At KORA Organics, we’ve long been proponents of the benefits of seawater for the skin. In fact, we’ve included it as a critical ingredient in our Minty Mineral Hydration Mist. Here, we chat with Dr Simoné Laubscher PhD, a functional medicine doctor, gut expert, and founder of Rejuv Wellness, to uncover the many healing benefits for both the mind and body. 

“Sea water stimulates our body and promotes well-being,” Dr Laubscher tells KORA. “We, as a family, spend time in the ocean as medicine at least twice a week.” 

“Thousands of years ago, Hippocrates discovered that sea water benefits include helping heal wounds, prevent infections, and ease pain,” she continues. “Historically, doctors recommend their patients go to the seaside to improve their health. In the UK, we have the term ‘take to the waters’ as a physical venture into healing, cleansing, and rejuvenation.” 

“One of my fond childhood memories is of my uncle Geoff, who lives in Salisbury, UK, using this phrase each summer as his annual healing seaside excursion. Some doctors even gave prescriptions detailing how long their patients would be in the water, such as ‘thalassotherapy’ and drinking seawater. As a family, we soak and swim in the ocean for 45 – 60 minutes, 2-3 times a week. 

7 Top Healing Sea Water Benefits

1. Great For Your Skin

Sea water is antiviral and antibacterial, and its high sodium and iodine content enhances wound healing. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Magnesium, crucial for over 300 reactions in the body, helps skin retain moisture, making it stronger and more youthful. The minerals in seawater are also beneficial for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

2. Great For Your Respiratory System

Ocean swimming can reduce symptoms of hay fever, sinusitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Research published in the American Family Physician Journal highlights how saline affects the sinus linings, reduces inflammation, and mimics the body’s fluids, preventing irritation. This explains why saline drips are often administered in hospitals to unwell patients.

3. Reduces Stress

The high magnesium content in seawater has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation. Floating in the sea can also induce a weightless feeling, calming the mind and potentially altering brain waves to a relaxed, meditative state. Additionally, swimming in the sea lowers blood pressure and supports better sleep patterns.

4. Strengthens Your Immune System

After a swim in the sea, the number of red blood cells can increase by 5-20%, with white blood cell counts rising even higher. Sea water is a fantastic natural remedy for those with weakened immune systems, anemia, and high blood sugar levels.

5. Reduces Pain

Ocean water’s anti-inflammatory properties can help ease muscle pain, arthritis, and post-surgical pain. Swimming in the sea is also great for circulation, particularly if you embrace cold water exposure, which supports healing and boosts the release of dopamine and serotonin, enhancing mood.

6. Reduces The Appearance Of Cellulite

Swimming in the sea exerts pressure on tissues and lymph vessels, promoting lymph flow, which can improve the appearance of cellulite.

7. Supports Your Thyroid

Sea water is high in iodine, which is essential for a healthy thyroid. You can also boost your iodine intake by adding seaweed flakes to your diet or enjoying nori sheets in sushi. If seaweed or seawater isn’t your preference, sea air is a good source of iodine as well. Recent research published in the Irish Medical Journal indicates that consistent exposure to seaweed-rich air can supplement an individual’s iodine intake.