In ancient times, people would risk crossing the desert to bathe in the Dead Sea. They were so convinced of its healing powers, they dubbed it "the fountain of youth".

Those who bathed in this salt-rich sea found relief from skin diseases, muscle and joint aches. They also enjoyed renewed physical and mental vitality.

The reason was simple...

The Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral-laden body of water in the world...

Its salts contain calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and sulphur, which you can absorb through the skin when bathing. And this makes the sea one of the world's great natural remedies for stress.

Our well-being is strongly connected to the sodium and potassium balances in our bodies. An imbalance can result in illness – particularly skin disease, fatigue and stress.

Here's how to try these minerals for yourself without actually going to the Dead Sea:

    * Add a sachet (450g) of Dead Sea salts to a warm bath and climb in. After 20 minutes, relax in a warm bedroom, wrapped in a towel. Your stress will ebb away.

    * Alternatively, add Epsom salts (450g) to a warm-to-medium hot bath. After 10 minutes of relaxation, rinse off the salt water.

Don't try either of these if you have cuts or grazes on your body. And avoid getting it in your eyes.

Why you should put milk in your watering can...

How is it that some people seem to have magical ‘green fingers’ while the rest of us spend hours labouring over our sprouts of green only to find they die before the season is out?

Well, here are a few of the best-kept secrets, the professionals use…
 
    * Water your plants with a little milk and mix crushed egg shells into the soil. The milk will protect your blooms from mildew, and the egg shells help nourish the soil. But don't go crazy. Water plants moderately with the mixture.

    * Give your plants a firm foundation, by digging them in good and deep – up to the level of the first leaves should do it. This will stop the wind from damaging your plants.

    * Fancy better strawberries? After the first year, pick off the blooms to make the plant healthy and make your strawberries better than ever.

    * Want to grow something a little more adventurous in your garden? How about green peppers? Peppers need heat – so put large rocks next to each plant. The rocks will soak up the sun and act like a mini greenhouse.

Happy gardening!
 
 
Here’s to your happiness and wellbeing,

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential