RAPAN - NATURAL MUD, SALT, BLUE AND YELLOW CLAY FROM THE SIBERIAN "DEAD SEA"
G. St George
Medicina (UK) Ltd

People all over the world have been enjoying and appreciating the numerous therapeutic benefits of salts, muds and clays.

Ancient records show that people travelled many miles to bathe in salt waters. Mineral-rich, salty waters have been known to help alleviate skin disorders, stimulate circulation, hydrate the skin, increase moisture retention, promote cellular regeneration, detoxify the skin, and help heal dry, scaly, irritated skin. They also reduce inflammation of the muscles and joints, relax muscles and relieve pain and soreness. Important minerals are readily absorbed into the skin when we bathe in a warm sea salt bath.

Muds and clays have also been used since times immemorial. People have been smothering themselves in muds to get relief from itchy skin, aches and pains and just for the pure enjoyment of it. Animals are instinctively drawn to mud, with many species enjoying mud baths at every opportunity. People have also learned to understand and use the many benefits of various muds. Their popularity has grown immensely in the past few decades. If in the past, their use was based on a belief that they were good for us. Now we can rely on science to explain the benefits we get from applying mud on our body.

The popularity of clays has also increased immensely in the recent years. People have been using clays both on their bodies and internally. As a matter of fact, there are many edible types of clay which both people and animals have been eating since ancient times. Clays are extremely rich in minerals and are widely used in cosmetics and complementary medicine, as well as in spas and resorts to treat a large number of problems.

Few people haven't heard about the famous Dead Sea and the miraculous results obtained by using the Dead Sea muds, salts and clays to treat such conditions as psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermatitis, as well as arthritis, rheumatism, other musculo-skeletal problems and disorders of the genito-urinary and other body systems. The therapeutic effects of bathing in the the salt waters of Dead Sea were well known even in times of antiquity. Galenus, for instance, stated that the salt water of the Dead Sea was good for the treatment of arthritis, eczema, muscle aches, rheumatism, arthritis, psoriasis, nervous tension, relaxation, and maintaining healthy skin. According to the book of Samuel, King Solomon presented the Queen of Sheba with Dead Sea salts upon her visit to the Holy Land. The Empress Cleopatra, who was an ardent user of Dead Sea beauty potions, was presented the entire region by Mark Anthony after he had conquered it.

The use of Dead Sea products brings excellent results. For many years, salts of the Dead Sea have been used as an alternative method for treating psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders. The effectiveness of Dead Sea salts is so obvious that many clinics have been using them to treat their patients with remarkable results. However, Dead Sea products don't come cheap. The procedures where highly concentrated solutions are used (up to 10%) are costly.

This has prompted us to look for close alternatives with similar or better properties at more affordable prices. And we have found them in frosty Siberia, in a place which has preserved remarkably clean ecology. The salts we have found have been researched by Scientific Research Institutes of Siberia. Some therapeutic parameters of the Rapan salt have been proven to exceed those of the Dead Sea salts up to 20 times (researched and recorded data).

The RAPAN® Range - General Information

The Rapan® range is manufactured by a Russian company Siberian Technologies V.A.S. It includes natural products derived from an ancient Siberian Arctic salt lake Ostrovnoye. It is a vast shallow lake, with an average depth of 0.25m (max 0.9m) and the total area of the water surface at 11933 m². The deposits are represented in black silt (average thickness of the layer of black silt at 0.12m, max at 0.2m). Below the black silt lies dark-grey silt (average thickness at 0.05m).Both silts have similar physico-chemical characteristics and are variations of the same type of silt. The environmental biological data allows us to classify the lake as ecologically clean.

The lake brine (or 'rapah' in Russian, hence the name of the product) is a complex solution of various salts which covers the silt deposits. The brine is a by-product of the biological activity of numerous micro-organisms, algae and the animal world. They are what the Russian Academician V.I.Vernadskiy called “the living matter” of our planet which reflects its evolutionary processes and regional geochemical specifics. It contains ions of Na, K, Mg, Ca, N, carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulphate, chloride, bromide, phenols, microelements (P, As, Zn, Sn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ag), silica acid, vitamins, hormones, biostimulators, amino acids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, etc.). The presence of these biologically active components, as well as hydrogen sulphate, determine the medicinal properties of the Rapan products.

