I have chronic lower back pain, and just like many of my current issues, it seemed to worsen after my second pregnancy. Darn Kids, it's a good thing they're cute!

Chronic back pain can be life changing. It can stop you from performing physical activities that would normally benefit you, decreasing your mobility and strength over time.

In my handout Natural Pain Relief, under the Supplement section, I mentioned that I like to take magnesium both orally and transdermally. Magnesium chloride spray with a few drops of peppermint essential oil is very effective when my back is really acting up. I apply it directly to the area that is causing trouble and it works wonderfully. That little combo is the inspiration for this recipe. 

Magnesium oil, spray or gel applied directly to the skin is wonderful, but a bit sticky and tingly. Combining it with skin soothing oils creates a lovely, softening and even calming balm that can be applied to any aching muscle or joint. I rub it on to my lower back after a good hard workout, while I'm standing for long periods and first thing in the morning, right out of the shower as a preventative. Those with arthritis in their hands can use it as a gentle hand cream to ease the stiffness. If you've got a headache, apply it to your neck, shoulders and a bit at your temples.

Over a double boiler, melt together 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 2 tbsp of  cacao butter and 2 tbsp of shea butter.  Cacao butter is a very solid fat, an awesome monounsaturated fat, and contributes beautifully to this balm, both in texture and in its skin softening effect. Shea butter is a great anti-inflammatory oil, also very softening and is non pore-clogging.  Combining all three of these oils makes a wonderfully balanced carrier for the magnesium and essential oils.

Once melted, pop the oil into the freezer for about 8 minutes and then into the fridge for about 10 minutes to cool and very slightly solidify. You can see the slightly solid rim around the edge in the second picture. 

 Magnesium Chloride Gel works really well in this recipe, while the spray is fine on its own, it simply doesn't combine well with oils. The gel can be found online and at most health food stores.

Magnesium applied topically can be a wonderful way to get it into the body, making this balm a wonderful before-bed moisturizer, as it can calm the nerves and induce relaxation, it's even a good option to use on kids who may not like taking oral supplements. Magnesium is a very beneficial supplement for children, just as it is for adults. Those with kids who suffer from anxiety, interrupted sleep, temper tantrums or behavioural issues can benefit greatly from adding magnesium supplementation to any other therapeutic measures they may be taking. 

Add 3/4 cups of magnesium gel to the cooled oils.

We're ready to whip!

With a hand mixer, beat on high for about 5 - 7 minutes. Until it becomes light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream.

There are a lot of essential oils with pain-relieving qualities, so feel free to create a combination that works for you. It's well known that peppermint delivers a cooling and almost numbing sensation, relaxing the muscle and delivering almost immediate pain-relief . For this reason, choose peppermint as your main essential oil but feel free to experiment with others. 

You can completely omit essential oils if you'd just like a basic, all purpose magnesium balm. If you are planning to use this on a child, either omit the oils, or speak to an expert to determine which oils are safe for your child and the appropriate dosage for each. This book is an excellent reference for using aromatherapy for children.

 Add a splash of Aloe Vera Juice, about 1/8 cup. Aloe Vera is great for skin, the juice provides a subtle, softening effect.

Blend for another 30 seconds.

What a gorgeous mountain of pain relieving bliss. 

I've roughly calculated the magnesium dosage in the finished product to be about 120mg - 150mg per teaspoon. This is relevant, as a typical adult dose can range from 200mg to 600mg (with higher doses taken with guidance from a naturopathic or regular doc). So use sparingly, 1-2tsp applied to a targeted area or mindfully applied to a general area, depending on your needs. For a child, I'd stick with 1/2 tsp applied along the spine, bottom of feet or auxiliary area for best absorption.

Magnesium & Peppermint Pain Relieving Balm

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp cocoa butter
• 2 tbsp shea butter
• 3/4 cups magnesium gel 
• 10+ drops peppermint oil (optional)
• 2+ drops essential oil of your choosing (optional)
• 1/8 cup Aloe Vera Juice (optional but I highly recommend it!)

1. Melt oils together over a double boiler
2. Let oil chill int the freezer for 8 minutes 
3. Move to the fridge for 10 more minutes
4. Add magnesium gel to chilled oil
5. Whip on high for 3-5 minutes until the oil has thickened
6. Add essential oils and aloe vera juice
7. Whip for 30 seconds to 1 minute 
8. Store is a glass container for up to 2 weeks.
9. Be mindful of your application, as this is a magnesium supplement and not an all purpose hand and body lotion

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