Magnesium

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Modern Use Magnesium can be used to treat a range of medical conditions, including aiding recovery from heart attacks; helping to dissolve kidney stones; relieving migraines; and treating asthma and diabetes.

Traditional Use A key constituent of bones and teeth. Magnesium is also an essential element for cellular metabolism, often as an activator of enzymes - including certain peptidases in protein digestion. It also relaxes nerve impulses, functioning antagonistically to calcium, which is stimulatory, and relaxes the heart muscles, preventing sudden surges in blood pressure.

Origin and Sources Magnesium is present in instant coffee, cocoa powder, cottonseed flour, peanut flour, sesame seeds, soybean flour, spices, wheat bran and wheat germ.