Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body — from muscle contraction to nerve signalling to inflammatory regulation. It’s one of the minerals that makes peat baths more relaxing than plain hot water.

How peat delivers magnesium

Like other minerals in peat, magnesium exists as Mg²⁺ ions chelated by humic and fulvic acid complexes. This chelated form is more bioavailable than free magnesium salts. During a peat bath, magnesium is absorbed transdermally — a delivery route supported by research on bath-based magnesium absorption (Waring 2004).

Magnesium concentration in peat varies by source. Lowland (fen) peats contain more — they receive groundwater mineral input — while sphagnum bog peats are lower. Estonian deposits measured between 491 mg/kg (Hädera) and 910 mg/kg (Kõverdama) (Orru 2005).

What it does

Muscle relaxation. This is magnesium’s headline role in peat therapy. It works alongside the thermal retention of peat baths — the heat relaxes muscles from outside while absorbed magnesium supports relaxation from inside. This dual mechanism is why peat baths are traditionally used for muscle pain and back pain.

Inflammatory regulation. Magnesium deficiency is linked to elevated inflammatory markers. Restoring magnesium levels — even topically — may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects observed in peat balneotherapy, complementing the direct anti-inflammatory action of humic acids.

Skin barrier support. In topical applications like creams and face masks, magnesium contributes to maintaining the skin’s barrier function — relevant for conditions like dry skin and eczema where the barrier is compromised.