The Dead Sea is situated 400 m below sea level. No other site in the world provides such an extraordinary combination of natural elements with the capability to rehabilitate and restore physiological functions. Over millions of years, the hot dry air and high evaporation rate have contributed to the high salt concentration present in the Dead Sea making it one of the saltiest lakes in the world. Compared to the 3% salt content of ordinary sea water, Dead Sea water contains 32% salts with relatively high concentration of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, bromide and potassium. The hot sulphur springs and mud deposits provide treatment for a variety of ailments. The heat, concentration of salts on the skin and the enforced relaxation are all helpful, particularly for muscular and joint conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis, fractures, and several skin diseases including psoriasis. Compared to regular sea water, the water of the Dead Sea contains 20 times as much bromine, 15 times as much magnesium and 10 times as much iodine. Bromine, a component of many sedatives, relaxes the nerves, magnesium counteracts skin allergies and clears the bronchial passages while iodine has a beneficial effect on certain glandular functions. Research has found that manganese and lithium may play a role in the effectiveness of balneotherapy with Dead Sea bath salt for psoriasis. INCI: Sodium Chloride (Dead Sea salt).

Sold by weight. Basil (Ocimum basilicum Lamiaceae), leaf, cut and sifted, Egypt, a/k/a Sweet Basil. Basil is a key ingredient in pesto the zesty, immensely popular sauce for pasta. But basil is no newcomer. It's been a favorite for thousands of years, not only in the kitchen but in the medicine chest. Basil has been used successfully to treat intestinal parasites and skin infections, particularly acne. It may also stimulate the immune system. In India, basil has long been revered as a sacred herb. The native species is even called Ocimum sanctum, holy basil. Shopkeepers in Haiti sprinkle basil water around their stores to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity. In the Philippines, basil poultices are applied to ringworm infections and pregnant women drink basil tea to induce labor. In Malaysia, basil is used to expel intestinal worms and promote menstruation. Indian researchers have reported that basil kills bacteria when applied to the skin and they have used basil successfully to treat acne. Basil is said to promote hair growth. It's a favorite tonic for melancholy and low spirits and it has potent antispasmodic properties, making it useful for relieving headaches. It is commonly used to treat stress-induced insomnia and tension, as well as nervous indigestion, and it is also a well-known aphrodisiac. For an infusion, use 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day and enjoy basil's rich, warm aroma and minty, mildly peppery taste. For acne, wash the skin and apply some of the infusion to the skin with a clean cotton ball. Basil should not be given in medicinal quantities to children under age 2. For persons over 65 start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary. Consult a physician before using first.

Sold by weight. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis Lamiaceae), leaf, whole, Morrocco. Thousands of years before refrigeration, ancient peoples noticed that wrapping meats in crushed rosemary leaves preserved them and imparted a fresh fragrance and pleasing flavor. To this day, the herb remains a favorite in meat dishes and its preservative ability is the basis for its use in herbal healing. Rosemary's ability to preserve meats led to the belief that it helped preserve memory. Greek students wore rosemary garlands to assist their recall. As the centuries passed, the herb was incorporated into wedding ceremonies as a symbol of spousal fidelity and into funerals to help survivors to remember the dead. Placed under one's pillow, the aromatic herb was believed to repel bad dreams. As recently as World War II, French nurses burned a mixture of rosemary leaves and juniper berries in hospital rooms as an antiseptic. Rosemary and its oils contain chemicals that are strongly antioxidant. Like most culinary herbs, rosemary may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). It may also help relieve nasal and chest congestion caused by colds, flu and allergies. Due to it antispasmodic effect it may soothe the uterus as well; however, Italian researchers have discovered that it does exactly the opposite. Pregnant women should steer clear of medicinal preparations of this herb. Other women may try the herb to bring on their periods. Rosemary has a tonic effect on the nervous system and is good for circulation. It reduces high blood pressure. For a pleasantly aromatic infusion to settle the stomach or clear a stuffed nose, use 1 teaspoon of crushed herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes. Weak rosemary preparations may be given to children under age 2. Consult a physician before using first.