The Holy Land is replete with religious history. However, did you know that the Holy Land also has a special location for natural health and restoration? In this article, we’ll be covering one of the most amazing bodies of water on Earth: the Dead Sea.

We’ll discuss its history as a place of historic importance and its value for natural health, relaxation, and renewal. The Dead Sea is hugely popular as a natural spa, and has been since ancient times.

What Is The Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea is called Ya-Ha Melah (Hebrew), or literally, the “sea of salt.” It’s also called Al-Bahr al-Mayyit (Arabic), Buharayat, Bahret or Birket Kut (“Lake/Sea of Lot”). The lake is bordered by Jordan to the East, and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It is the main tributary of the Jordan River.

“The Dead Sea has fascinated people for thousands of years. In ancient times, it supplied salt and other minerals to some of the first human civilizations. Herod the Great used the Dead Sea as a health spa, while asphalt harvested from the Dead Sea area was used by the Egyptians in mummification. Local farmers continue to use the Dead Sea to gather potash for fertilizer.

 

Dead Sea Minerals: A History of Benefits

Minerals from the Dead Sea have been used for health and medicinal purposes since ancient times. They have been treasured for millennia for their restorative properties and have a history of being used to treat ailments related to breathing, the skin, and more. The human body has various mineral requirements for both internal systems and for the skin. These are known as macrominerals and microminerals.  Examples of essential body minerals are sodium, iron, potassium, iodine, and calcium.

Most of these substances are gained through our regular diets and surroundings, and these minerals and substances are essential for things such as wound healing, protein balance, muscle function, and other bodily tasks. These include bromide, titanium (IV) oxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, iron (III), sodium oxide, potassium oxide, sulfur trioxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and chloride. These are minerals that are found in sea salt and are especially abundant in Dead Sea salt and Dead Sea mud. These substances have been used in traditional Dead Sea treatment practices for millennia.

Dead Sea salts and mud are two substances derived from the region which have been used since biblical times for health and well being. Used commonly in therapeutic and cosmetic capacities, Dead Sea salt and mud have often been exported. But the best way to make use of these wonderful products is by visiting the beautiful spas in the region. The benefits of Dead Sea minerals have made products from this region valued for centuries.

 

What are the health benefits of the Dead Sea region?

Dead sea benefits for health and recuperation are manifold. The low pollution and allergen levels of the Dead Sea depression region make it an ideal place to recover from ailments such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and cystic fibrosis. The air pressure of the surroundings and high oxygen levels enable patients to move freely without oxygen tanks or other equipment. The surroundings assist the treatment of chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease, heart disease, and hypertension. This so-called “Dead Sea effect” has revitalized and improved the quality of life for many visitors. Dead Sea health benefits are many and can’t be overstated.

What are the beauty benefits of the Dead Sea region?

The Dead Sea isn’t visited just for its health benefits. Dead Sea mud and salt have been long known for being good for the skin. The high mineral content of Dead Sea waters acts as a natural cleanser and revitalizer for skin, with the various minerals acting to help, cleanse and accelerate the repair of skin cells. Cleopatra visited the Dead Sea and took the waters and mud there. The Dead Sea, both as a beautiful location and as one of nature’s greatest health spas, continues to receive visits to this day.

The Science behind Dead Sea healing properties

Of course, these aren’t just stories, There’s real science behind the invigorating effects of the minerals from the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is of course “dead” in the sense that nothing lives there due to its hyper alkaline nature. However, the low elevation results in high air pressure and high oxygen content which helps those with labored breathing and also filters out harmful UV rays. 

The natural process of evaporation creates special regional salts and other minerals that have been used for thousands of years in treating all manners of health problems. Finally, the Dead Sea is beautiful, relaxing and sunny. Many vacationers simply visit to enjoy the sun, clean air, and buoyant waters. The water is so dense that vacationers can float! Be it for the benefits of Dead Sea healing or just to relax and spiritually recharge, the Dead Sea is a place everyone should visit at least once.

Immanuel Tours is your guide to wonderful places with our specialized Holy Land tours. Contact us today to learn more about our variety of tour packages!