Dead Sea Salt Uses

Dead Sea Salts are used for therapeutic baths to treat conditions ranging from psoriasis to rheumatoid arthritis. People have traveled to the Dead Sea for centuries; in fact, Cleopatra knew about its healing properties. The combination of minerals in Dead Sea salt are different from regular sea salt and also different from Epsom Salts.

Differences Between Salts

Dead Sea salts contain a combination of minerals, including sodium chloride (table salt), magnesium, bromide, calcium, potassium and sulfates. Only a small percentage (about 15 percent) of Dead Sea salt is sodium chloride. In contrast, according to The Dead Sea Research Center, about 80 percent of sea salt is sodium chloride. Epsom Salts, named for the place in England where they originated, consist of magnesium sulfate, according to the Epsom Salts Council. These different mineral compositions give them each different therapeutic benefits.

Skin Care

Dead Sea salts have been clinically proven to be beneficial for many skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. According to a news report on CNN, A clinic in Chicago is successfully using Dead Sea salts, in combination with artificial UV rays mimicking those found at the Dead Sea, to treat psoriasis. The salts alone are useful for psoriasis. Adding 2 lb. of Dead Sea salt to a lukewarm bath is therapeutic for psoriasis and eczema. To simply soften and nourish otherwise healthy skin one to two cups per bath is sufficient, according to Salt Works.

Arthritis

Dead Sea salts are also clinically proven to relieve arthritis. Several studies show a benefit to soaking in Dead Sea salts in stopping both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The combination of minerals works together to aid in stopping joint pain. Calcium and magnesium are helpful in preventing and stopping water fluid retention, bromides relax muscles, sulfates help to rebuild cartilage and sodium is important for balancing the immune system.

Other Benefits

The minerals in Dead Sea salts have other therapeutic benefits. Magnesium with calcium and potassium is a combination necessary to relieve stress, promote relaxation and to strengthen the nervous system. In addition, magnesium may slow skin aging. Bathing in Dead Sea salt in a lukewarm bath will allow the body to absorb and utilize these minerals for their healing and balancing effects. An article in the International Journal of Dermatology concluded that the high levels of magnesium provide for a reduction of wrinkles as well as better skin texture and reduction of inflammation.