Amazing Benefits Of Sea Salt
Sea salt is commonly associated with spa days and relaxation. Good news for us, there are many health benefits associated with sea salt. They include skincare, improved dental health, and relief from pain and cramps. Furthermore, it is beneficial for exfoliation, nasal and eye wash, and an improved electrolytic balance of the body.
What is Sea Salt?
Sea salt, also known as bay salt, is produced by the process of evaporation of salt water bodies. It is darker in color as compared with refined salt due to the absorption of essential minerals from the clay lining of the body of water. Normally, the harvesting of refined table salt involves heavy processing, including mining followed by iodizing, bleaching, and diluting the salt with anti-caking agents. More chemicals are added during the processing of salt, which often steals all of its beneficial minerals and trace elements, except sodium and chloride.
Unlike refined salts, the preparation of sea salt usually includes very little processing, so it retains its moisture and mineral treasure. These minerals are present in a form that is easily utilized and absorbed by the human body. The climate and the geographical location of the region also play a significant role in the quality and combination of minerals offered by sea salt.
The Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea are the most common hubs for harvesting sea salt. The method involved in harvesting also helps retain its natural state and therapeutic qualities. In ancient times, sea salt was valuable for healing hand injuries and wounds of fishermen.
Skin Care
The mineral content in Dead Sea salt has long been appreciated for its rejuvenating effects on the skin. Bathing in sea salt solution helps in keeping the skin moisturized and revitalized. Dead Sea salt baths also help in improving the skin barrier function and eliminating the roughness and inflammation on the skin’s surface.
Research published in the International Journal of Dermatology has shown that this anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to the presence of a high content of magnesium in these salts. It also helps in the detoxification of the body by flushing out toxins from the pores, while also aiding in improving circulation.
Oral Health
Sea salt contains fluoride, which is beneficial for promoting dental health. Fluoride aids in protecting the teeth from acidic damage and prevents the development of caries and cavities. Regular rinsing and gargling with tepid sea salt water help alleviate mouth sores, bleeding gums, ulcers, and the pain of sore throats. While fluoride is now added to the water in many countries around the world, sea salt was particularly important in the early 20th century, when many some countries did not have access to it this way.
Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dead Sea salts have been proven to be effective in providing therapeutic relief to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. One study showed that participants in baths containing these salts demonstrated significant improvements in such ailments as compared to normal sodium chloride baths. These results are promising for an effective, natural method for providing relief in this population.
Encourages Exfoliation
Sea salt finds another use in the cosmetic industry in the manufacturing of scrubs and other skin care products like antiperspirants and deodorants. Exfoliation with sea salts helps remove dead skin particles, tone up the skin tissues, encourage peripheral blood circulation, and also promote skin renewal. Unlike table salt, the granular texture of sea salt works very well in providing clean and smooth skin.
Relieve Symptoms of Psoriasis
Sea salt is considered to be a natural remedy useful for the treatment of psoriasis, along with the appropriate medication. Use of sea salt has shown noteworthy improvements in patients suffering from skin conditions like itching and scaling. The efficacy of balneotherapy, which is done using a sea salt treatment with mudpacks and sulfur baths on those suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has also demonstrated promising results with respect to a reduction in spinal pain and increased flexibility of the spine.
Improves Pain in Osteoarthritis
One small study demonstrated improvements in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis after treatment using balneotherapy with Dead Sea salt. In addition to this, some patients were able to sustain their improved health parameters even after a few weeks, unlike those who took the bath treatment with normal sodium chloride.