The Dead Sea salts and minerals - background

The Dead Sea is the saltiest lake in the world. It is located on the Syrian-African fault, a geological phenomenon created some three million years ago. Ancient layers of mineral-rich earth were exposed and salt water springs erupted forming a valley containing a closed lake 432 meters (1417 feet) below sea level - the lowest spot on Earth. Thousands of years of evaporation increased the levels of minerals and salts in this lake, known today as the Dead Sea.

One of the best known alternative health sites is the Dead Sea, which offers formalized treatment facilities for several skin disorders including psoriasis, arthritis, Atlete's Foot, Lice and Eczema. The unique climate and conditions in the area allow people to suntan and not burn. The Dead Sea water is said to have a therapeutic effect on the skin due to its high salt and mineral content. It has an extraordinarily high salt content of 33 percent. In comparison, the Great Salt Lake in Utah has 22 percent, and the oceans have 3 percent.

The Dead Sea area is hot and sunny with more than 300 cloudless days a year and very low rainfall. The average temperature at the Dead Sea is 90 degrees, and the average humidity is 35 percent. The Dead Sea is far below sea level. This creates more of an atmospheric filter that eliminates many of the burning rays and much of the heat. In addition, high levels of bromine in the air seem to add to a patient's sense of well-being.

The mixture of its salts is unique, it differs from that of any other sea and it is not artificially reproducible. The salts are brought to the Dead Sea by 55 hot mineral springs that lie at a depth of 1500 meters.
Leaching of minerals from the geological strata also contributes to the Dead Sea brine and to a number of thermo-mineral springs along its shores.

Rich in life enhancing minerals, the Dead Sea salt and minerals have been known for centuries for their remarkably beneficial effect for the skin, hair and on nervous tension & stress. These minerals all have an extremely positive effect on the body, improving cell metabolism, helping the body absorb nourishment, and eliminate toxins.

The Dead Sea is also well steeped in the Holy land history. It was where the Jordan River flows from the sea of galili into the Dead Sea that Jesus was baptised. Today, the devout come to the Dead Sea to immerse themselves into these holy waters.