Mud is an important natural element that has long been intuitively utilized by many animal species for its ability to cool and protect. For  humans however, mud provides additional benefits. A study on the effects of soil-derived Mycobacierium vaccae on cancer patients found reports of better quality of life. Another study found the same bacterium to cause a serotonin elevation, suggesting mud's therapeutic use for depression. Mud from the sea floor that contains Salinispora trópica has been shown to have antibiotic and cancer-fighting properties, and is currently in the trial phase as a possible treatment for a bone marrow cancer. Additionally, mud absorbs toxins from the skin, soothes skin conditions such as psoriasis, relaxes muscles, relieves inflammation, pain and stiff joints, stimulates circulation and improves the appearance of skin, reducing spots and patches.

Mud can be applied as a bath or a targeted mud pack. A mud pack is the easier and tidier option, and is relatively well suited for at-home use. However you treat your body with mud, it's important to choose your mud for the qualities that will produce desired results. Not all mud is created equal. The two best-known types of mud are mud from the Dead Sea and Moor mud. Mud from the Dead Sea contains more than 20 salts and minerals that have been coveted for their beautifying qualities since the times of the Queen of Sheba and Cleopatra. This particular mud is coveted worldwide for its use in treating symptoms of a variety of skin disorders, while also softening and cleansing skin. Moor Mud has been produced over thousands of years from organic residue and now contains fulvic acids, vitamins, amino acids, plant hormones and humic acids that can be easily absorbed by the human body. This mud is useful for detoxification and fighting off inflammation, making it an ideal treatment for arthritis symptoms and sports injuries.

Resources

Photo credit. FreeDigitalPhotos.net. http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/woman-on-cosmetic-treatmant-with-mask-photo-p218107

Mud Therapy Benefits. NaturopathyCure.com. http://naturopathycure.com/Mud-Therapy-Benefits.php

Mud is Not a Four-letter Word: A Took at the Upside of Dirt. Padro, Josie. Alive: Canada's Natural Health & Wellness Magazine. Jan 2009, Issue 315, p 78-79.

Image Attribution:  iMarin/shutterstock.com