Page 41 - Fall2010

pleasant method of soaking in a bath of magnesium sulfate, otherwise known dietary, environmental, and social stressors. Of
as Epsom salts. Commonly used to ease muscle aches and pains, magnesium course no single nutrient stands alone in relation
sulfate also importantly helps with detoxification when sulfur is needed by to the body, and the first priority is to eat a varied
the body for this purpose. When used intravenously, magnesium sulfate can diet of whole plant and animal foods from the
save lives in such crises as acute asthma attack, onset of myocardial infarc- best sources near you. Adding extra magnesium,
tion, and eclampsia in pregnancy. however, might be the missing nutritional link to
A couple of cups of Epsom salts added to a hot bath will induce sweating help us guard against heart disease, stroke, depres-
and detoxification; after the water cools a bit, the body will then absorb the sion, osteoporosis and many other disorders. In
magnesium sulfate. According to Mark Sircus in Transdermal Magnesium the prevention and alleviation of these diseases,
Therapy, the effects from a bath of Epsom salts, although pleasant, are brief magnesium can be truly miraculous.
as magnesium sulfate is difficult to assimilate and is rapidly lost in the urine.
Magnesium chloride, which can also be used in baths, is more easily assimi- REFERENCES
lated and metabolized, and so less is needed for absorption. The Magnesium Miracle, by Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.,
Finally, magnesium may be applied topically in a form commonly called Ballantine Books, 2007.

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, by Mark Sircus, Ac.,
magnesium “oil.” This is actually not an oil at all, but a supersaturated concen- O.M.D., Phaelos Books, 2007.
tration of magnesium chloride and water. It does feel oily and slippery when Magnesium Therapy, by Patricia Ann Braun, M.D. http://
applied to the skin, but it absorbs quickly, leaving a slightly tacky, “sea salt” pbraunmd.org/magnesium.htm.
Magnesium: The Nutrient that Could Change Your Life,
residue that can be washed off. There are many advantages to transdermal by J.I. Rodale http://www.mgwater.com/rod06.shtml.
magnesium therapy, since the gastrointestinal tract is avoided altogether and Leaky gut and magnesium deficiency: http://magnesium-
there is no laxative effect. Next to intravenous magnesium administration, forlife.com/medical-application/magnesium-and-autism/.
transdermal therapy provides a greater amount of magnesium to be absorbed The dangers of magnesium deficiency in endurance
than even the best tolerated oral supplements, and can restore intracellular athletes: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDL/is_4_14/
ai_n24940334/.
concentrations in a matter of weeks rather than the months required for oral Primal Body-Primal Mind, by Nora Gedgaudas, Primal
supplementation. Body-Primal Mind Publishing, 2009.
Healing Wise: Wise Woman Herbal, by Susun S. Weed,
MISSING LINK? Ash Tree Publishing, 1989.
Put Your Heart in Your Mouth, by Dr. Natasha Campbell-

It is likely safe to say that most people would benefit from an increased McBride, Medinform, 2007.
supply of magnesium in their diets, especially in these times of so many
2010 SWISS TRIP: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DR. PRICE

LEFT: Fearless leader
Judith Mudrak, on right,
with adventurous
participants.

RIGHT:
Traditional
sourdough
breadmaking.

LEFT: Traditional
cheesemaking in a
copper kettle.

RIGHT:
Liz Pitfield
with cow bells
as big as
her head!

FALL 2010 Wise Traditions 41