Where does Ancient Minerals come from?
The pristine source for Ancient Minerals magnesium products lies within a deep underground seabed in Northern Europe–nearly two miles beneath the surface—referred to as the Ancient Zechstein Sea. It is extracted from the earth by a process known as solution mining, and is globally the most coveted source of naturally occurring magnesium chloride in existence. For more information, please visit http://www.genuinezechstein.com/.
Is Ancient Minerals magnesium "oil" actually oil?
Actually no, although this is a common misconception. Magnesium "oil" is a coined term for a highly saturated solution of magnesium chloride in water along with other trace elements, which happens to present itself in an oil-like texture due to its hygroscopic nature (attracts water molecules).
Is the magnesium chloride in Ancient Minerals "Pharmaceutical Grade" or "USP Grade"?
While many manufacturers rely on the phrases “pharmaceutical grade” and “USP Grade” to convey a sense of quality to consumers, one must be familiar with their definition in order to have any true understanding of what this equates to. Both “pharmaceutical grade” and “USP Grade” essentially refer to the same thing – the public standards set forth by the United States Pharmacopeia. While there are several aspects of magnesium chloride that are defined by USP standards, arguably the most important and controversial standard is the maximum allowable heavy metal content (i.e. mercury, cadmium, and lead). After all, this is something that is coming into contact with our skin, and these elements are known toxins (even as low as a single part per million of mercury can have negative effects). In the case of magnesium chloride, the USP standard allows for a maximum heavy metal content of 10 parts per million (ppm). What this equates to for you the consumer, is that manufacturers can casually use the phrase “pharmaceutical grade” without telling you exactly what toxic heavy metals, or at what levels they exist in the finished product – so long as it is below the USP limit. By no means do we consider this to be an acceptable practice, and certainly not a suitable method to represent the purity of Ancient Minerals. And, for that reason, we refer to the “ultra-purity” of Ancient Minerals as being far beyond any pharmaceutical standard that exists in the world, period. We are completely transparent in our efforts to redefine purity, and the lab results are available proudly to all who seek them at www.genuinezechstein.com.
I experience some tingling when I apply the Ancient Minerals magnesium oil or gel. Is this normal?
Some users of the magnesium oil and magnesium gel who have sensitive skin may experience tingling and/or some slight irritation at the site of application due to the high concentration of magnesium chloride. This effect is completely harmless, and can vary based on a number of factors, including where you apply it on the body and how much you are applying. Diluting the magnesium oil 1:1 with pure spring water can reduce this effect, although it is a matter of personal preference. Additionally, those who do experience this effect report that the tingling lessens with each subsequent application. Another choice would be to opt for the Ancient Minerals magnesium bath flakes for use in foot soaks and/or full body soaks, which offers a gentler form of use for those with extremely sensitive or broken skin.
Will magnesium applied topically produce a laxative effect like oral magnesium supplements?
No, there is no potential for a laxative effect. This is a fundamental advantage of using Ancient Minerals magnesium products topically, as your skin can naturally self-regulate the absorption of minerals. The laxative effect seen by many users of various oral magnesium supplements is due to an inability of the GI tract to absorb larger quantities of elemental magnesium that are found in dietary supplements, and the consequence is your bowels attempting to flush the unabsorbed excess out. While different people have varying thresholds of sensitivity to oral magnesium supplements, there is zero potential for this to occur when Ancient Minerals is used topically.
Why are oral magnesium supplements so difficult to absorb for most people?
There are two primary reasons. The first, is that meaningful quantities of elemental magnesium from dietary supplements have a tendency to create a laxative effect in the majority of users, which reduces transit time through the bowels. There is good evidence to indicate that absorption of magnesium is impaired when the transit time through the bowels is less than 12 hours. Second, is that the percentage of magnesium absorbed is inversely proportionate to the amount of magnesium being consumed in a single dose (i.e. the more you take, the smaller percentage you actually assimilate). These two factors taken together equate to a less-than-efficient method of restoring cellular magnesium levels in the body.
Should I continue using other magnesium supplements orally if I am also using Ancient Minerals topically?
It is not necessary, but using magnesium supplements can still be helpful if used sparingly. Oral use of magnesium should be used in addition to topical use, rather than in place of.
Are there any precautions for using Ancient Minerals magnesium products?
Avoid using Ancient Minerals magnesium gel or magnesium oil near mucus membranes such as the eyes and nose, which can cause some irritation. Also, while applying the magnesium oil and/or gel to broken skin or wounds can be highly therapeutic and cleansing, the high concentration of magnesium salts can cause discomfort. If you are using Ancient Minerals on broken skin or lesions (i.e. psoriasis, eczema, acne, Morgellons, etc.) it is strongly advised to begin with magnesium baths until the skin had a chance to start healing and become less sensitive to the higher concentration of magnesium chloride in the oil and gel.
Is there a maximum daily limit for using Ancient Minerals topically?
No. As mentioned before, the skin has a unique ability to self-regulate absorption, and therefore overuse is of little concern.
