Health Benefits of the Dead Sea

Posted on by Emily in General

Health Benefits of the Dead Sea – If you’re looking for evidence of the health benefits of salt water, perhaps there’s no better example than the Dead Sea. Millions of people go to visit the Dead Sea each year– some for religious purposes, some because of tourism, and others for the health benefits.

The Dead Sea is unique. A salt lake bordering Jordan, Israel and the West Bank– the Dead Sea is located 1,388 feet below sea level. With 33.7% salinity, it is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth– 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. Because of its high salt content, no animals or water life can be sustained, hence the title “dead”.

Health Benefits of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has also become a health research and therapy center. According to Wikipedia this is because:

“The mineral content of the water, the very low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth each have specific health effects. For example, persons suffering reduced respiratory function from diseases such as cystic fibrosis seem to benefit from the increased atmospheric pressure.^[19]“

The article goes on to describe the most common therapies performed at the Dead Sea:

Treatment for psoriasis – People with this skin affliction can get some relief thanks to the low UV rays, etc. It falls under the category of climatotherapy, as the Dead Sea’s temperature, humidity, sunshine, and barometric pressure all have positive effects on specific ailments. In this case its skin afflictions.

Treatment for rhinosinusitis – People who need saline spray for their nasal passages and found better relief from the Dead Sea.

Treatment for osteoarthritis – A Dead Sea mud pack is supposed to help (temporarily) relieve the pain of osteoarthritis in the knees.

Other sources state that the Dead Sea’s waters and mud can help hypertension, depression and coronary function.

I do believe that there are loads of naturopathic remedies out there that people often forget about because of modern medicine. People have been going to the Dead Sea for thousands of years because of its noticeable health benefits– surely that’s a testament in itself as to how effective the waters must be.

But I’ve never been there so I can’t be sure. I think that given the opportunity I would definitely spend a few days there and check it out for myself.