The peloids have been formed as a result of crustacean and micro-organic activity in the most unusual circumstances - the over saturated salt solution. Their survival itself was due to a development of specific mechanisms which allowed them to survive in such extreme conditions. As a result, the evolution of “the living matter” in extreme environment was accompanied by an appearance of certain biologically active compounds which possessed adaptogenic and, possibly, medicinal qualities. It seems that this combination of biologically active compounds both in peloids and in brine achieved a maximum therapeutic effect.

Peloids and brine form a basis for treatments at a number of West Siberian resorts. The resorts treat various health conditions - from musculo-skeletal to genito-urinary. The products have been and are still being thoroughly researched by the Siberian branch of the Russian Scientific Academy. The studies are headed by Professor V.Kulikov.

It must be pointed out here that in Russia balneology, thalassotherapy and peloid therapy have a very long history of use. During the Soviet era, a large number of health resorts were built on the basis of natural therapeutic resources so abundant in Russia. Because Russia, as part of the USSR, used to be such an isolated society, with few going on holidays abroad, most people planned their yearly holidays around resorts, thanks to the fact that their stay and treatment was heavily subsidised by trade unions, so most people could afford it. Courses of treatments lasted on average between 14 and 24 days. Because of this, resorts flourished in the Soviet times, with vast sums of money allocated to scientific research and development of new treatments.

Resorts are not part of the British way of life. The closest relative of a resort is a spa where clients come to relax and unwind for a day or two. They are non-medical establishments, so medical conditions are not diagnosed or treated here. It has a much more serious footing in Europe though.

In Russia, resorts/spas have a solid medical foundation, with medical staff assessing and treating patients for a variety of conditions. All resorts are specialist establishments, depending on the resources available. For example, some would specialise in treating digestive disorders thanks to the particular properties of mineral waters they are using for treatments, others would treat predominantly musculo-skeletal problems thanks to a specific mineral content and qualities of muds and clays in their disposal, etc.

Due to their powerful anti-oxidant properties, natural salts and peloids (muds and clays) have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, regulating the endocrine system and improving micro-circulation, increasing body immunity and acting as adaptogens. Apart from all this, peloid therapy has a powerful stress relieving effect on the body and mind.

Competitive advantages of the Rapan® Products:

• Solid scientific base at the site of manufacture, in the form of Scientific Research Institutes, as well as a number of health resorts where the products are used for treatment of various health problems, has allowed substantial research of the composition and therapeutic properties of Rapan products.

• The products are 100% natural, with no additives at all.

• The comparative spectral analysis of the Rapan range with the Dead Sea products has shown that the levels of carotenoids and retinoids, as well as boilogically active compounds with prominent antioxidant and antihypoxant characterisitics are 5 times higher in the Rapan range than in the Dead Sea products and that the Rapan range is more efficient in stimulating and activating the body's immune system.

• The comparative scientific evaluation of the biological activity of the Rapan and the Dead Sea products on the skin and blood has demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of the Rapan range is up to 20 times stronger those of the Dead Sea products.

• The products are new to the Western market, and like any new product they cause curiosity and excitement.

• The products come from the ecologically clean environment of Western Siberia.

• The products have been through a thorough assessment process both in Russian and in British laboratories, and have been certified as completely safe for use by an approved UK laboratory.

• Competitive pricing - with all their advantages, Rapan products are considerably cheaper than the Dead Sea products.

• Rapan products can be used both in their natural state and as ingredients for various products in cosmetic industry

• Rapan products are versatile - they can be safely used at spas, by complementary parctitioners and naturopaths, as well as at home - to promote relaxation, reduce stress, fatigue, promote metabolism, increase immunity, improve skin condition, help with skin disorders, arthritis, get rid of muscle/joint aches/pains, promote circulation and help detoxify the bofy, and for prevention of disease.

GENERAL BENEFITS OF RAPAN® PRODUCT USE

• Increased blood circulation and lymph drainage.

• Increased metabolism.
• Increased removal of toxic waste and reduction in cellulite appearance.
• Noticeable improvement in skin appearance and texture - the skin becomes pink, smooth, warm, fresh-looking, moist.
• Removal of excessive water from the body - reduced puffiness.
• Reduced weight due to the effects listed above.
• Increased energy.
• Reduced fatigue.
• Relaxation of the body and mind.

