Many people around the world suffer from visible magnesium deficiency, a mineral essential for the human body. Magnesium, particularly in the form of magnesium chloride hexahydrate, magnesium flakes, helps to effectively combat fatigue and mood disorders and boost immunity. What’s more, it can also be used externally, finding its application in a variety of situations. What are magnesium flakes used for, when should they be used, and how can their properties be utilised?
Magnesium flakes – what is worth knowing about them?
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, found in bones, teeth and red blood cells. Although magnesium can be found in most foods, many people still do not consume the recommended, daily intake of magnesium. Magnesium supplements come in many different forms, and one of the most effective is magnesium chloride hexahydrate. Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of one magnesium ion and two chloride ions. First used as an antiseptic during the Second World War, it quickly became a popular preparation available in the form of odourless flakes. Although magnesium flakes typically contain between 10 and 15% elemental magnesium, the mineral is better absorbed by the body due to its low stability. The flakes can be absorbed almost immediately through the skin, and also dissolved on surfaces, which will benefit from the properties of magnesium.
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate – what benefits does it bring to the human body?
When taken for medicinal purposes, magnesium chloride helps combat stress and reduce signs of anxiety and fatigue. It is also an extremely interesting product in cosmetic treatments, particularly due to its antibacterial properties. How can magnesium flakes affect our health?
- They help combat stress and fatigue – as part of cosmetic treatments, magnesium flakes help to strengthen our body, by combating persistent stress, anxiety and signs of fatigue;
- They strengthen the immune system – Scientific studies conducted in the 1940s demonstrated and confirmed the benefits of magnesium flakes in alleviating the symptoms of common illnesses, such as the common cold or flu. Magnesium chloride also helps to reduce fever and alleviates the symptoms of certain respiratory conditions;
- They reduce cramps and muscle problems – minerals, such as magnesium, play a vital role in our cellular balance. Magnesium deficiency puts muscles at risk of cramps and strains, particularly in athletes. A course of hexahydrate magnesium chloride can help restore adequate magnesium levels in the body, preventing the potential effects of deficiency;
- They have anti-inflammatory properties – magnesium flakes used, for example, in a home bath have anti-inflammatory properties. Such a bath can help with problems related to inflammation throughout the body.
The use of hexahydrate magnesium chloride – effective in many ways
Magnesium flakes, as we have already mentioned, consist of chlorine and magnesium ions. Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is known for its preventive, and cosmetic applications. On the other hand, magnesium flakes have also found their use in industrial applications, particularly in medicine.
How can we benefit from the advantages of magnesium flakes? There are many possibilities, but let’s take a look at those, that deserve the most attention.
Magnesium bath – magnesium flakes for bathing
A bath with magnesium flakes is one of the most effective ways to benefit from the health-promoting properties of magnesium. Magnesium baths can alleviate excessive, chronic stress, muscle and joint pain, as well as stimulate blood circulation, aid healing and strengthen the immune system. Hexahydrate magnesium chloride is also used to make magnesium oil, which can be used for body massage. Magnesium flakes added to a relaxing bath also have numerous skincare benefits. They have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and help reduce atopic dermatitis, acne, and skin irritation; they regulate sebum production in combination and oily skin, and restore the skin’s pH balance. To enjoy the benefits of a hot magnesium bath, simply add a glass of flakes to hot water and stir until the magnesium chloride has completely dissolved. After the magnesium bath, you will feel your whole body relax. An alternative to a bath is the use of magnesium oil.
Magnesium flakes for foot soaks
One of the simplest ways to use magnesium flakes is to soak your feet in warm water. Simply fill a bath or large bowl with warm water, add the magnesium flakes and stir until completely dissolved.
Then soak your feet in the mixture for approx. 30 minutes, allowing magnesium to be absorbed through the skin whilst enjoying a pleasant activity. Magnesium absorbed through the feet, not only relieves pain and discomfort after a hard day, but is also helpful in cases of inflammation, nail fungus, or muscle tension caused by excessive physical exertion, and also eliminates unpleasant odours as well.
Magnesium flakes and air dehumidification
Excessive moisture in the air can contribute to the increased growth of pathogens and allergens. What is more,, the effects of moisture also affect furniture,, everyday objects and ourselves. It is not uncommon for excess moisture in a room to lead to more frequent illness and the onset of symptoms typical of the common cold, or seasonal flu. Due to its moisture-binding properties, magnesium chloride hexahydrate can be used for effective air dehumidification. Simply place a heated solution of the flakes in a location through which air will pass for further drying. Acting as a natural sorbent, the magnesium flakes will absorb moisture until they reach saturation, after which the air will become dry and free of excess moisture.
Magnesium flakes – magnesium deficiencies in horticulture
Hexahydrate magnesium chloride is an effective remedy for humans, as well as plants. Magnesium influences the proper functioning of all living organisms. In the plant world, it is the main component of chlorophyll, influencing the proper course of photosynthesis, as well as plant growth and health.
Hexahydrate magnesium chloride can therefore serve as an interesting alternative, or as an additive to fertilisers already in use. Magnesium deficiencies can lead to poorer plant growth, and consequently to their death. To prevent the consequences of magnesium deficiency, simply sprinkle the flakes onto the soil or apply foliar fertilisation.
De-icing surfaces with the addition of magnesium chloride
Magnesium flakes are also recommended for winter de-icing, and snow clearance. Due to their strong hygroscopic properties,, magnesium flakes effortlessly melt slippery and dangerous layers of snow and ice.
Furthermore,, magnesium chloride is a completely safe product for the environment, and for the condition of the surface itself, keeping it in good condition for a longer period. It is not uncommon for a single application of magnesium flakes to last the entire season, maintaining its effects until spring.
Hexahydrate magnesium chloride – where to buy and what to look out for before purchasing?
As magnesium chloride is found mainly in the oceans, it is worth choosing products obtained directly from water. Magnesium flakes are obtained by evaporating water and separating magnesium salt from sea salt. Magnesium chloride obtained in this way should undergo further purification to remove environmental toxins.
If you wish to purchase particularly pure magnesium flakes, it is worth choosing products sourced from underground and enclosed reservoirs.
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