Dead Sea Mud
Properties and Benefits
Dead Sea mud is a mineral-rich, high-quality mud that has a long history of cosmetic and medicinal use. Generally, Dead Sea mud is ideal for the treatment of a wide variety of joint diseases and skin conditions – it is known to be a good moisturizer that helps natural skin hydration, a great exfoliant and cleanser that peels away dead skin cells to reveal a healthier sin layer, improves blood circulation and natural skin generation, helps relieve psoriasis, eczema, acne and wrinkles, relieves arthritic pain, and is great for tired or sore feet.
Dead Sea mud contains the following minerals:
- Magnesium – A mineral that aids cell metabolism, helps heal skin tissue and has anti-allergic property.
- Bromide – It is known to relax muscles, tranquilize nerves and soothe the skin.
- Sulfur – Contains certain vitamins and acts as a natural disinfectant.
- Potassium – Maintains a neutral environment in the skin.
- Calcium – A building block for corrective tissue under the skin surface.
- Sodium – Helps ease stiffness and muscle cramps, maintains balanced skin.
- Fine mud grains – Aids in skin-cleansing by removing impurities and dust particles.
Uses
Because of several properties and health advantages of Dead Sea mud, it is a popular ingredient in body and skin treatments and massage blends.
History and Origin
The black mineral mud is found in abundance on the shores of the Dead Sea. Dead Sea mud has a long history in the field of medicine, dating as far back as the 1st century AD. Doctors and medical historians spoke of Dead Sea mud's mystical and curative properties. At present, the Dead Sea attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to visit the resorts and spas along the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea is one of the world's natural wonders, formed over millions of years ago at the lowest point on earth, 1300 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea is an exceptional ecological wonder – it is a mineral-rich salty lake in the middle of the African Fault. The Dead Sea has no passage and exhausts a massive quantity of water that disperses into the hot and dry air. This quick evaporation process results in a high concentration of salts and important special vitamins and minerals, making Dead Sea a popular natural health spa.
Consistency
Dead Sea mud is a natural, stable, grey-brown mud. Adding essential oils will not affect its stability, although adding other liquids may reduce its shelf life.
Recipes
Dead Sea Invigorating Facial Mask
In a bowl, blend the following ingredients: ½ cup Dead Sea Mud, 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 3 drops German Chamomile Essential Oil, 1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil. Mix until thoroughly blended. Spoon into clean glass jar and cover.
Using the Mask: Apply to skin (face and body) and let dry for about 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Honey Dead Sea Mud Facial Mask for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
In a small dish, combine 1 to 2 tsp Dead Sea Mud, ½ tsp honey and 3 to 4 drops of tea tree lavender essential oil (you may also use any blend according to your preference). Mix until thoroughly blended. Spoon into clean glass jar and cover.
Using the Mask: Apply to face and let dry for about 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Use once a week.
Dead Sea Mud Treatment for Aching Joints
Heat the Dead Sea mud (warm but not hot). Spread on the affected area and rinse with warm water.
Dead Sea Mud Body Treatment
Apply ample layer of Dead Sea mud to skin (whole body) and let dry for about 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Use once a week.
Dead Sea Mud Hair Wrap
In a bowl, blend the following ingredients: ½ cup Dead Sea mud, 1 tablespoon shikakai powder, 1 teaspoon aritha powder, 1 teaspoon neem powder, 1 tablespoon jojoba oil and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix until thoroughly blended.
Using the Mask: Massage thoroughly unto wet hair. Wrap your head with plastic cling wrap and then a hot towel. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, and then wash out using warm water.
Dead Sea Mud Soap
Prepare and measure ingredients. For this recipe, you will need: 2575 g Coconut oil, 2575 g Olive oil, 1725 g Canola oil, 850 g Cocoa Butter, 430 g Castor oil, 250 g Sunflower oil, 175 g Shea Butter, 10 ml Rosemary Oil extract, 1650 g Water, 1200 g NaOH/ lye, 200 g wet Dead Sea mud, 60 g White Grapefruit essential oil, 47 g Ginger essential oil, 39 g Bergamot essential oil, 4 g Clove essential oil.
First prepare lye solution by adding the lye to water, then set aside. Combine coconut oil, olive oil, canola oil, cocoa butter, castor oil, and sunflower oil in a heat proof bowl. Place in a double boiler and heat until the butters are melted. Slowly add the lye solution to the oil mixture and blend well until you reach trace point (mixture will become thick and creamy). Add the rest of the essential oils and blend well until the scents are incorporated well.
Spoon the soap mixture into the moulds and leave to harden overnight. The following day, place the bars in the freezer for an hour or two before removing them and turning them out of their moulds. Leave on a wire rack for 1 - 2 weeks to harden further.