• Increased sense of well-being

*Rapan products are used in Russian sanatoria to treat a number of medical conditions, such as:

• Musculo-skeletal system: arthritis, traumas, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, disorders of the spinal column, etc.

• Nervous System: chronic pain connected with certain changes in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System, neuropathology, depression, etc.

• Skin: psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc.

• Genito-Urinary system: prostatitis, inflammation of the ovaries, endometriosis, etc.

• Circulatory system: Angina, HBP, and many others.

The Rapan ® range can be used as both as independent products, due to their antioxidant and natural adaptogenic qualities, as well as inexpensive raw materials for cosmetics and toiletries, skin care, spa and fitness, beauty industry, as well as for home treatments.

Rapan® Natural Salt is produced on the basis of ecologically clean, certified deposit of the Ostrovnoye Lake in the Novosibirsk region. The estimated volume of the deposits of the raw material in the lake is around 986,000 m³.

The original raw material, brine (or “rapah” in Russian) has a number of microelements diluted in the lake, with practically no harmful bacteria. Natural antiseptic properties of the water and mud represent a natural health enhancing complex.

In autumn, October-November, when the temperature of the lake goes down, the surface of the lake becomes smaller, which means that the concentration of salt in the lake rises. Natural crystallisation and sedimentation of naturally clean large salt crystals occurs. Immediately, Rapan salt is harvested, tested for safety and packaged. Because of the non-thermal method of crystallisation, all the natural ingredients are preserved in the resulting product.

amino acids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, etc.).

Two types of Rapan salt are manufactured:

a) Large crystal salt - obtained as a result of natural crystallization process in the lake. It is mostly suitable for baths.
b) Small crystal salt - obtained as a result of special evaporation of salt in the sun light. This product is more suitable for body/face scrubs.

Following is the chemical composition of the lake water which is used for salt production:

56-58 CI (59-66) SO₄ (32-40) / (Na + К) (79-80) Mg (19-20) рН (7,9-8,5)

Rapan® Natural Salt ingredients:

ρH of 1% water solution: 7.9-9.0

Mass share of dry matter: not less than 98%.

Chemical composition:

In mg per 100g of dry matter: Fe - 1.40 (±0.17); P - 0.32 (±0.03); Zn - 104.3 (±30.7); Cu - 0.53 (±0.13); Mn - 0.15 (±0.02); Mg - 27.8 (±3.3); Ca - 529.9 (±47.3); Se - 0.12 (±0.01);

In g per kg of dry matter: Na - 114.42 (±16.31).

In mg per kg of dry matter: Protein - 110.4 mg/kg

Therapeutic applications of Rapan Salt:

1. Bath: dilute 500g of dry Rapan salt in a bathful of water (about 50 litres), at 36-38ºC. Stay in a bath 10-15 minutes. Take every other day, 8-10 baths total. At night time do not take it later than 1½-2 hours before bedtime. Use when you suffer from chronic fatigue, stress, or to help with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc. Baths with Rapan salts are a wonderful way to soothe aches and pains, revitalise the body and restore homoeostasis.

2. Rinse: dilute 100g of dry salt in 1 litre of warm water. Use as a foot/hand bath, to rinse the face and the body. Use a massage brush to rub the body after rinsing in order to stimulate circulation. This is a very effective and economical way to use the product for prophylactic and cosmetic purposes.

3. Body scrub - use small-crystal Rapan salt. Either use on its own or mix with olive or other oil for a body scrub. Can also be used for face, hands and feet.

4. Compress: dilute 15-20g of salt (1tbsp) in 200mg of warm water (37-38ºC) soak a piece of cloth in the solution and apply to an affected area. Cover with cling film and wrap up with a warm cloth and leave on for 30-60 minutes. Number of procedures: 10-15, daily, or every other day. Use to help with eczema, psoriasis, backache, muscle pains, arthritis, ulcers, sprains/strains, etc.

5. Mouthwash - dilute 15-20g of Rapan salt (1tbsp) in 200 ml of water, filter through a fine sieve and rinse the mouth every hour. Use to treat tonsillitis, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, etc.

