David Guy
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Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: 30 January 2007 at 6:16pm | IP Logged
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The waters of the Dead Sea have been renowned for their
therapeutic effects since ancient times. Two thousand years ago,
Flavius wrote that the salts from the Dead Sea heal the human
body.
Composition of Dead Sea Water
The waters from the Dead Sea are unique in that they contain
27% of various salts as compared to 3% in normal sea water.
Further, while sodium accounts for approximately 80% of the salt
content of normal sea water, it comprises much less of the salt
total in water from the Dead Sea. The balance of the salts in Dead
Sea water are magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and
bromides.
Why are these types of salts beneficial?
Magnesium is important for both combatting stress and fluid
retention, slowing skin ageing and calming the nervous system.
Calcium is effective at preventing water retention, increasing
circulation and strengthening bones and nails. Potassium energizes
the body, helps to balance skin moisture and is a crucial mineral to
replenish following intense exercise. Bromides act to ease muscle
stiffness and relax muscles. Sodium is important for the lymphatic
fluid balance (this in turn is important for immune system
function). So we can see that bathing in high quality sea salt could
replenish the minerals which are critical to our skin metabolism.
Studies of the Health Benefits of Dead Sea Salts
Studies have been conducted on the health benefits of bathing in
Dead Sea salts. One such study was conducted by Dr. I. Machtey1
on 103 patients suffering from osteoarthritis and tendinitis.
Patients were either treated with baths of 7.5%, 2% or 0.5% Dead
Sea salt concentration. Improvement was found after as little as 1
week of treatment for those treated with 7.5% or 2% salt baths.
By the study's end, 80% of the patients reported less pain; 70%
experienced improved mobility and 60% were able to decrease
their use of analgesics. Dr. J. Arndt2 studied the effect of Dead
Sea salt baths on psoriasis. Fifty patients were treated for 3 - 4
weeks, with 3 - 4 baths per week. In as little as 1 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. Treatment
with Dead Sea Salts is not associated with any side effects.
Machtey, Dr. I. 1982, Dead Sea Balneotherapy in Osteoarthritis,
Proc. International Seminar on Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases.
Arndt, Dr. J. 1982, Salt from the Promised Land Helps Psoriasis
Patients, Arztliche Praxis, 34(48).
In order to ascertain and confirm the beneficial therapeutic effects
of Dead Sea bath salts, a series of clinical research projects were
carried out both in Israel and in other countries where the use of
salts has become an established practice.
Dr. I. Machtey1 studied the influences of Dead Sea Bath Salts on
rheumatic patients suffering from osteoarthritis or a localized type
of tendonitis. 103 patients were treated for one or two weeks with
daily Dead Sea Bath Salts in a sanatorium located about 400 m.
above sea level. The patients were randomly assigned to one of
three types of baths (three sub groups):
Bath treatment with a Dead Sea salt concentration of 7.5%
Baths with a 2% salt concentration.
Baths with a 0.5% salt concentration.
One week of proper treatment resulted in impressive improvement
in all parameters in patients receiving 7.5% and 2% bath salt
concentration, but little or no improvement was noted in those
treated with 0.5% salt concentration. The greater the physical
limitations, the more pronounced was the improvement.
Sixty-six patients received two weeks treatment. An additional
slight improvement was noted in patients treated with 7.5% or 2%
salt concentration, and those having only 0.5% salt baths
improved relatively more as compared with the results after the
first week of treatment. However most of the results in the 0.5%
group were less impressive than those in the higher concentrations.
Over 80% of all the patients reported having less pain, 70% said
their mobility improved, and about 60% were able to decrease
their use of analgesics. Dr. Machtey concludes his study by stating
that "There is little doubt that the Dead Sea treatment in those
who benefit from it can be extended and repeated at home using a
2% bath solution, which is both economical and readily available".
A similar study was carried out by Dr. P Engel2 from the
sanatorium clinic of the city of Mayenbad, Bad Waldsee, in
Germany. The study was performed with 60 patients whose
rheumatic discomfort could not be substantially reduced by the
customary balneotherapy of their clinic. The baths with Dead Sea
Bath Salts were then prescribed in lieu of additional medicinal
therapy. Each patient was treated for a duration of four weeks,
with 3 baths per week. Salt concentration was 2.5% (2 Kg per
801. bath), duration of bath 20 minutes, temperature of water 37
C. Parameters examined included: Pain at rest, spontaneous pain,
kinesalgia, pain on pressure and reduced mobility.
