Behind the pungent smell, the benefits of sulfur for the health of the body are not kidding. In fact, this mineral has long been used as an alternative medicine to treat various health problems.
Sulfur is a chemical element that is commonly found in volcanoes. The mineral known as sulfur is often used as an ingredient in making sulfate and phosphate fertilizers to support plant growth. Therefore, sulfur is widely used in the agricultural sector.
However, not only in agriculture, sulfur also provides many benefits in the health sector.
Benefits of Sulfur for Body Health
There are various health benefits of sulfur that you need to know, namely:
1. Solve skin problems
In the pharmaceutical world, sulfur has long been used to treat several skin problems such as warts, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Sulfur also acts as a keratolytic agent that can exfoliate dead skin cells. Another function of sulfur is to kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause scurvy.
In addition to removing dead skin cells, sulfur can also treat acne by dealing with blockages in the skin pores. Research also shows that sulfur is known to be useful for treating psoriasis, although this still needs further research.
The use of sulfur-based products for external use should be accompanied by a doctor's prescription. If you want to use an over-the-counter sulfur product, be sure to read the label and instructions carefully.
In addition, always wash your hands with soap before and after using products made from sulfur. Products for external use in the form of creams or lotions, should not be applied to cracked skin because they can actually worsen the condition experienced.
Likewise with several other body parts, such as the eyelids, lips, nose, and mouth. If you develop a rash or other signs of allergy after using a sulfur-based product, stop using it immediately and see a doctor.
2. Treating arthritis pain
Sulfur can also be processed into supplements. Sulfur supplements are often used to reduce pain caused by arthritis, both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, sulfur in the form of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also known to be good for joint health and helps the formation of connective tissue, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
However, the benefits of sulfur for the treatment of joint pain are still conjecture and further research is needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
3. Overcoming inflammation of the bladder
In some countries, sulfur is used to treat chronic inflammation of the bladder. This condition is characterized by symptoms of frequent urination at night and the appearance of pain in the bladder.
To treat bladder inflammation, a specially processed sulfur-containing fluid is injected directly into the bladder using a catheter.
However, before this procedure is performed, the patient will be given general anesthesia, because the process is painful and causes contractions of the bladder.
Although it provides various benefits, you should not carelessly use sulfur to treat certain medical conditions. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor first to ensure the safety of its use.