Joint and muscle pain is something almost everyone experiences at some point in life. Many people don’t realize that even children as young as three can suffer from these pains.
Growing Pains in Children
Growing pains affect approximately 25%-40% of children and usually occur in two stages: early childhood (ages 3–5) and later childhood (ages 8–12). These pains typically affect the legs—front of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees—and usually appear in the late afternoon or evening, often before bedtime. The intensity varies, but it can be severe enough to wake a sleeping child.
A Natural Solution
A magnesium-based lotion has become popular in homeopathic and alternative health communities for alleviating joint and muscle pains, including those caused by growing pains. Its combination of beneficial ingredients reduces discomfort without the irritation that magnesium oil alone can sometimes cause.
Key Ingredients and Benefits
- Magnesium
Growing pains and other muscle/joint pains often result from a mineral deficiency. Magnesium is essential for bone strength as it helps calcium bond with collagen. Without enough magnesium, calcium may not properly stabilize in the bones, causing cramps. - Arnica
Arnica extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps relieve pain caused by inflammation. It works by blocking histamine, a compound released by the body that contributes to swelling.
Ingredients for the Lotion:
- 3 oz arnica and comfrey-infused oil
- ½ oz beeswax
- ½ oz stearic acid
- 1½ oz shea butter
- 1½ oz magnesium oil
- 1½ oz aloe vera gel
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Infused Oil
- Combine 2 tablespoons dried arnica flowers and 2 tablespoons dried comfrey leaves in a jar.
- Fill the jar with about 6 oz olive oil.
- Place the jar in a pot with about 2 inches of water and heat on low for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally and ensure the water does not evaporate completely.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base
- In a heat-proof bowl, combine the infused oil, beeswax, and stearic acid.
- Place the bowl over a pan of water on medium-low heat until the beeswax melts.
- Turn off heat and stir in shea butter until melted. Remove the bowl from the pan and let it cool until a layer forms on top.
Step 3: Prepare Magnesium/Aloe Mixture
- In a separate heat-proof jar, combine magnesium oil and aloe vera gel.
- Warm the jar slightly using the same water from Step 2.
Step 4: Combine and Whip
- Once both mixtures are around body temperature, slowly pour the magnesium/aloe mixture into the wax mixture while beating with a mixer.
- Continue mixing for 3–5 minutes until the lotion thickens.
Step 5: Store the Lotion
- Transfer the finished lotion into a container (preferably non-metal and squeezable for easy application).
This magnesium-based lotion can be applied to sore muscles or joints, including those affected by growing pains, to provide gentle, natural relief.
