THE DEAD SEA
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Located between Jordan and Israel is one
of nature's most unique sites - the Dead Sea, 430 m (1,410 ft) below sea
level, the lowest point on earth.
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The Dead Sea has the highest natural mineral concentration of any body
of water. Numerous subterranean springs, winter flash floods, mountain
runoffs and the Jordan River source the Dead Sea with its singular
chemical composition. For thousands of years nature has kept this sea
secluded by deserts, free of contamination and pollution, while
accumulating a deposit rich in over 20 various minerals.
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Historical texts and archaeological remains of ancient spas found near
the Dead Sea provide evidence that its curative and therapeutic values
have been known since antiquity.
By the 18th Century the first scientific research of the Dead Sea was
made by the French chemist Lavoisier and later by Gay-Lussac. From the
beginning of the 20th Century, many prestigious scientific journals
published articles reporting the remission of rheumatic and
dermatological disorders by the use of Dead Sea water, salt and mud.
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Current scientific clinical studies provide further proof that
balneotherapy in Dead Sea water is effective in improving skin
conditions, muscle tone, and joint movement, while reducing joint pain.
Evidence is so conclusive that some Health Care providers (i.e. Germany)
allow their patients bi-annual treatments at the Dead Sea.
Scientists have defined the therapeutic value of the various minerals
found in the Dead Sea. Potassium behaves as a natural moisturizer of
the upper layer of the epidermis by enhancing the skin's cells ability
to retain water. Magnesium has anti-allergenic properties. Zinc
compounds provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Bromides relax the
nerves. Chlorides disinfect.
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| Partial mineral composition of the Dead Sea |
| Magnesium |
Iron |
Sulphate |
| Potassium |
Zinc |
Bromide |
| Sodium |
Lithium |
Fluoride |
| Calcium |
Phosphate |
Strontium |
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