Mineral Salts: Dead Sea and Epsom Salts

Many of us have heard to "take a soak in Epsom salts" to help relieve minor aches and pains and how a trip to the Dead Sea has wondrous healing powers, but how does this therapy work? It's long been known in Europe and Japan that mineral soaks in hot springs can be beneficial for many common maladies.  Some theories are that they body absorbs the minerals through osmosis, but with the skin being an incredible barrier, it's not that simple.

The science holds up though as there are countless creams and topical medicines that are absorbed through the skin. So... how does this possible then? It has to do with molecule size. The smaller the molecule the more likely it will be able to cross the skin barrier and adipose layers to enter into the bloodstream. That brings us back to mineral soaks. We know that Epsom salts contain Magnesium Sulfide, which on a molecular level  is small enough to pass through the skin, but why then are Dead Sea Salts better?  

Dead Sea Salts contain many more minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. All of these minerals are found in the body and widely used throughout the body to make repairs on a cellular level but the levels found in our bodies at any given time may vary. The skin is the biggest organ of our body so therefore can be utilized to aid in healing in this manner. Heat from the bath will bring blood to the surface of the skin, open pores, allow wastes to be disposed of and help the minerals pass into the body to help treat countless common conditions.

We recommend that you soak 1x a week for 20-30 minutes with enough salt to mimic the ocean! Give it a try and see what you think! Epsom Salts can be found at any drug store, grocery store or even Menards. Dead Sea Salts and Himalayan Salts can be found here at Menari.

Minerals in Dead Sea Salts and some of  their benefits: 

Magnesium:  Essential for cell metabolism, promotes healing of skin tissue.

Bromide: Soothes skin, relaxes body muscles, calms nerves.

Iodine: Aids in metabolic changes in the body, important for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland.

Sulfur:  Works with the liver to rid the body of toxins.

Potassium: Regulates the nervous system, balances moisture in the skin , aides in cell nourishment. 

Calcium:  Strengthens bones, teeth,  and cell membranes, cleans pores.

Sodium: Relieves stiffness and muscle cramps. powerful detoxifying agent helping cells expel waste.

Zinc:  Boosts the immune system, is a key factor in enzymatic regulation of cell proliferation.