Comfrey oil and magnesium oil are liquids artificially made from naturally-occurring plants and elements. Both products are sprayed onto your skin to provide beneficial results. While there is evidence that both oils can improve aspects of your health, any serious medical questions or concerns should be presented to a doctor first.
Comfrey Oil Background
Comfrey is a perennial shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. It grows between two to five feet tall and has dull purple clustered flowers. The root is black on the outside, white on the inside and filled with a juicy liquid. The oil is concocted by combining the plant's roots and leaves with canola oil.
Comfrey Oil Use
Comfrey oil is primarily used to reduce inflammation from wounds and broken and sprained bones. It is also used by people who suffer from arthritis. Comfrey's roots and leaves both contain allantoin, which aids in skin health and assists in the growth of new skin cells. The oil also has rosmarinic acid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant. Comfrey oil is applied to the surface of the skin. Because it contains poisonous alkaloids that can be harmful if they appear in large quantities in the body, comfrey oil should be used conservatively.
Magnesium Oil Background
Magnesium oil is in fact not an oil at all, but rather a solution of magnesium chloride in water. The magnesium chloride naturally attracts water molecules, giving it an "oily" texture. Magnesium is one of the five most abundant minerals found in the body. Half of it is found in bone, the other half inside the cells of the body's tissues and organs. According to the National Institutes of Health, magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Dietary surveys suggest that a sizable portion of Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diet. A deficiency of magnesium can lead to problems with the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Magnesium Oil Use
Magnesium oil is applied directly to the skin, usually from a spray canister. It also can be used while soaking in a warm bath. There is no set way to apply magnesium to the skin. Some users coat the body while others spray it onto areas that are typically sore or tender. Magnesium oil has been linked to easing pain in joints and muscles. Skin will absorb any magnesium oil that is not wiped off, which can help to raise magnesium levels in the body. The Office of Dietary Supplements has some evidence that maintaining magnesium levels helps to regulate blood pressure and stave off diabetes and osteoporosis.
General Tips
Until 2001, comfrey was used to treat gastrointestinal issues. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ruled that it contains substances dangerous to the human liver. Oral applications of comfrey have been banned in the United States. When using magnesium oil, avoiding spraying it under the armpits, near the eyes, on the nipples or near genitalia, to avoid a stinging sensation.
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