Therapeutic mud has been used by folk healers since ancient times. Nowadays, the composition of many of them is well studied, the healing properties are confirmed by scientific research. They are widely used in the complex treatment of many diseases, as well as in cosmetology.
Curative mud can be divided into four main types: silt sulphide, peat, sapropelic and sludge. All of them differ in consistency, temperature and smell. Silt sulphide mud contains about 28% of organic matter. In sapropelic - 40%, in peat - more than 50%. Sopochnaya healing almost does not contain organic substances.
Today we will present you one of their variety - sapropelic mud. You will learn about their composition, useful and medicinal properties, as well as contraindications to their use.
Sapropel: what is it?
The name of this natural substance comes from the Greek word sapros, which translates as “rotten” and pelos - “silt”, “mud”. These are natural organic deposits, which consist mainly of the remains of aquatic organisms. Scientists claim that this is a complex and unique natural complex, rich in organic and mineral substances of biogenic origin.
This type of mud is perfectly absorbed by the human body. Sapropelic mud occupies an honorable place next to such well-known natural remedies as ginseng and mummy. Sapropelic mud became known thanks to the German scientist R. Lauternborn. He spent a long time studying their composition and the healing properties that sapropel has on the human body. That these are bottom sediments that span thousands of years, researchers knew before Lauternborn. But no one was engaged in their medicinal properties.
Characteristics of sapropel
These bottom sediments are a gelatinous mud mass of brown or gray color, odorless, which distinguishes them from other muds. Sapropel does not decompose and can be stored for months at normal temperature, but instantly loses its properties at sub-zero temperatures.
Such a mass is formed at depth in the absence of oxygen. This circumstance launches a special process of the formation of colloidal organics with a high hydrogen content and the activity of the substances that make up its composition.
The use of sapropel in antiquity
Initially, sapropel deposits were used as organic fertilizers, which increased soil fertility. They also increased crop yields and were a feed additive for livestock.
Healing properties
Recent scientific studies and analysis of the composition of this sludge have revealed a range of unique properties that are due to the following indicators:
- therapeutic activity and high heat capacity;
- a huge content of macro- and microelements, vitamins, salts, hormone-like substances, amino acids and stimulants;
- Sapropel is the only healing mud that has bactericidal properties.
Analogues of these deposits, having such a unique composition and properties, do not exist either in cosmetology or in pharmacology.
Composition
We have already said that sapropelic mud is formed under unusual conditions for millennia. A mass of useful substances accumulates in their mass. The composition of the mud includes:
- fats, carbohydrates and proteins;
- vitamins E, D and group B;
- amino acids (leucine, lysine, histidine, isoleucine), folic acid;
- macro- and microelements, metal salts (potassium and calcium, iron and copper, selenium and silver, bromine and magnesium);
- natural antibiotics ;
- biostimulants;
- microbes were found in sapropelic mud that are capable of secreting natural antibiotics; they inhibit the development of pathogenic microbes.
Use of sapropel
This valuable bottom sludge is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. This usually happens in several ways. The most common is external (mud baths, wraps, masks, applications). In addition, cavitary use is allowed - vaginal, rectal and oral.
Beneficial features
Sapropelic masses, thanks to the biologically active substances contained in them, have a beneficial effect on vital processes:
- They improve blood and lymph circulation in tissues, strengthen the walls of capillaries.
- Dissolve cholesterol plaques, reduce the content of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
- They enhance metabolism in tissues, improve oxygen metabolism.
- They have a pronounced antibacterial effect.
- Stimulate the functions of the nervous system, being an active physiological stimulus.
- Favorably affect the immune and protective reactions of the body, increase resistance to colds and infectious diseases.
- Break down fats.
- Reduce swelling.
- Do not cause allergic reactions.
Recommendations for use
Sapropel shows excellent results in the treatment of almost all body systems. Recommendations for the use of mud are relevant for the following diseases:
- arthrosis and arthritis, osteitis, bone fractures, ankylosing spondylitis, diseases of the ligaments and muscles;
- nervous diseases caused by bruises, injuries, cerebral palsy and other congenital pathologies;
- radiculitis, facial neuritis, meningoencephalitis, neuralgia;
- heart and vascular disease;
- problems in the genitourinary system: prostatitis, cystitis, cystalgia, colpitis;
- bronchial asthma (only in remission), pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis;
- frontal sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, neuritis of the auditory nerves, tonsillitis;
- chronic cholecystitis, pancreatitis, chronic hepatitis;
- skin diseases: psoriasis, acne, scleroderma, eczema, pressure sores, erythema nodosum;
- burns - dirt accelerates the regeneration of skin and tissues;
- uterine adhesions, chronic adnexitis, male and female infertility, uterine erosion;
- gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis.
Application in cosmetology
Scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences believe that sapropel is a unique natural product of centuries-old synthesis of the remains of animal and plant lives, as if specially created to help people in the fight against ailments. Even its analogue cannot yet be created artificially.
