Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are Dead Sea Bath Salts?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Dead Sea bath salts are bath salts obtained from the Dead Sea. These can be plain or unscented, and they are also very easy to use. According to some experts, there are also a number of benefits of Dead Sea bath salts. Some research even suggests that these bath salts can help relieve the symptoms of a few medical conditions.

The Dead Sea is located between Israel and Jordan. It is actually a salt lake, and it is also sometimes called the Salt Sea. This lake is referred to as dead because its high concentration of salt prevents normal aquatic creatures from living in it.

Dead sea bath salts.
Dead sea bath salts.

Dead Sea bath products are the salts that are extracted from this lake. These salts are obtained when water evaporates, leaving only salt and other minerals. Gray or brown Dead Sea bath salts are typically lesser refined. Dead Sea bath salts that have been refined, on the other hand, are usually white.

Like many other types of bath salts, Dead Sea bath salts can either be unscented or scented. Scents are often added using essential oils and other natural ingredients. Many times, these scents act as a sort of aroma therapy. Some popular scents include lavender, which is considered to be relaxing, and citrus, which is considered to be energizing.

Minerals from the Dead Sea can help a variety of conditions.
Minerals from the Dead Sea can help a variety of conditions.

Using Dead Sea bath salts is really quite simple. One or two handfuls of this salt is sprinkled into one's bath water. Many experts recommend, however, that the temperature of the bath water should be warm rather than hot because high temperatures can make it hard for the skin to absorb the beneficial minerals and other nutrients.

Besides the obvious salt, bath salts from the Dead Sea often contain a number of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. These two minerals can treat water retention. They can also increase circulation and calm the nerves, respectively. Research has shown using Dead Sea bath salts has several health benefits. Patients suffering from osteoporosis and tendinitis who soaked in baths with these bath salts report less pain and more mobility.

These bath salts can also reportedly calm some chronic skin irritations. In one study, for example, psoriasis sufferers who soaked in a bath with Dead Sea salts for less than a month reported smoother skin and less itching.

Discussion Comments

literally45

My dad has started using these bath salts. He suffers from psoriasis and he told me that the Dead Sea salt baths have helped!

ZipLine

@SteamLouis-- I'm not an expert on Dead Sea salt, but I think this salt is superior to other salts because of the high mineral content. Other salts do not have as many minerals as Dead Sea salt. It's particularly rich in magnesium, calcium and potassium. These minerals have various different benefits like improving circulation, relaxing muscles and fighting fatigue and stress.

I have used other sea salts in the past too, but I feel that Dead Sea bath salts work better. That being said, I do think that there are some products out there which are labeled as Dead Sea salt but they're not really. Real Dead Sea salt has a distinct scent which comes from the minerals. So make sure that what you're buying is the real deal.

SteamLouis

I love sitz baths. I buy ones with salt because salt relieves fatigue, prevents infections and promotes healing. Until now, I've always used either Epsom salt or sea salt. Both have always worked well.

I'm curious about Dead Sea bath salts. I've heard great things about Dead Sea salt but a part of me wonders if it's really worth the cost. I mean, don't all salt basically have the same benefits? Are Dead Sea bath salts really unique or better?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Dead sea bath salts.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Dead sea bath salts.
    • Minerals from the Dead Sea can help a variety of conditions.
      By: Victor B
      Minerals from the Dead Sea can help a variety of conditions.
    • Dead Sea bath salts can either be unscented or scented.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Dead Sea bath salts can either be unscented or scented.