Uses of Sulfur – Almost all natural materials in this world can be used or have their uses, one of which is sulfur. For some people, they may already know what sulfur is, especially for those who have used this natural resource.
Even so, not everyone knows about sulfur and its uses. If you don’t know that yet, you don’t need to worry because this article will discuss the meaning of sulfur and its uses. So, read this article to the end, Sinaumed’s.
Definition of Sulfur
Sulfur or sulfur is a non-metallic element whose original form is a yellow crystalline solid. Naturally, sulfur can be found as a pure element or mineral in volcanoes. Sulfur is a resource that is widely used by humans as a raw material for sulfuric acid.
In addition, sulfur is commonly used in matches, gunpowder, insecticides, fungicides, and so on. Pure sulfur is odorless. The smell that appears actually comes from the many compounds contained in sulfur.
Sulfur and sulfates are not toxic, but carbon disulfide, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are all toxic. What’s more, hydrogen sulfide is very dangerous, so it can cause death. Sulfur dioxide is produced when unrefined coal and oil are burned.
In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide can cause acid rain. If left unchecked, this will cause many living things to die because some of the toxic aluminum salts dissolve and are taken up by living things.
Behind the pungent smell, the benefits of sulfur for the health of the body are no joke. In fact, this one 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.
This mineral known as sulfur is often used as an ingredient in the manufacture of 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.
Facts About Sulfur
According to Jefferson Lab, quoted from Live Science , here are some facts about sulfur:
- Atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus): 16
- Atomic symbol (on the periodic table of elements): S
- Atomic weight (average atomic mass): 32.065
- Density: 2.067 grams per cubic cm
- Phase at room temperature: Solid
- Melting point: 115.21 degrees Celsius
- Boiling point: 444.6 degrees Celsius
- Number of isotopes (atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons): 23.
Sulfur is very important for living things. This is because it can be taken up as sulfate from soil or seawater by plants and algae. Then, it can be used to make the two essential amino acids needed to make protein.
Today, modern sulfur production comes almost entirely from the various refining processes used to remove sulfur from natural gas, oil and tar sands. All living things contain sulfur and when it becomes fossilized, the sulfur is still there. Therefore, burning impure fossil fuels will create sulfur dioxide that can enter the atmosphere.
Benefits and Uses of Sulfur
In fact, there are various uses of sulfur for health, here are some of the uses of sulfur for health that Sinaumed’s needs to know:
1. Overcoming Skin Problems
Sulfur is a chemical element that has a pungent odor and is usually found in volcanoes. This mineral is also called sulfur which can be processed into white powder. In pure sulfur also found some content such as Epsom salt and gypsum. Sulfur can be processed into compounds such as sulfuric acid, sulfides, and sulfates that are used in shampoos and fertilizers.
The skin is the outermost part of the body, so it is prone to disturbances or problems. Well, there are many ways to deal with various skin problems, one of which is to use sulfur.
However, there are still many people who question the efficacy of sulfur for the skin. 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 which can exfoliate dead skin cells. Another function of sulfur is to kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause scurvy.
In fact, sulfur has many ingredients that are beneficial to the body, especially the skin, when applied. This is because sulfur is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When used in skin care, sulfur works to absorb excess oil that can cause acne by drying the surface of the skin and opening clogged pores.
Apart from removing dead skin cells, sulfur can also treat acne by overcoming 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 directions for use carefully.
Also, always wash your hands with soap before and after using sulfur-based products. Products for external use in the form of creams or lotions should not be applied to chapped skin because it can actually worsen the condition experienced.
Likewise with several other body parts, such as the eyelids, lips, nose, and mouth. If you have a rash or other signs of allergies after using sulfur-based products, stop using them immediately and consult a doctor.
For more details, here are the benefits of sulfur on the skin, namely:
a. Clean Pores
Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral found in hot springs, clay and volcanic ash. One of the benefits of this mineral is that it is effective in eliminating bacteria which is effective for dealing with acne prone skin.
Sulfur kills bacteria and draws out oil, while reducing buildup in pores and making them smaller. This pungent-smelling natural mineral is able to kill bacteria that clog and irritate skin pores.
b. Exfoliation
The keratolytic properties of sulfur can cause mild peeling of the top layer of the skin. This can help the body get rid of dead skin cells that can cause clogged pores, breakouts, uneven texture, and dullness.
You can apply beauty products containing sulfur to have healthier and more beautiful skin.
c. Overcoming Acne
Some topical products for acne contain benzoyl peroxide which may be too harsh on someone with sensitive skin. This can cause irritation and severe peeling, up to an allergic reaction.
An alternative is to use sulfur, which is gentler in removing stains. This is able to reduce acne by tackling new bacteria and their spread. Dirt and excess oil can cause acne. Some anti-acne products usually contain sulfur.
Sulfur is able to reduce the accumulation of excess oil that can clog pores. Sulfur is usually found in cosmetic products for mild acne. Sulfur is also considered milder than benzoyl peroxide for treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide tends to cause allergic reactions, irritation, or peeling skin.
d. Lifting Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliation is a technique that helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Usually, exfoliate using salt or sugar scrubs or exfoliator products that contain BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid or salicylic acid).
Besides being used in anti-acne products, sulfur is also used as an exfoliating agent. Sulfur is keratolytic, which means it can peel off the outer skin layer, making it suitable for removing dead skin cells.
