7 things you didn’t know about Dead Sea mud spas
The Dead Sea is a unique and wonderful phenomenon on the surface of the earth. It is the lowest and most saline of all deep, natural expanses of water and has a singular chemical composition. The valley bed was created five million years ago as part of the great Syrian African Depression. The sea itself lies 400m below sea level, with the Moab Mountains of Jordan to the east and the mountains of the Judean Desert to the west.
The Dead Sea is an enclosed lake, fed mainly by the Jordan River in the north together with the perennial springs along its shores and the occasional flash floods caused by winter rains. It is a terminal lake, which means it has not outlet and its water is only depleted by evaporation. However, this is a very active process, boosted by the high temperatures and low humidity of the region.
The constant loss of water has gradually reduced the size of the Dead Sea and changed its shape. Today, the Dead Sea is over 70km long and 17km wide, with a total area of approximately 1000 square kilometers. The lake was called the Dead Sea because no animal life was detected in it. Today, we know that certain bacteria and algae can survive in this very saline and hot water.
Image credit: deadseabulkmaterials.com
- There are 46 different types of minerals that can be found in the Dead Sea’s waters. These mineral salts are believed to cure or alleviate symptoms of ailments ranging from skin problems to arthritis.
- The Dead Sea’s mud itself also boasts healing properties with its high concentration of salts, magnesium, bromine, sodium, potassium, chlorine, zinc, and calcium.
- These elements help to relieve tension, reduce itchiness and flea and tick problems.
- In the body, the main function of minerals relates to cell metabolism, although they are also responsible for stabilising the moisture content of the skin. The molecular structure of the minerals allows them to penetrate the skin and nourish its cells. The minerals use a process of osmosis to draw moisture, which is essential for proper metabolism, from inner layers of skin to the external layers, the epidermis.
- When applied to your pet’s body, the remarkably absorbent clay penetrates deep into the pores, thoroughly cleansing and removing grime, which improves the nourishing process.
- Through reverse osmosis, minerals from the mud nourish the skin and restore its vitality. The mud stimulates blood circulation and helps to relieve painful joints.
- It is also excellent for softening dry skin. It stimulates, tightens, and invigorates the skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. When prepared to use as a mud wrap, it provides in-depth cleansing of scalp and hair, leaving the hair shiny and with a healthy bounce.
Roots All Natural Dead Sea Mud For Dogs
To use:
Image credit: Furry Lodge
Wet your dog’s coat thoroughly, then apply mud liberally and work deep into the coat. Starting from your pet’s head (avoiding his/her eyes, nose and mouth) and ear, work your way slowly down his/her neck, to the chest, middle, tummy, hindquarters, and finish off at the legs. Leave in for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing off completely.
This can be done once a week or fortnightly for best results.