Summary: Ritual Magnesium+ is a 2-in-1 blend of bioavailable Magnesium Bisglycinate and Tart Cherry is not only supportive for a restful night’s sleep, but it’s also deeply supportive for the nervous system. It helps to ease my stress and bring a sense of calm, so I awaken feeling refreshed instead of stressed.

What I Love:

  • I love the way Ritual’s Magnesium+ blend tastes! I drink it in warm water right before bed as a cozy, sweet (but not too sweet) bedtime tonic.
  • I often wake up feeling like I could use a couple more hours of sleep, but after taking this blend, I feel way more rested and refreshed in the morning. 
  • As a mom of two little ones, stress is inevitable, so I’m always looking for ways to ease tension. I noticed a difference in my nervous system immediately after taking this. 
  • I’ve noticed stomach upset from other magnesium supplements, but there was zero discomfort with this one. 
  • I didn’t experience any grogginess in the morning like other magnesium supplements I’ve tried.  

Things To Note:

  • Though I’ve been enjoying dissolving the powder in warm water before bed, it is an extra step rather than simply taking a pill. 
  • This powder form is also more complicated to travel with than a pill. 
  • Some may not like the flavor. Offering a flavor-free option would be helpful. 

For those of you wondering, “What is magnesium and why have I been hearing so much about it?” Let me explain. It’s the second-most abundant mineral in our bodies and has become widely used to support sleep and relaxation because of its multiple roles. In our modern society, we’re more stressed than ever. This takes a toll on our sympathetic nervous system, our fight-or-flight response. Magnesium helps bring the body back into our parasympathetic nervous system, our rest-and-digest state. Many people are low in magnesium due to processed foods, stress, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar — not to mention our soil depletion, which reduces food’s natural magnesium. 

“For those of you wondering ‘What is magnesium and why have I been hearing so much about it?’ Let me explain.”

There are several ways in which magnesium works. First, magnesium supports the brain by boosting GABA, a neurotransmitter that quiets brain activity. It also helps balance glutamate, calming the nervous system and easing racing thoughts, especially before bed. It also helps to regulate stress hormones. When magnesium levels are low in the body, cortisol levels can spike. 

For those who experience jaw clenching or restlessness while sleeping, magnesium can help muscles relax by counteracting calcium. (One downside to magnesium is that some forms are not as gentle on the stomach.)

Magnesium types and which is best for you:

  • Magnesium Citrate: Best if you’re dealing with constipation.
  • Magnesium Glycinate or Bisglycinate: Great for raising magnesium levels, with minimal gastrointestinal side effects. Supports sleep, reduces stress/anxiety, muscle fatigue, pain, and chronic fatigue. Magnesium glycinate is often the gentlest and most bioavailable.
  • Magnesium L-threonate: Focused magnesium for brain health, memory, cognition, and is also highly bioavailable.  
  • Magnesium Taurate: Best for those with high blood pressure concerns. 
  • Magnesium Sulfate: A topical magnesium for muscle relaxation or soreness. Great for use during pregnancy for leg cramps.

When it comes to choosing the proper magnesium for your needs, Ritual’s Magnesium+ comes in the form of Magnesium Biglycinate Chelate, which is highly bioavailable. And it also includes Tart Cherry, which adds another layer of relaxation by helping to ease mental and physical fatigue.*

Why choose Ritual?

Ritual’s products are backed by leading experts and adhere to top-level clean-label standards, avoiding unnecessary synthetic additives and providing total transparency on their ingredient sourcing for full peace of mind. 

Ritual is a supplement brand built around transparency, traceability, and minimal-ingredient formulas. The brand was founded in 2016 with an initial focus on women’s needs. Over time, their product line has expanded beyond women’s multivitamins to include supplements for everyone 18+. Plus products like protein powders, gut health, prenatal/postnatal formulas, sleep, skin hydration, and more. Their website also makes it easy to search for targeted health support by taking their Vitamin Quiz. 

Ritual selects nutrients commonly lacking in modern diets — and lists exactly where each ingredient comes from through their Made Traceable program. Their products are non-GMO, vegan, free of major allergens and artificial fillers, produced in GMP-compliant facilities, and third-party tested. Ritual emphasizes clean-label standards, avoids unnecessary synthetic additives, and aims for ingredient sourcing that’s clear. 