Baths and compresses can be used to help with dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, other skin conditions, muscle aches and pains, backache, arthritis, osteoarthritis, HBP, etc.

Contra-indications:malignant tumours, undiagnosed lumps, pregnancy, tuberculosis, feverish conditions, individual intolerances, infectious diseases, exhaustion of any origin, severe disorders of the blood vessels, consequences of traumas accompanied by seizures/fits. Please consult your doctor if you suffer from any health condition. Do not resort to self-treatment.

Rapan® Natural Mud

Muds can be divided into several groups, depending on their structure and origin:

• Low moor peats

• High moor peats

• Sapropel muds

• Sulphide silt muds - mineral peloids

The main characteristic that subdivides muds into different sub-groups is the percentage of the organic matter as opposed to the percentage of mineral substances in them. For example, moor peats are very high in organic matter and low in minerals, while sulphide silts are very high in mineral substances but comparatively low in organic matter. While both groups are extensively used in balneology and cosmetic industry, their different structure determines differences in their properties and use.

Rapan Natural Mud is a low-sulphide mineral-saturated silt mud. Sulphide silt muds - mineral peloids - are silts of salt water origin. They are relatively poor in organic matter (less than 10%) and, as a rule, are rich in iron sulphide (FeS) and water-soluble salts. They can be subdivided into low-sulphide (FeS content of 0.01-0.15%), medium-sulphide (0.15-0.5%), and high-sulphide (over 0.5%).

For mineral content, therapeutic muds are also subdivided into fresh-water muds (ash/mineral content of mud solution of up to 1g/litre), muds with low mineral content (1-15 g/l), muds with medium mineral content (15-35g/l), high mineral content muds (35-150g/l), saturated muds (150-300g/l), and over-saturated muds (over 300g/l).

Peloid acidity also varies - from ultra-acidic (with pH of 1.5-2, as in organic moor peats), to alkaline (pH over 9, as in sulphide silt muds).

The most frequently used in therapeutic practice in Russia are Sulphide silt muds,followed by sapropels. This may be explained, on the one hand, by their abundance, and on the other hand, by more research data on them.

Rapan® Natural Mud is extracted from an ancient Siberian lake Ostrovnoye, where the weather conditions together with salty waters, have encouraged the formation of mud with therapeutic effects. It is deposited under 20-50cm of brine (rapah). Part of the lake is drained of water, and a layer of mud is taken off the resultant surface, which is immediately placed into 30-kg vessels and is covered with 20-50mm of concentrated brine for preservation, hermetically sealed and is preserved this way until it is ready for packaging. During packaging, the mud undergoes triple filtration, after which it is homogenised and vacuum-sealed into polyethylene packaging.

Product characteristics:

Appearance: homogeneous soft pliable mass

Odour: hudrogen sulphide

ρH: 7.6-7.7

Ash content: 82.8-88.7%

Weight: 1.4-1.8 g/dm³

Humidity: 22.46 -48.15%

Additional data: non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Due to its saline base which has anti-bacterial properties, the Rapan® Mud preserves its qualities and is suitable for use for 12 months after harvesting.

Chemical composition:

Crystalline skeleton of the hard phase of the mud (drained to 33.7% of raw mud) is represented mainly by Silica compounds (43.26%) with the particle size under 0.1mm, Calicum carbonate (2.93%) and Magnesium (0.64%) and hydrosulphide colloidal complex comprising iron and hydrogen sulphide, organic matter, etc. Mineral content of the chloride-sulphide-sodium solution is 245 g/litre.

Other elements in dry mud:

Zinc - 103.1 mg/kg; Manganese - 378.01 mg/kg; Copper- 20.20 mg/kg; Mercury - 0.59mg/kg; Cobalt - 5.45mg/kg; Lead - 29.51mg/kg; Cadmium - 0.47mg/kg; Iron - 10852.0 mg/kg.

The hydrophile colloidal complex of raw mud includes FeS (0.224-0.371%); Al2O3 (0.77%); Fe203 (0.64%); SO3 (2.03%). The content of the organic matter is 2.28% in raw mud, with carbon content at 1.32%.