Are Ancient Minerals magnesium products safe to use with children?
Most definitely! Ancient Minerals magnesium baths are the preferred application by most parents, and have been used with great success on children as young as 6 months old. They are not only safe, but highly therapeutic and can calm even the most restless young ones.
Are Ancient Minerals magnesium products safe for animals and pets?
Absolutely. Ancient Minerals topical magnesium products are just as effective on animals and pets as they are on humans. In fact, our magnesium gel and magnesium oil is used in natural and alternative veterinary clinics around the world for everything from wound care, to general health maintainability.
How does Ancient Minerals compare with other topical magnesium products on the market?
Ancient Minerals magnesium products are produced with very strict quality standards, from the purity of the raw ingredients to the production of the finished product. Other manufacturers utilize inferior forms of magnesium from impure ocean deposits and contaminated inland water sources. Ancient Minerals topical magnesium products are recommended by healthcare professionals the world over, and the only topical magnesium brand recommended by Dr. Mark Sircus, Ac., OMD, author of the book Transdermal Magnesium Therapy and director of the International Medical Veritas Association. Ancient Minerals is also the only topical magnesium brand formulated using the exclusive Genuine Zechstein™ magnesium chloride source.
I have heard that Ancient Minerals is beneficial for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema?
Correct. Ancient Minerals magnesium products are highly therapeutic and healing to skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, poison oak, etc. Topically applied magnesium chloride enhances skin barrier function, decreases inflammation, speeds wound healing, and augments skin cell hydration. However, if you have broken skin or have a good portion of your body is affected, it is advised to start with magnesium baths until the skin has had a chance to start healing and become less sensitive to the high concentration of magnesium salts in the magnesium gel and magnesium oil.
Is Ancient Minerals topical magnesium beneficial for detoxification?
Magnesium is not only beneficial, but essential! The body utilizes alkaline minerals such as magnesium to process cellular debris and counteract elevated uric acid production when combating a detox reaction. In addition, if there is not an adequate amount of magnesium for combating the detox reaction, it will remove the magnesium from the bones and body for this purpose. Studies have shown that magnesium is one of the most commonly deficient nutrients in the chemically toxic individual. People who tend to retain chemical and heavy metal toxins were observed to excrete a high amount of magnesium in their urine, and have problems maintaining adequate magnesium levels. Most importantly, magnesium shields our cells from heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and nickel, which rationalizes why we so desperately need magnesium for heavy metal detoxification. Magnesium, for the most part, is indispensable for the survival of our cells, but takes on additional significance in the age of toxicity where our systems are being overrun on a daily basis with heavy metals.
There is escalating evidence that low levels of magnesium plays a role in the deposition of heavy metals that may have accumulated in brain tissue. In fact, the cause and solution of numerous physical maladies can be as easy as correcting a magnesium deficiency. In addition, many of the difficulties with mercury chelation can be reduced when the subject is administered sufficient magnesium. Most information associated with chelation will tell you that chelating wastes minerals and yet very little investigation has been done into the critical mineral whose loss cannot be tolerated without unacceptable risk. Magnesium is vital for phase one detoxification and along with other minerals such as zinc, dislodges toxic heavy metals from the body. The bottom line is that magnesium is a fundamental factor in the natural self-cleansing and detoxification responses of the body. According to Doctor Frederica P. Perera, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, there is a 500-fold difference in the ability of each person to detoxify the same exact toxin. One of the main indicators - is each individual's level of magnesium. For these reasons, the use of Ancient Minerals magnesium oil, magnesium gel, and magnesium flakes, provides the user with a foundational support system for safe and efficient detox.
Why can topical applications of magnesium chloride be so healing?
It is healing by way of the medium of the skin. This is a very ancient practice, and is described in many ayurvedic texts. The efficiency of topical applications in regard to magnesium is justified by the skin's ability to absorb substances which are then carried by the circulatory system around the body. It is also harmless as the skin will not absorb more magnesium than the body needs. Topical application of magnesium chloride is also considerably superior to the commonly suggested oral magnesium supplements and in actuality is the most practical way magnesium can be re-established to proper levels. When utilizing magnesium on our skin, we are producing "tissue saturation". This is the ability to launch the nutrients exactly where you want them, which is directly into circulation where your body tissues have access at therapeutically efficient levels without any loss. With Ancient Minerals magnesium oil, magnesium gel, and magnesium flakes, you have a potent natural substance that penetrates the cells with dramatic results on cell biochemistry, and it is inexpensive, safe, and a do-it-yourself at home method.
What are the ingredients in the Ancient Mineral Skin Lotion?
Ancient Magnesium Lotion Ingredients: Water, Genuine Zechstein magnesium chloride and natural trace elements, organic vegetable glycerin, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, squalane (olive), cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, organic cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, organic butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), bydroxypropyl starch phosphate, xanthan gum, caprylhydroxamic acid, caprylyl glycol (1g magnesium per fl oz/30 ml)
Directions for Use: Rub magnesium lotion thoroughly into clean skin.