluting the magnesium spray with equal parts water or applying a moisturizer after the magnesium has absorbed.

For very sensitive skin, magnesium gel formulations often provide a gentler alternative while maintaining the benefits for muscle tension and pain relief.

Can magnesium oil help with menstrual migraine specifically?

Magnesium oil may somewhat support menstrual migraine when applied 2-3 days before your expected menstrual migraine for best results.

However, there is no specific research to support this, yet.

Does magnesium oil have any impact on bone health?

While magnesium oil's primary benefits target migraine support and muscle tension, some absorption may contribute to overall magnesium levels, which are crucial for bone health.

However, for specific bone thinning concerns, oral supplements might be more appropriate when tolerated.

How do I know if I'm applying enough magnesium oil to affect migraine attack frequency?

Start with 15-20 sprays daily, divided between morning and evening applications.

If you don't notice a reduction in migraine attack frequency after 4-6 weeks, gradually increase the concentration of magnesium by adding more sprays.

Monitor for improvement in sore muscles and general tension as early indicators that you're reaching therapeutic levels.

What signs indicate I might be using too much magnesium oil?

While it's difficult to overdose with topical magnesium, watch for signs like excessive drowsiness, loss of appetite, or irregular heartbeat.

These symptoms are rare with topical application but should be reported to your healthcare provider if they occur.

Conclusion

When oral magnesium is not tolerated, magnesium oil presents a promising alternative natural option for migraine management, leveraging magnesium's role in stabilizing neuronal function and regulating pain pathways.

With evidence supporting the role of magnesium in migraine,, it offers a viable alternative for those seeking relief without the side effects of traditional medications.

By choosing high-quality magnesium oil products and applying them strategically, individuals may be able to enhance their migraine management routine, potentially leading to improved quality of life.

However, it is essential to consider individual responses and consult healthcare professionals when integrating new options into existing migraine care plans.