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Dead Sea Salts and Minerals – A Natural Psoriasis Treatment

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Mineral content of the water in combination with low levels of allergens, ultraviolet radiation and high atmospheric pressure in the Dead Sea area has been proven to have positive effects on various skin conditions (including psoriasis). Treatments using Dead Sea salts/minerals pull toxins from the body naturally. The sea itself is unique as it contains several times the salt content of any other body of water.  The water also contains unusually high levels of other minerals including bromide, potassium, calcium and zinc.

Due to the fact that the region surrounding the Dead Sea has low levels of solar radiation, psoriasis sufferers are able to sunbathe for longer periods of time here than any other place in the world. As a result, there have been therapies created around the use of Dead Sea salts/minerals for individuals that suffer from a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Originally, products with these ingredients were only available on site or at nearby luxury spas. In recent years, the healing properties have become common knowledge and they are now readily available. They are the primary ingredients in bath salts, foot scrubs, body wraps and soaps.

For psoriasis sufferers, there are many options for bath solutions and mud masks that include these salts. When used in combination with oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts or certain types of oil, they can help remove the scales and soothe itching skin. The minerals in the salt may help slow rapid cell growth, which characterizes psoriasis. While relief is temporary, it is immediate and there are no adverse side effects. Over time, the condition may improve if treatment is consistent. Unlike many topical treatments, the body does not built up a tolerance Dead Sea salts/minerals. As a result, it can be part of a treatment regimen for long-term use.

When purchasing Dead Sea salts/minerals, make sure the salts are not processed or cleaned. Processing removes many of the minerals that naturally occur. Most of their therapeutic properties have also been removed. There are several specific benefits to using these treatments. Two applications a week for four to six weeks has shown to significantly improve the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and arthritis. The salts and minerals reduce the severity of flare-ups, replace electrolytes and guard against moisture loss. It improves blood circulation to the skin and relaxes the muscles, contributes to cell regeneration and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Dead Sea salt scrub:
Dead Sea Salt Scrub (10 oz.)

Dead Sea mud mask treatment:
Ahava Purifying Mud Mask - Normal to Dry

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Visit the Dead Sea While You Can

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

People wading in the Dead Sea (courtesy of Flickr)dead sea psoriasis

According to a recent news article released by Yahoo, the Dead Sea is evaporating fast enough to disappear altogether in about 40 years.  This isn’t news exactly since people have known for a while now that industry and general man-made interventions are preventing water from flowing into the Dead Seah.

The dead Sea is salty because water doesn’t drain out of it (as is the case for most lakes), instead it only evaporates out.   The Jordan river runs into it and the water steadily vaporizes, thus leaving all the minerals that the river carries behind.

If you have psoriasis, this should matter to you since the Dead Sea (both the general climate and the water itself) has helped thousands of people recover from psoriasis.

The sunlight at such a low level is extremely well filtered by the sun because of all the layers of atmosphere the UV rays must pass through.  This makes it possible for people with psoriasis to lay outside for longer periods of time, soaking up sun rays with minimal negative effects (no burning).  Sunlight by itself can be a very effective psoriasis treatment.

The water, which is hyper-saturated with salt and other minerals, has also been proven to promote skin health, which in turn helps in the psoriasis recovery process.

I have read many accounts of people claiming almost miraculous improvements in their (plaque) psoriasis as a result of being around and in the Dead Sea for a few weeks.   Google “Dead Sea Psoriasis Treatment” it in case you’d like to find out for yourself.

What does this mean for you?  It means you’d better plan a trip sometime in the near future, maybe within the next few years.  I’ve heard the Dead Sea is also a fabulous vacation spot in addition to all the relief you can get for that pesky psoriasis.

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Taking Steps Toward a Natural Recovery from Psoriasis

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Psoriasis is a highly unpredictable condition, so much so that it is an elusive target for even the strongest modern medications.  The malleable nature of this disease has led many to develop their personal health to fight it off rather than experiment with any other potentially harmful drugs. Natural remedies also tend to be much less expensive than prescription drugs.

Some non-strenuous exercises such as yoga, walking and general stretching can help to loosen up the joints, get the blood flowing, strengthen the immune system and promote mental health, all of which are useful for fighting off every kind of psoriasis.

Supplements such as vitamins A, C and D as well as fish oil and folic acid are also known psoriasis killers.  In the case of vitamin and mineral supplements, however, keeping a balance is more important than loading up upon one thing or another.  Some supplements can have adverse effects when combined with other medications, so proceed with caution (and consult your doctor of course).

Baths treated with either minerals/salts or a small amount of bleach has been shown to bring about significant improvements in plaque psoriasis.  Bleach, it is believed, kills bacteria and infection, thus reducing the chances of psoriasis outbreaks (which are instigated by any kind of infection or irritation).

The most famous mineral bath in the world is probably the Dead Sea, where psoriatics come from around the world to soak up the super-salty water and therapeutic mud.  If you get the chance to visit the Dead Sea, you probably should also soak up some of those gentler sun-rays, as this has also proven to help battle off psoriasis.  Both UVA and UVB rays have been attributed to significant improvements for people with psoriasis, especially when combined wither other treatments.

Changing your diet can help you recover fully from psoriasis as well.  Generally, it is better to consume less red meat, pork, caffeine and alcohol.  On the other hand, it is better to eat more fruit, veggies and anything that isn’t process or loaded with preservatives.

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Is Bitumen an Effective Psoriasis Treatment?

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

Bitumen is one of the elements found in and around the Dead Sea (in the water and the mud) that is considered by many to be an effective treatment for Psoriasis.  Bitumen’s association with the Dead Sea fuels its modest reputation as a psoriasis treatment.

Bitumen is a naturally-occurring tar, a derivative of petroleum that has the consistency of cold molasses.  It can be extracted from crude oil or coal.  Bitumen is thick and sticky enough to be used as one of the main ingredients for asphalt or “blacktop.”  Judging by its close relation (in origin at least) to coal tar, it is not surprising that it might have similar, psoriasis-treating properties.

Bitumen is still being researched by the professional community as a potentially effective treatment for psoriasis.  Many claim that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which would help to restrain the irritated, swelling symptoms that often characterize psoriasis.

Bitumen is packaged and sold most commonly as a Dead Sea product, as a medicinal soap or a bath solvent.  For the purpose of treating psoriasis, Bitumen is more of an informal or home remedy.

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