A trip to the Dead Sea allows visitors to combine the unique experience of a resort with rejuvenation processes year-round. Whether you are visiting the area for a day or longer, the Dead Sea offers a great variety of options for skin care and treatment of chronic diseases with the Dead Sea minerals as well as a perfect, calm atmosphere for the mind.
In the last century, the Dead Sea area has become the largest natural spa in the world. The optimal combination of weather, natural resources (Dead Sea minerals), and geographical location make this region a complete holistic experience for body and soul. Dead Sea minerals and mud from the Dead Sea are believed to strengthen all body systems; desert plants and a variety of herbs that grow in the region have been used since Biblical times to treat diseases and their symptoms. The dry climate contributes to the healing process. While in most locations long sun exposure may be harmful, the Dead Sea’s ideal location beneath a filter of UV rays allows visitors to soak the natural benefits of sunlight without the harmful radiation.
Sulfur springs, found on the shores of the Dead Sea and black mud from the bottom of the lake also have these valuable Dead Sea minerals. The Dead Sea is saturated with protein and algae fossils such as Dunaliella (rich in vitamins, beta–carotene, and amino acids) which help slow the aging process of the skin. Together, all these elements make the Dead Sea and the Dead Sea minerals a valuable natural source of health and beauty for skin, body, and mind.
The sun and dry climate also aid in the healing process. Exposure to sunlight is typically dangerous and may cause both skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. However, at a low point such as the Dead Sea, sunlight exposure may help cure chronic skin diseases using Heliotherapy due to a natural protective filter of the sun’s harmful rays at this location. This method combined with a Thalassotherapy method (immersion in water of springs or the Dead Sea) has been proven to be the most effective treatment for severe skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, Vitalgo, acne, and more.
At the lowest point on Earth, the solar rays are scattered by air molecules, water vapor, and minerals. The dense haze of minerals over the region is caused by the evaporation of water due to the extreme heat throughout all seasons. This natural factor allows a longer stay under the sun and helps the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. This type of therapy should be given or used under carefully measured conditions to insure the deep layers of the skin are not damaged or harmed. Special climatic data of the Dead Sea and its healing abilities have been tested by a large number of physicians in clinical trials around the world. Studies have shown that Heliotherapy helps in healing various skin diseases and disorders. Today, the Dead Sea is known as an effective natural treatment of psoriasis and is known to have some of the world’s best solarium sites.
Desert Vegetation
The Dead Sea and the Judean Desert region’s ecosystem are quite remarkable. In this dry area, it’s hard to imagine that plants can survive through the drought and heat. Plants have adapted to these dry conditions by sending roots deep into the sand. These roots are covered with a waxy substance that helps collect any water or moisture in the air. These plants were gathered and used in ancient times to treat many diseases of the body, mind, and soul. Resistance to harsh environmental conditions gives extracts derived from plants of the desert the ability to moisturize and revitalize your skin.
Today, living a modern lifestyle usually comes with stress, along with the accelerated aging process due to environmental damage. These interfere with the normal functioning of our body systems, slows down the regeneration of the skin, and speeds up the aging process. Around the Dead Sea, there are many spas where you may experience a variety of natural extract remedies to encourage the restoration and regeneration capabilities of your skin for noticeable results.
The variety of desert plants (medicinal plants) unique to the Dead Sea include:
- Moore Myrrh extract – Extract derived from the myrrh tree’s roots. It grows in harsh environments and is known to be used by ancient kings for its quintessential scent. Today, scientific research shows that the rich myrrh is effective as an antiseptic substance that prevents chronic inflammation in the body and provides a calming aromatherapy fragrance.
- Wild thyme – Thymus serpyllum. The extract is known to be rich in oils. The leaves contain caffeine extract, Rosemary acid, oleic acid, and Ursula acid. Additionally, the plant is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial extracts. The extract has a soothing effect on the skin.
- Artemisia – A resistant shrub that grows in the Judean Desert and the Negev. This shrub has thick roots that are covered with, a waxy layer that helps it prevent evaporation of water. Wormwood is mentioned in the Bible as medicinal herb healing diseases and wounds. It is known to be used in cosmetic use for its rich source of antioxidants and soothing impact on the skin. The plant also acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the activity of Hyaluronic Acid enzyme in the skin. Inhibiting this enzyme’s activity prevents the skin from sagging and leaves the skin ample, fresh, and youthful. The plant also contains soothing Sntonin oil. Artemisia is used primarily in the Chinese medicine of “moxa” practice (heat sticks).
- Rumex Crispus – A desert shrub with properties that may reduce a wide variety of skin problems. The plant delays cell division, making it useful in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhea, or dandruff. It also
Contains tannins (antioxidant), oxalic acid, which causes a mild peeling of the skin, as well as minerals and vitamins from group B. - Saltbush –This plant grows in dry and salty lands, varies between colors of red, pink, or white – but most species are green/gray. The leaves taste salty and hence the name. The plant is mentioned in the Book of Job and in ancient times was used as a seasoning and to cure stomach aches. Its extract is used in cosmetics. Its soothing minerals ease muscle pain and give a feeling of tranquility when massaged into the skin.
- Allachmilo -This plant grows in the Judean Desert. It is used as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and natural preservative. It helps to balance the level of progesterone and contributes to delay the aging process of the skin.
- Balsam – A typical plant in the Jordan Valley and the Judean Desert. Contains disinfectants and oil used for massage and muscle relaxation.
- Jujube – The Jujube Tree is used as an important element in Chinese medicine. The plant mostly grows in the Judean Desert. The fruit produces an extract that neutralizes free radical activity and gives the skin moisture. Also, it contains soothing substances that induce calmness and prevent insomnia.
- Dialogue partners – This desert shrub is used to treat and soothe the skin. It contains moisturizing ingredients that absorb water and gives an immediate sense of comfort to the skin.