Ritual was founded by a mom fiercely seeking safe and efficacious supplements. But discovered that finding a trusted brand was more complicated than she thought. So she created the Ritual multivitamin made from pure, traceable, and trusted ingredients in forms and doses backed by clinical studies. Today, Ritual’s prenatal has become a #1 best seller. Their line of supplements is backed by a team of experts in women’s health and advocates for higher standards of health for all bodies. Ritual is also B Corp certified, which means they take careful consideration for people and the environment in all they do. 

My experience and results with Ritual Magnesium+

I’ve been a huge fan of magnesium for years. I started taking Magnesium Bisglycinate (or glycinate) when I got pregnant with my second baby. I also used topical magnesium for leg cramps throughout my first pregnancy. For me, it has helped to regulate my nervous system above all else, and as someone with a sensitive GI, I’ve never had any issues with glycinate (though citrate has caused stomach upset for me!). 

“This blend is safe for pregnant and lactating women and adults in need of a bioavailable magnesium with a bit of extra nervous system support.”

Ritual’s Magnesium+ is in the form of Bisglycinate, which is one of the most bioavailable forms. But what really sets this magnesium apart is the 2-in-1 blend of Tart Cherry. It’s made exclusively with a type of cherry called Montmorency Cherries. These little fruits are backed by 15 years of research on their nutritional benefits, including reducing muscle tension, mental fatigue, and improving sleep quality. This blend is safe for pregnant and lactating women and adults in need of a bioavailable magnesium with a bit of extra nervous system support.*

My Magnesium+ arrived in a simple paper bag, a recycled mailer made from newsprint and plant fibers. Inside, I found the Magnesium+ canister (and top!), both made from post-consumer recycled packaging. I love that the brand’s traceability extends to its sustainable packaging.

Because magnesium is used to relieve stress and promote restful sleep, it’s recommended to take it at night. I couldn’t wait to try it before bed. The first night I tried it, I decided to add it to warm water as a before-bed tea. I immediately noticed the flavor and how delicious it was. The flavor is a mixture of strawberry and raspberry, so I expected it to taste sour. However, it’s sweet with almost a hint of vanilla. I was a little worried it had sugar because of the sweet taste, but it’s sugar-free with a hint of organic monk fruit extract. 

A hand holds a wooden spoon with powder over a container labeled "Ritual Magnesium+" next to a ceramic mug on a wooden tray.
Ritual provides its product in a sustainable paper bag to reduce plastic waste. I take mine in my nightly cup of tea.

It was remarkable when I awoke from my first night using this product. Not only did I sleep deeply, but I woke up rested and calm, with no hint of grogginess. I’ve had issues with feeling groggy from other magnesium supplements I’ve tried. The second night using it, I woke feeling even more rested and revitalized, and this continued over the weeks of use. 

Since using this blend, I’ve been awakening from some of the best sleep I’ve had in a really long time. I thought the magnesium I was using previously was working well, but it doesn’t offer the nervous system support that this blend seems to. Any worries or stresses seem to completely melt away while I sleep, so that when I awake, I’m fresh and ready for a new day. This is my new nightly routine for sleep support and stress management that carries throughout the next day. 

Since taking my Ritual Magnesium+, I’ve been waking up feeling the most well-rested in my life.

For those looking for a bioavailable magnesium that is gentle on the stomach, this blend is perfect. However, the powder form may not be ideal for everyone — especially those who travel. Alongside, it has a really mild light berry flavor that I really love, but some might prefer a flavorless option.

My final thoughts

Since using Ritual’s Magnesium+, my stress levels have significantly improved. My sleep has been the best it’s been in years, and I’ve actually been waking up feeling rested. As a mom of two little ones, I can’t overstate the unmatched support this combo offers. I’ve already sent this product to friends I know who are struggling with restful sleep and stomach upset. 

“My sleep has been the best it’s been in years, and I’ve actually been waking up feeling rested.”

I adore my new nightly routine of mixing warm water with Magnesium+, which immediately helps me wind down for bed. After using this product for several weeks, it’s clear Ritual has created a very special product to support people with sleep and stress. This is my new standard for magnesium, and it should be yours, too.

THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT RITUAL

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Courtney Jay Higgins is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a BA in Visual Communications from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and is the founder of Coincide, a subscription-based yoga platform focusing on inclusive, sustainable yoga rooted in ancient Eastern practices and spirituality. Her 10+ years of experience in yoga include a 200-hr YTT certification in a Hatha-based yoga practice and a certification in prenatal yoga. She has been featured in Shoutout Colorado, Voyage Denver, and Cora’s Blood & Milk. Since 2017, she has been reviewing sustainable fashion, natural makeup, organic wellness, and safe pregnancy products for The Good Trade’s readers.