Making Magic with Mud

Mud is earthy, natural and provides minerals to the body. KHURSHEED DINSHAW explores Mother Nature’s very own beauty aid.

- KHURSHEED DINSHAW

Since centuries, mud has been used for its curative properties. While Europeans used mud for treating ailments, Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen who was known for her beauty took trips to the Dead Sea to coat herself with its mud as part of her beauty regime.

Even today, mud therapy is popular in spas and wellness centres for its healing effects. Mud contains essential minerals like calcium, iron, silicates and sodium. These minerals help in improving overall health and also in avoiding the occurrence of many diseases since mud absorbs toxins from the body.

Mud therapy is popular because mud is natural and conveniently available. It is also free from chemicals and has no side effects. It heals and helps in relaxing the body since it has the ability to hold moisture for a longer duration.

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF MUD

Mud therapy has therapeutic as well as beauty benefits. “Mud cools the body down, which is essential in summer, and also has a vitalising effect on the body. It aids in diluting and absorbing the toxins followed by eliminating them from the body,” points out Lucy Lalhruaisangi, a beauty therapist who has been administering mud therapy since five years.

Mud is beneficial in removing skin tan and also soothes irritated skin or skin which is prone to hyper pigmentation. It helps to increase blood circulation and energises the tissues of the skin. By toning and firming up the skin, mud therapy perks up the skin complexion, and is useful in reducing acne, patches and discolouration of the skin. This therapy is recommended for those suffering from skin troubles like psoriasis.