On Wed, 04 May 2011 12:50:42 -0600, Adrienne Smith <[log in to unmask]>  
wrote:

> I may also try a transdermal version if I can find a reputable
> source -- that would surely bypass the laxative issues if I'm using it  
> for muscle soreness etc.
I've had good results with Magnesium Oil, which is a saturated solution
of magnesium chloride.  I spray it on crampy places, and within minutes
to hours, they are better.  BTW it's called magnesium oil because it
feels oily and slippery, not because it has any oil in it.  The brand
I bought is Swanson which seems fine, but I also learned to make my own.

You could wipe it on instead of spraying.  It can be a bit irritating
to the skin at first, though I've found that places that really need
the magnesium don't show irritation.  You can also put 1/4 cup or so
in a pan of warm water and soak your feet in it (similar to epsom salts,
which is magnesium sulfate).

You can make your own mag oil quite easily from food grade nigari (used to
precipitate tofu).  Fill up your quart jar with nigari.  Then fill up
the jar again with water.  Let it sit for several days.  All the
mag chloride will dissolve.  You can use it at this point.  Or you
could add a little more which should also dissolve.  When it doesn't
completely dissolve, you have a saturated solution.

	Lynnet