Balneologically valuable components found in drained mud:

Bromine - 30-87mg/dm³; Boric acid - 28.8-34.7 mg/dm³; Meta-silicic acid - 44.6-111.6 mg/dm³.

The chemical formula of the saline solution of the drained Rapan® mud:

Competitive advantages of Rapan® Natural Mud:

100% natural - no additives.

• Comes from ecologically clean environment of Western Siberia.

• The comparative spectral analysis of the Rapan range with the Dead Sea products has shown that the levels of carotenoids and retinoids, as well as boilogically active compounds with prominent antioxidant and antihypoxant properties are 5 times higher in the Rapan range than in the Dead Sea products. Carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene) and retinoids take part in stimulating and activating the body's immune system, protective mechanisms against the harmful effects of the environment, improving micro-circulation and physico-chemical properties of the cellular membranes and other body processes.

• The comparative scientific evaluation of the biological activity of the Rapan and the Dead Sea products on the skin and blood has demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of the Rapan range are up to 20 times stronger than that of the Dead Sea products.

• High level of vitamins, minerals, hormones, anti-antibiotics, analgesics, organic acids and biostimulators. According to the “chemical theory” of peloid action, these substances are said to get thorough the skin into the body and have a therapeutic effect on various body systems.

• Hydrogen sulphate is a biologically active component in the Rapan mud. It has properties similar to those of acetylcholine, stimulating blood circualtion and biochemical processes in the skin, raising the activity of the enzyme production, levels of the ascorbic acid in the tissues, which in turn helps increase metabolism.

• Competitive pricing - the Rapan range of products is considerably cheaper than the Dead Sea products.

• As a therapeutic treatment, Rapan® Natural Mud is used in Siberian resorts to give an effective relief from eczema, psoriasis, neuro-dermatitis, seborrhoea, headaches, acne, chronic rheumatism, neuralgia, osteoarthritis, muscular pain and stress, arthritis, stress, muscle aches, etc.

• As a beauty treatment, Rapan® Mud helps deep cleanse the skin minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and revitalize the complexion. Mud deep cleans, purifies, and restores radiance to your skin.

Therapeutic applications of Rapan® Natural Mud:

Body wraps (for large areas):

Warm up some Rapan Mud over a water bath (previously mixed with water to soft consistency) to 38-40°C, apply to an affected area in a thick layer over the area to be treated. Cover with cotton tissue or cling film, wrap the area with a wool blanket. Leave on for 30 minutes (may increase to 60-90 minutes for follow-up applications). Can be done every day or every other day, 8 times total. For feet and hands fill a plastic bag with warmed up softened mud and put hands/feet in it. A10% Rapan salt solution can be used instead of water for stronger effect.

Mud compresses (local applications):

Warm up some Rapan Mud (mixed with water to soft consistency) to 38-40°C, over a water bath. Apply the mud in a layer 1-2cm thick over an affected area. Cover with cling film or compress paper and a wool or cotton blanket. Leave on 30-60 minutes and rinse with warm water. 10-12 applications, every day or every other day, preferably before bed time. Add some Rapan Salt to the mud (a 10% water solution) to increase the effect.

Poultices:

Spread 150-250g of softened Rapan Mud over a piece of cotton material, tie it up at the top. Warm it up to 45-55°C. Apply to affected area for 15-20 minutes, 10-15 applications, once every day or every other day. Very good for small areas, e.g. joints, muscle aches, etc. A 10% Rapan Salt solution can be used instead of water to soften the mud.

Face mask:

Dilute mud as above. Apply to face in a thin layer for 15 minutes or until dry. Add a little Rapan Salt to increase the effect. Use for acne, dermatitis, eczema and to improve general skin condition.

Bath:

Add 2 kg of Rapan mud to warm bath water (38-40°C). Add 0.5 kg of Rapan Salt. Stir the solution. Stay in the bath for 20-30 minutes, depending on your level of tolerance and health condition. Make sure you feel comfortable with the water temperature and during taking the bath. For health maintenance - take once a week. To relieve aches/pains - when needed.

N.B. Muds and clays can block drains, so make sure you stir the water properly when draining the bath.

Rheumatism, arthritis, muscle aches:

Warm up Rapan Mud to 38-40°C and spread over the affected joints, spine, knees, feet, hands and elbows. Cover with a blanket, so that the body can absorb the mud’s properties. Have a warm bath (with Rapan salt) or shower, which has relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and which also provide the cartilages with salts.

