Dead Sea salt ointment is ancient method of healing and moisturizing sickly skin. Though the salt is usually found in scrubs and soaks, it can be used in many different products. The biggest problem with Dead Sea salt ointments is that they cost a fortune to purchase. However, if you're willing to invest in the basic ingredients, you can whip up your own budget-friendly, Dead Sea salt ointments at home.
Dead Sea Salt
Dead Sea salt comes from the Dead Sea, a large saltwater lake in Jordan, Israel. It's much more than just basic salt with a fancy name. While normal sea salt is comprised almost completely of sodium, Dead Sea salt only contains a small fraction of sodium. The remainder of the salt is formed with healing minerals, including high levels of magnesium, potassium and calcium. Humanity has recognized the healing powers of Dead Sea salt for thousands of years. Even the ancient Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, had the salt shipped to her for beauty and healing uses.
Ointment
An ointment is an oil-based lotion intended for topical use. It can be used for general moisturizing purposes or specialized purposes, such as burn or scar ointment. Ointments should be used in tiny amounts and applied to a small patch of skin. Most ointments tend to be a little greasy and are not suitable for overall body use.
Simple Recipe
The quickest way to make Dead Sea salt ointment is to use store-bought, oil-based lotion. Mix 4 tbsp. finely ground Dead Sea salt and 3 tbsp. boiling water together in a small, microwavable container. Place the container in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove salt water and mix to make sure salt is dissolved. Pour a cup of lotion into the saltwater and mix well. Pour mixture into a clean container. Makes about one-and-a-quarter cups of ointment.
Fancy Recipe
To create a fancy Dead Sea salt ointment, mix 3 tbsp. finely ground Dead Sea salt and 2 tbsp. boiling water together in a small, microwavable container. Place the container in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove salt water and mix to make sure salt is dissolved. Place 3 tbsp. cocoa butter in a small double broiler over low heat. As the butter melts, stir in 2 tbsp. glycerin, 2 tbsp. almond oil and the saltwater. Mix constantly until butter is completely melted.
Remove double broiler from heat and continue to mix slowly for 90 seconds. Let cool for five minutes. Stir again for 30 seconds. Pour mixture into clean container and let cool. You may need to mix the ointment up a little with your fingers before each use. This makes about three-quarters cup of ointment.
Writer Bio
A writer since 2000, Aya Pauli has covered a variety of topics including food, fashion, beauty, health, parenting, education, decor and crafts. Her award-winning recipes have been published in food magazines such as "Taste of Home," and she is also the author of a salad cookbook. Pauli's craft projects appear in major manufacturer websites, including Dow Styrofoam. She also holds a CDA in early childhood education and works as a preschool teacher in Wyoming.
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