We all love magnesium for its many benefits—including easing muscle aches, relieving fatigue and insomnia, and managing blood sugar and blood pressure. However, taking it in the form of a supplement is not the only way to get a dose of the essential micronutrient. The mineral is also available in the form of “magnesium oil,” which can be applied directly onto the skin. (Of course, it goes without saying that you should be getting your magnesium via your diet, too.)

Working magnesium oil directly into areas that feel “heavy” or in need of lymphatic drainage—especially the legs—is quickly becoming a favorite way to use the product. Proponents say it results in toned, smooth legs that are less swollen, painful, and inflamed. Read on to find out more about magnesium oil and how to use it.

What is magnesium oil?

The term “magnesium oil” is a bit deceiving—magnesium oil isn’t technically an oil but rather simply magnesium chloride that’s been dissolved into water. While it does feel a little “oily,” it actually doesn’t provide any moisturizing or hydrating benefits.

How to use magnesium oil?

Applying magnesium transdermally may help improve the body’s magnesium levels, but scientific evidence on its absorption rate is scant. That said, some studies suggest that applying magnesium oil directly to the arms, legs, and torso can help reduce pain and inflammation. Some people also claim that rubbing it into the feet can promote sleep—though that’s mostly anecdotal.

Magnesium oil for the legs

While there is some evidence that topical magnesium might help the joints and nerves, there hasn’t been a lot of research done around magnesium oil and the lymphatic system specifically.

Still, it probably isn’t harmful to try a lymphatic drainage massage with magnesium oil—at the very least, a self-massage always feels good. Spraying magnesium oil onto the skin before the massage can help enhance the benefits of the movements.

How to perform lymphatic massage with magnesium oil

Whether due to over-exercise, circulatory problems, or intense summer heat, it happens to everyone sometimes: A heavy, swollen feeling in the legs. Along with drinking plenty of water and keeping the legs elevated, massaging the legs with magnesium oil might help ease swelling and pain.

A proper lymphatic drainage massage always begins with stimulation of the lymph nodes, which are located at the neck, underarms, groin, behind the knees, at the ankles, and in the abdomen—but if time is scarce, you can focus solely on the leg area. To aid absorption of the magnesium oil, prepare the skin with gentle dry bushing to promote circulation, then rub the magnesium oil into the legs using firm, upwards strokes, moving from the feet and ankles with deep, rhythmic movements upward to the thighs. While pressure shouldn’t be too firm, it should be strong enough to move fluid and loosen the muscles.