Health resorts and spas in the Novosibirsk region successfully use Rapan Mud for medicinal purposes. The mud is being sold all over Russia, including Moscow and sanatoria of the Moscow region.

Following are some of the procedures Russian health resorts use with Rapan® Mud:

“Pelophonotherapy” - combines the effects of an ultrasound and therapeutic muds. The procedure involves application of a softened mud at 38-40 °C, 1-2cm thick, which is spread over a piece of gauze. An ultrasonic device is placed over an affected area (in the intermittent or impulse-type regime). The device is slowly moved over the area (good contact is important). The procedure lasts 6-15 minutes. Rest is recommended after the procedure.

Combination of the galvanic and mud therapy - a type of therapy which involves therapeutic muds (moor peats or sulphide silts) and direct current use at the same time. Galvanic current is used to introduce various ions (anions and cations) from the mud into the body. Gauze bags are filled with mud and placed on an affected area. The temperature of the mud should be 38-42°C. The electrodes are covered with cling film. The electrodes are connected with the main galvanic device. The density of current is between 0.04-0.06mA/cm². The procedures take 20-30 minutes, every day or every other day, 10-15 procedures for a course of treatments.

Electrophoresis with a mud solution - the mud solution is prepared by a centrifuge method, without addition of any other substances. Water, vaseline, spirit or peach oil can be added to mud, with a further centrifuge extraction of the solution. The electrodes are placed over and under the area of treatment. The hydrophilic layers of both electrodes are covered with the solution. The density of current is 0.05-0.1 mA/ cm². The duration of the procedure is normally 15 minutes at the start of the course of treatments, which is increased to 30 minutes in the middle and is slowly brought back to 15 minutes by the end of a course of treatments. The first 10 procedures take place every day, the following 10 - every other day.

Contra-indications:malignant tumours, undiagnosed lumps, pregnancy, tuberculosis, feverish conditions, individual intolerances, infectious diseases, exhaustion of any origin, severe disorders of the blood vessels, consequences of traumas accompanied by seizures/fits. Please consult your doctor if you suffer from any health condition. Do not resort to self-treatment.

Rapan® Blue and Yellow Cambrian Clays

Clays occupy a very special place in the peloid group. It is a substance extremely rich in minerals, and because of this clays have been used by humans and animals for as long as they have existed. Animals are instinctively drawn to clay - they cover themselves in it, they eat it. Humans have been busy doing the same thing to keep themselves healthy and free from disease and parasites.

There are many therapeutic uses attributed to clay, most of them connected to its ability to expand and absorb, as well as absorb harmful substances from the body (detoxifying effect). Another very important quality of clay is ionic exchange. To put it simply, clay has the ability to take from the body the elements it does not need replacing them with the ones it does need. Another very important property of clay is its ability to retain heat.

All these and other properties of clays lead to them being widely used in the Health and Beauty industry, to manufacture cosmetics, in treatments of skin disorders, and as beauty product on their own - to make masks, body wraps, as well as an important component of various health and beauty products. Clays are widely used in health spas and sanatoria in peloid therapy - to treat a variety of conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, arthritis, muscle aches and pains, disorders of the nervous system, to promote relaxation and relieve stress. in the Beauty industry it is also widely used as a slimming product and to reduce cellulite. The uses of clay are countless.

Manufacturing process:

A unique deposit of Blue and Yellow Rapan® clays has been explored and researched by Siberian scientists. The deposit is located in Novosibirsk region, Siberia. It lies under the layer of black and grey muds and is covered by brine (”rapah”).

Rapan® Clays (Blue and Yellow Cambrian) are extracted from the Lake Ostrovnoye where they are deposited under 20-50cm of brine (rapah). Part of the lake is drained of water, and a layer of mud is taken off the surface, under which clays are based. The clay (blue and yellow clays are harvested separately) is immediately placed into 30-kg vessels and is covered with 20-50mm of concentrated brine, hermetically sealed and is preserved this way until it is ready for packaging.

During packaging, the clays undergo triple filtration, after which they are homogenised and vacuum-sealed into polyethylene packaging.