Leading cosmetic and perfumery companies in many countries declared sapropel 21st century cosmetics. What is its uniqueness in cosmetology? Mud baths and masks will help with:
- acne - they restore the water-lipid balance of the skin;
- with dandruff and seborrhea, they normalize the sebaceous glands of the scalp;
- mud mask “tightens” and rejuvenates the skin of the face;
- bottom sludge is effective for early baldness, as it strengthens the hair follicles;
- perfectly fights the effects of uneven tanning, vitiligo, removes freckles;
- improves blood supply and, if it does not completely eliminate, then stops the development of hated cellulite;
- relieves swelling;
- smoothes wrinkles.
Deposits of sapropel and sanatoriums
The mud treatment using sapropel is called peloid therapy. It is used in spa treatment. In our country, such treatment is carried out in the resorts of Siberia and the Urals. I must say that in the world there are few sapropel deposits. They are found in Poland, Germany, Belarus and Estonia.
The oldest and most famous pond from which sapropel is extracted is the residual Moltaevo Lake, located in the Sverdlovsk Region. 20 km from Tyumen, on the shores of Lake Maly Taraskul, is the sanatorium "Taraskul". There you can get medical procedures with sapropel. There is another Tulubaevo lake with large reserves of valuable deposits.
At 120 km from the city of Ust-Ilimsk is Desheshbinsky lake. Next to it are the famous resort and health resort "Rus", which uses its unique healing mud. Significant deposits of sapropel (strata up to ten meters) are located in the Chukhlom and Galich lakes of the Kostroma region. This healing mud is successfully used for treatment in the sanatorium of the city of Soligalich.
One of the richest deposits of healing mud is located in the vicinity of Saki. Sanatoriums of the city offer the treatment of many diseases. They mainly use the mud of the Saki basin, which are related to sulfide-silt sediments. They are distinguished by a rich mineral composition, high gas saturation (hydrogen sulfide and methane).
But in recent years, sanatoriums with mud therapy began to use imported sapropel mud. I must say that visitors to the famous balneological health resort appreciated this innovation.
Sanatoriums of the city
Today, thousands of patients with severe ailments visit Saki. Sanatoriums of the city have gained popularity far beyond its borders. The medical base of the health-improving institution named after Burdenko is focused on patients with disabilities due to diseases of the spinal cord, diseases of the joints and ligaments, spine, cerebral palsy, skin problems, female and male infertility.
Saki
And this is the oldest health resort in the city. Its main areas: all types of infertility, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, urological and gynecological diseases, skin diseases.
Using sapropel at home
Today, these healing silt deposits can be used without leaving your home. Sapropel is available at pharmacies. Most often, applications are used at home. To do this, the sludge is heated (in a water bath) to +50 ° C, diluted with water to the consistency of sour cream and applied to the body with a layer up to 4 mm thick, usually for 20 minutes. After that, the composition is washed off with warm water.
In the treatment of joints, local wrap is effective. Sapropel, heated to 50 ° C (undiluted), must be applied to the affected joint, wrapped with plastic wrap, cloth and a warm cloth or scarf. The treatment time is 30 minutes.
After the first use, dirt should not be thrown away. It can be used up to three times, and then pour infusion of silt with home flowers or make baths for legs and hands. The procedures are carried out in the following mode: in a row 3 days, then a one-day break. The course of treatment consists of 15 applications.
The ancient Egyptian method of treatment with sapropel is popular. Its essence is as follows: it is necessary to cover yourself with a thin layer of silt heated in the sun, and then you can sunbathe in the sun until the composition is dry and cracked.
Mask for dry skin
Heat the sapropel to +40 ° C, add a few drops of vegetable oil (preferably olive). Apply the composition on the skin with a thin layer (no more than 2 mm). Leave the mask for ten minutes, while making sure that the mask is not completely dry: periodically moisten it with water or cover it with cling film after applying the treatment mass. Remember to leave openings for the nose, lips and eyes. Wash off the mask with a warm decoction of herbs or plain water. After twenty minutes, apply a nourishing cream to dry skin.
Oily Skin Treatment
Sapropel helps you dry out acne, narrow your pores. Sludge heated to 40 ° C, apply a thin layer on the face and leave it on for 20 minutes. After drying, the mask must be washed off with a decoction of chamomile or celandine. Then wipe your face with tonic and apply a nourishing cream for your skin type.
Hair mask (seborrhea, dandruff, hair loss)
The mask must be applied to clean scalp, separating the hair in small locks. After that, massage your head a little from the forehead to the back of the head, put on a hat or wrap yourself in a towel to insulate the mask. Leave it for two hours. The mask is washed off with water with a shampoo appropriate to the type of hair. During this treatment, the hair may tarnish a little, but after the completion of the course of the mud therapy their shine is completely restored. The effect of such a mask is complemented by the removal of headaches and depressive states.
Contraindications
The use of such a unique natural remedy has some contraindications. Sapropel is not recommended for:
- tuberculosis (in acute form);
- some heart diseases (tachycardia, heart disease, presence of a pacemaker);
- aneurysms;
- kidney disease;
- severe hypertension;
- fibromyomas, cysts, fibroids;
- malignant formations;
- tendency to bleeding;
- inflammatory processes.
The effect of treatment with sapropel often occurs after a month and a half of regular procedures. Rapid changes can be observed only when using the product for cosmetic purposes.