Dead Sea Salt Benefits
Before I tried Dead Sea salts in my bath I wondered what all the fuss was about. People have travelled to the Dead Sea since ancient times to take advantage of bathing in its therapeutic waters but today we are lucky enough to be able to use the salts in the comfort of our own bathrooms.
After a chilly run on a crisp winter’s day I decided to treat myself to a long hot bath in pure Dead Sea salts. A real indulgence compared to the usual quick shower and go!
After a few minutes of soaking, my muscles completely relaxed and my aches and pains were eased by the warm soothing water. I nearly forgot what day it was and that felt good!
After 20 minutes I didn’t want to leave the sanctuary of my Dead Sea soak. I think we have lost the art of bathing introduced to us by the Greeks and Romans. Bathing is essential to our health and peace of mind and allows us some rare time to relax and unwind in private.
After rinsing the first thing I noticed was that my skin was so soft which I didn’t expect. I can honestly say that I felt completely rejuvenated after my soak and I understand why people rave about these amazing salts.
Not only do the salts relax your muscles and soften your skin but they are also thought to have a remarkable effect on psoriasis. It is the abundance of minerals - magnesium, calcium and potassium etc. combined with the salt and relaxation of bathing that is thought to improve psoriasis.
In fact, studies have been conducted on the health benefits of bathing in Dead Sea salts. Dr. J. Arndt studied the effect of Dead Sea salt baths on psoriasis. Fifty patients were treated for 3-4 weeks, taking 3-4 baths each week. In as little as one week, many patients treated with a 10% salt concentration in their baths experienced marked improvement. This improvement included relief from itching, sleep disturbances, and skin scaling.
Scientists at Manchester University have recently found that salt baths ease the pain of arthritis by reducing painful inflammation of the joints.
Dead Sea salts are a natural resource worth raving about. If you have never tried them in your bath give them a go today – you might be surprised!
References:
Arndt, Dr. J. 1982, Salt from the Promised Land Helps Psoriasis Patients, Arztliche Praxis, 34(48)
Express News, Salt Baths Ease the Pain of Arthritis, 21 Sept 2012
