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Cleopatra, probably the most famous ancient beauty, had a dirty little secret – mud. Not just any mud, but mud from the Dead Sea. She was so taken with it she had Mark Antony conquer the area for her, and then she opened up cosmetic factories along the shore - not just another pretty face. Spas all over the world now offer ‘Cleopatra bathing’ - mud baths and wraps and cleansing with Dead Sea salts, but what is not well known is how effective this mud is for eczema and treatment. For everyday use, a good shielding lotion protects eczema and psoriasis sufferers from exposure to environmental pollutants and helps the body retain moisture, but once a week or so, give yourself the full treatment with a Dead Sea mud bath, wrap, or poultice application. What does Dead Sea mud have to offer? The Dead Sea contains 26 different essential minerals - more than any other body of water in the world - and some, including chlorine, magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium and bromine are in concentrations ranging from 4 to 80 times that of regular ocean water. The chlorine and sodium, unhealthy when used by themselves, form salt – an essential mineral which plays a vital role in hydration by balancing the water in and around the cells and tissues, and is a natural antibiotic/antifungal. In combination with calcium, magnesium and potassium, salt helps to regulate metabolism, balance pH, and enhance muscle function. Potassium also soothes the nerves. Together, these minerals thoroughly cleanse your skin, rid the pores of any environmental particles and toxins, bacteria and fungi, help balance the pH, tighten the skin, and restore its natural moisture levels. It all adds up to healthy, glowing skin. For eczema and psoriasis sufferers, the results can be miraculous. Mud wraps, masks and baths in the Dead Sea water are soothing and relaxing, relieve the itch, and can actually heal the lesions and rashes. There are many Dead Sea mud and salt products on the market. Find the most natural products – avoid those with chemicals that will further irritate the eczema and psoriasis – and see what they can do. And don’t forget to apply the in between your personal mud spas!