A spokesperson for luxury skincare brand Gazelle added that sulfur is used in many face masks and can be used to help control dermatitis.
e. Prevents Skin Aging
To maintain skin elasticity, collagen needs must be fulfilled. Unfortunately, as you get older, collagen production decreases and your skin becomes dry, saggy, and starts to wrinkle.
Especially if the skin continues to be exposed to pollution and sunlight, the skin will age faster. Aging can be prevented or slowed down with anti-aging products, aka rejuvenation. Well, sulfur is often added to these rejuvenating products.
Sulfur can kill bacteria that damage the skin while stimulating collagen production.
f. Overcoming Dandruff
Apart from being used as an exfoliating agent, sulfur can be used as a treatment for scalp dandruff.
Sulfur helps a scaly scalp to exfoliate more quickly and improves hair texture, suppleness and shine.
g. Treat Panu and Ringworm
The benefits of sulfur can also be felt to cure phlegm and ringworm. The results of sulfur for tinea versicolor and ringworm can be seen by mixing sulfur powder with vegetable oil, then applying it to the areas of the skin where phlegm and ringworm are present.
h. Overcoming Itches
Another benefit of sulfur is to treat itching on the skin. In the journal The Antibacterial Properties of Sulfur stated that sulfur has antibacterial properties that can inhibit bacterial growth.
In another study, sulfur has been known as an antibacterial agent that can be administered orally to treat various bacterial infection problems. Sulfur is also used topically for treatment of infected skin. Applying sulfur to the skin can help with scabies and itching caused by mite bites.
The problem of itching is usually caused by bacteria and germs, if not treated immediately, then over time the skin will become irritated because it is scratched too often. For that, soaking in sulfur water can be done by sufferers of itching.
The hot nature of sulfur, and its anti-bacterial content are able to eradicate germs as well as fungi and bacteria that cause skin diseases such as itching, scabs and scabies to heal effectively. Usually, sulfur will be used as a mask so that the itching can disappear.
Here’s how to make a sulfur mask, namely:
- Use enough sulfur (use about 2-3 tablespoons of sulfur that has been refined.
- Give some water.
- Stir the sulfur until it mixes well with the water and has a paste-like texture.
- Sulfur is ready to be used for masks.
- After cleaning your face by washing, this mask is ready to be applied to your face evenly.
This sulfur mask can also be added with other ingredients such as honey, olive oil, coconut oil, and rose water.
2. Overcoming Rosacea
The next use of sulfur for the skin is to help overcome rosacea. Sulfur is said to be helpful for treating rosacea, a chronic condition that causes facial redness.
Sulfur, which is anti-inflammatory in the skin, can treat the symptoms of rosacea. This mineral can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can control rosacea symptoms. Some topical creams can get rid of bumps, redness, and dryness on the face.
3. Overcoming Eczema
Eczema is a skin problem characterized by dry, itchy skin and a red rash on the skin. Many also refer to eczema as atopic dermatitis which refers to skin inflammation.
Some people use sulfur as a natural treatment for eczema. Sulfur has medicinal and therapeutic properties to relieve eczema symptoms, such as inflammation, dry skin, and itching.
Eczema is a skin disease that causes skin redness, itching, and irritation. Sulfur-based medications are often prescribed instead of eczema antibiotics. Sulfur which is anti-inflammatory in the skin can overcome the symptoms of eczema.
If you often experience eczema, it’s a good idea to apply topical products with sulfur content so that this skin problem is resolved.
There are several factors that can trigger eczema, one of which is due to certain foods such as nuts and dairy products. Even though it is not contagious, eczema makes sufferers uncomfortable because it continues to feel itchy and does not go away.
Eczema can heal if smeared with cream or lotion containing sulfur. The antibacterial properties of sulfur can relieve itching and redness due to eczema.
4. 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 form connective tissue, such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
However, the benefits of sulfur for the treatment of joint pain are still in the realm of speculation and further research is needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
5. Overcoming Bladder Inflammation
In several 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 inflammation of the bladder, a specially processed sulfur-containing liquid will be inserted directly into the bladder using a catheter. However, before this procedure is carried out, the patient will be given general anesthesia, because the process causes pain and causes contractions in the bladder.
6. Overcoming Blood Circulation
Another benefit of sulfur water is that it can improve blood circulation. Sulfur water contains various minerals, such as calcium and sodium bicarbonate.
When our bodies soak in sulfur water, our bodies absorb these minerals, thereby increasing blood circulation and oxygen flow in the body as a whole.
The water content of sulfur helps the liver in the process of detoxification or removing toxins. In addition, inhaling steam from sulfur water is also useful for treating several respiratory problems such as asthma, sinuses, allergies and so on.
7. Relieves Fatigue
The next use of sulfur is that it can help relieve fatigue. The benefits of sulfur water when used for bathing can help relieve fatigue and calm the mind. Pressure on hot sulfur water can have a relaxing effect on muscles and joints.
If done regularly, soaking in sulfur water can help improve blood circulation, thereby maintaining stamina so you don’t tire quickly. This can also help someone who has difficulty sleeping so that they can become calmer and sleepier.
Even though 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. Those are some of the uses of sulfur for the body, I hope this article is useful for Sinaumed’s.
Thus a review of the usefulness of sulfur for health and interesting facts. Sinaumed’s can get more information by reading books available at sinaumedia.com . As #FriendsWithoutLimits we always try to give the best. To support Sinaumed’s in adding insight, sinaumedia always provides quality and original books so that Sinaumed’s has #MoreWithReading information.
Author: Yufi Cantika Sukma Divine