The summary of results showed the following:
76.2% of cases very good therapeutic results were obtained
10.2% of cases responded moderately well
13.6% of cases no success was noted
Dr. J. Arndt, from Germany3 made a study of the effect of Dead
Sea Bath Salts on patients suffering from psoriasis. Fifty patients,
aged between 14 and 77 years were treated with the salts in a
controlled way. Treatment consisted of partial or total baths. For a
total bath, 2 Kgs of the salts were dissolved in a bath at a
temperature of 27 C. The partial baths were made with a
concentration of about 10%. The baths lasted for 20 minutes and
afterwards the skin was thoroughly rinsed with running water. The
effect is enhanced when the patient remains in a warm packed
condition for one hour after the bath.
The treatment lasted for 3-4 weeks, with 3-4 baths per week. The
results show that most symptoms of the illness diminished within
one week of treatment, notably itch, scaling joint complaints, and
the falling asleep and sleeping through difficulties. Other
parameters such as spread, redness and infiltration decreased
somewhat more slowly. Improvement was steady, the four week
treatment left the patients essentially free from complaints.
Dr. Arndt points out that of particular importance from the patients
point of view is the rapid relief from such irritating symptoms as
itching. There is a corresponding relief from sleeping disturbances,
which were rather wide-spread prior to treatment. The drastic
decrease in scaling within one week can be interpreted by
physician and patient alike as a further proof of the course outlined
above: healing was total in 27 patients (54%), whereas in 22
cases there was a marked impressive improvement. Tolerance was
excellent in all 50 cases. There were no side effects whatsoever,
dermatological or otherwise.
"Dead Sea Balneotherapy in Osteoarthritis", Dr. Machtey
(Hasharon Hospital, Petach-Tikya, Isreal)." Published in
Proceedings of International Seminar on Treatment of Rheumatic
Diseases", John Wright, PSG Inc. (1982).
"On the Therapy of Rheumatic Illness with Medical Bathing Salts
from the Dead Sea", Dr. P. Engel (Sanatorium Clinic of the City of
Mayenbad, Bad Waldsee, FRG). Published in Acta Medica Empirica,
31, 374 (April 1982).
"Salt from the Promised Land Helps Psoriasis Patients", Dr. J.
Arndt, Published in Arztliche Praxis, vol. 34, No. 48, 1920,
(15.6.1982).The Dead Sea
The water of the Dead Sea contains 21 minerals including Sodium,
Magnesium, Calcium, Bromine, Bitumen and Potassium. Twelve of
these are found in no other sea or ocean and some are recognized
for imparting a relaxed feeling, nourishing the skin, activating the
circulatory systems and for easing rheumatic discomfort and
metabolic disorders.
The Dead Sea contains 10 times more salts and minerals than the
Mediterranean Sea.
Minerals in Dead Sea Salt
Sodium
The Sodium ions remove skin scales and improve its permeability.
After penetrating into the skin, they bind the water and generate a
feeling of suppleness, ideal for very dry skin.
Magnesium
Magnesium concentrations found in the Dead Sea are fifteen times
higher than salts in other seas. Magnesium is essential for cell
metabolism. For instance, a significant deficit in Magnesium has
been discovered in skin scales and serum of patients with
psoriasis. Magnesium supposedly affects the ripening of skin cells
of psoriasis patients. Moreover, in cases of bronchi, Magnesium
works as anti-allergic agent.
Potassium
Potassium improves the oxidation and regulates the electrical
process of the muscles and the nervous system. Asthma patients
achieve good results from inhaling the salt vapors.
Bromide
Bromide concentration is 50 times higher than common salts. Thus
having a very relaxing effect.
Bitumen
Besides other Dead Sea Minerals found in smaller amounts, the
salt contains a natural tar called Bitumen which acts as an anti-
inflammatory agent.
Chlorine
Chlorine is necessary to maintain the correct balance of alkaline
and acid in the body, together with being vital for cell metabolism.
Iodine
Iodine is necessary for the production of the hormone thyroxin,
and is also vital for both energy and cell metabolism.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary in strenghtening cell membranes and
cleansing the pores. In addition it is vital for production and
maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, together with regulating
the heart muscles and nerves.
Zinc
Plays a role in enzymatic regulation of cell proliferation.
The Dead Sea lies at the bottom of the Syrian - African Rift
Valley, about 400 meters (1280 feet) below sea level. Known in
Biblical times as the Eastern Sea, the Romans called it Mare
Mortuum, the Israeli Geographic office called it The Sea of Salt.
This remnant of the sea, which covered the area over two million
years ago, is the lowest natural place on Earth. Its depth ranges
from 1376 feet (430 meters) in the north to 32 feet (10 meters) in
the south.
The waters of the Dead Sea are unique, having a total salt
concentration that is 10 times higher than ocean water, reaching
33% versus 3%. But that's not all! The composition of the brines
is also unique, comprising magnesium, potassium and calcium
chlorides, in addition to a high concentration of bromides.
This extraordinary chemical composition has made the Dead Sea
an ideal spot for people seeking relief from skin and rheumatic
disorders, and an equally popular choice for vacationers seeking
relaxation. In fact, these soothing miracle-working waters have a
reputation that dates back over 2000 years when the Roman
historian Flavius noted. "The Dead Sea cannot be praised too
highly. Travellers take this salt home because it heals the human
body and is therefore used in many medicines."
The therapeutic effects of bathing in the Dead Sea were well
known even in times of antiquity. Galenus, for instance, stated
that this salt water was good for the treatment of arthritis,
eczema, muscular pain, rheumatism, psoriasis, and also to relieve
tension, aid relaxation, and develop smooth silky skin. According
to the book of Samuel, King Solomon presented the Queen of
Sheba with Dead Sea salts upon her visit to the Holy Land. The
Empress Cleopatra, who was an ardent user of Dead Sea beauty
formulations, was actually given title to the entire region by Mark
Anthony after he conquered it.
Today, the Dead Sea has taken on a new dimension: modern
science has proven the therapeutic and rejuvenating properties of
its unique mineral content. The Dead Sea has become a renowned
centre for natural health and beauty treatments, with people
coming from around the world to bath in its mineral-rich waters.
Medical research and multiple studies have proved beyond all
doubt the efficacy of these minerals in treating and preventing
various diseases such as psoriasis, acne, and rheumatism. Dead
Sea salt is beneficial to the skin and the rest of the body. The
largest organ in the body, the skin seems to have the most
noticeable effect from Dead Sea salt. The skin absorbs Dead Sea
salt, vitamins and other substances into the body. It is universally
accepted these Dead Sea salts and vitamins can have a wonderful
effect on circulation and metabolism. As in the past, the Dead Sea
continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors annually to its
many resorts and treatment spas.
Good Health and Sea Salt
Salt is essential not only to life, but to good health. Human blood
contains 0.9% salt (sodium chloride) -- the same concentration as
found in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) sodium chloride
irrigant commonly used to cleanse wounds. Salt maintains the
electrolyte balance inside and outside of cells. Most of our salt
comes from foods, some from water. Doctors often recommend
replacing water and salt lost in exercise and when working outside.
Wilderness hikers know the importance of salt tablets to combat
hyperthermia. Oral rehydration involves replacing both water and
salt. Expectant mothers are advised to get enough salt. Increased
salt intakes have been used successfully to combat Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome. Dramatic deficiencies (e.g. "salt starvation" in India)
or "excessive" sodium intakes have been associated with other
conditions and diseases, such as hypertension and stomach cancer.
Testing the salinity of perspiration is a good test for cystic fibrosis;
scientists suspect that cystic fibrosis is caused by a deformed
protein that prevents chloride outside cells from attracting needed
moisture.
The National Academy of Sciences recommends that Americans
consume a minimum of 500 mg/day of sodium to maintain good
health. Individual needs, however, vary enormously based on their
genetic make-up and the way they live their lives. While individual
requirements range widely, most Americans have no trouble
reaching their minimum requirements. Most consume "excess"
sodium above and beyond that required for proper bodily function.
The kidneys efficiently process this "excess" sodium in healthy
people. Experimental studies show that most humans tolerate a
wide range of sodium intakes, from about 250 mg/day to over
30,000 mg/day. The actual range is much narrower. Americans
consume about 3,500 mg/day of sodium; men more, women less.
The very large percentage of the population consumes 1,150-
5,750 mg/day which is termed the "hygienic safety range" of
sodium intake by renowned Swedish hypertension expert Dr. Björn
Folkow. Chloride is also essential to good health. Every substance,
including water, can be toxic in certain concentrations and
amounts; this is not a significant concern for dietary salt.
Edited by David Guy on 05 June 2007 at 1:54pm
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