A Natural Remedy from the Dead Sea – Beneficial Mineral Salts
A Natural Remedy from the Dead Sea – Beneficial Mineral Salts
The Dead Sea is an inland sea located in the Middle East, bordering the countries of Jordan, Palestine and Israel, 1280 feet below sea level. It gets its name from the fact that its waters have such a high mineral salt content that living organisms cannot survive in it. In fact, because of this high salt content, you can easily float on the surface without any effort. Because the lake waters are much denser than fresh water, it’s impossible for humans to sink and very difficult to actually swim. People usually just float on the surface and relax.
The Dead Sea waters have been renowned for their therapeutic effects since ancient times. Soaking in these healing waters can be effective for a variety of complaints, such as arthritis, acne, psoriasis, allergies, etc. These minerals can reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and even help to get rid of skin wrinkles. Ordinarily, salt is thought to be dehydrating. However, these salts are rich in minerals that strengthen the skin barrier. They actually prevent dehydration, and therefore promote the skin’s natural water balance.
One of the main components in Dead Sea salts is magnesium chloride. The chloride ion together with hydrogen is one of the elements composing hydrochloric acid, the acid in your stomach that digests your food. If you do not produce enough stomach acid, health issues related to metabolism and deficient nutrient absorption may result, as well as being more prone to microorganisms which are normally killed by the stomach acid. Chloride can be absorbed through the skin as a component of the Dead Sea salts.
Magnesium, the other half of the magnesium chloride molecule, is also easily absorbed through the skin and has many health benefits. Due to our modern diets, as well as mineral depletion in the agricultural soil, an estimated 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. This vital mineral serves many important functions in the body: energy production, formation of bones and teeth, relaxation of blood vessels, action of the heart muscle, promoting proper bowel function, regulation of blood sugar levels, and many more. In fact, magnesium supplementation could save your life, by preventing heart attack or stroke.
Some excellent dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, some beans, nuts, and seeds, and avocados. If you choose to supplement, magnesium is most readily available for use in the body in topical form, such as the Merry Clinic Dead Sea mineral salts. (The only risk of magnesium toxicity is in cases of kidney insufficiency, when kidneys are not able to filter out the excess from the bloodstream). If you use oral supplementation, only a fraction of this mineral is absorbed by the body.
Magnesium has a very calming effect on the nervous system. This is one reason why so many people enjoy soaking in the Dead Sea! After soaking with these minerals, people often report that their sleep is much deeper and more restful. Magnesium can also alleviate muscle cramps and twitches, and even the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
In skin disorders, magnesium reduces inflammation, promotes quick healing of the skin barrier, and provides the skin’s surface with anti-allergic elements. This is especially good for treating psoriasis.
- You can find Dead Sea salts at: BATHSALT
- Also available is the Merry Clinic Dead Sea mineral soap: MINERALSOAP