What is the difference between the Blue and Yellow Rapan clays?

Both clays are very similar in structure. The difference is in variations of the content of heavy and toxic elements (both well below permitted by the EU legislation levels). Both Blue and Yellow clays are certified as safe for cosmetic use in the EU.

The difference in applications are that the effects of Rapan Blue Clay are much milder than those of the Rapan Yellow clay. Rapan Blue clay is used more often for older people, children and people weakened by disease, while Rapan Yellow clay has a much stronger effect and is used where stronger action is required and permitted.

Product characteristics:

Appearance: homogeneous soft pliable mass

Colour: blue-green/grey for Blue Clay or ochre for Yellow Clay

Odour: slight odour of hydrogen sulphide

Hydrated clay expands in volume up to 45 %

ρH: 7.59

The chemical formula of the saline solution of Rapan® Clay:

Chemical composition:

Crystalline skeleton of the hard phase of Blue Cambrian Clay is represented mainly by Silica compounds (silicon of 50,6 %), oxides of aluminium (5,77 %), carbonates of calcium (2,93 %) and magnesium (2,64 %).

Other elements in dry Clay: kaolinite, hydro micas, montmorillonite, and also minerals chloride groups.

Macro and microelements in the active ionic form. Cations: sodium + potassium 80 %, magnesium 19 %. Anions: chlorine of 47 %, sulphate of 52 %, hydrocarbonate 1 %.

Competitive advantages of Rapan® Natural Cambrian Clays:

• 100% natural - no additives.

• Comes from the ecologically clean environment of Western Siberia.

• The therapeutic properties of the Rapan clays are very similar to those of the Dead Sea clays due to close similarities in the chemical structure. The comparative spectral analysis of the Rapan range with the Dead Sea products has shown that the levels of carotenoids and retinoids, as well as boilogically active compounds with prominent antioxidant and antihypoxant properties are 5 times higher in the Rapan range than in the Dead Sea products. Carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene) and retinoids take part in stimulating and activating the body's immune system, protective mechanisms against the harmful effects of the environment, improving micro-circulation and physico-chemical properties of the cellular membranes and other body processes.

• The comparative scientific evaluation of the biological activity of the Rapan and the Dead Sea products on the skin and blood has demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of the Rapan range are up to 20 times stronger than that of the Dead Sea products.

• Competitive pricing - lower than the market price of Dead Sea clays.

• Very high level of minerals and salts which makes them different form all the other clays on the market. The high mineral and salt content makes them highly beneficial for the skin.

• Rapan clays are successfully used in Siberian resorts to treat numerous health conditions - see information below.

• No allergic reactions to Rapan clays have been recorded throughout the long history of their use.

*Recorded benefits of the Rapan® clays:

According to the research conducted in the Scientific Research Institutes of Siberia, Rapan clays are claimed to:

• Increase peripheral circulation, promoting redistribution of blood

• According to the “chemical” theory, salts, micro- and macro-elements in their active ionic form penetrate through the skin into the body, providing therapeutic action.

• Increase lymph drainage and blood circulation, as well as metabolism and oxygen exchange in the body tissues.

• Stimulate the functions of the Autonomic Nervous System.

• Due to the content of biologically active substances, activate immune reactions of the body systems, tonify the body and increase immunity.

*Health problems treated with Blue and Yellow Rapan® clays at West Siberian resorts:

Disorders of the Musculo-skeletal system:

• Inflammatory arthritis in an inactive phase, rheumatic and psoriatic forms of arthritis, etc.;

• Degenerative diseases: osteoarthritis, spondylitis, cervical (neck area) osteoarthritis;

• Periostitis (infectious and traumatic nature);

• Chronic myalgia, myositis, bursitis, tendovaginitis, epicondylitis.

Disorders of the Nervous system:

• Spinal defects: osteoarthritis of the spine, etc.

• Defects of the nerve roots and cranio-cerebral nerves;

• Neuritis and neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, neurasthenia;

• Consequences of cranio-cerebral and spinal traumas, fracture of the spinal column.

Skin disorders:

• Psoriasis and neuro-dermatitis diffusive and limited;

• Skin irritation accompanied by itching, seborrhoea, limited scleroderma.

Diseases of the Genito-Urinary system (women and men):

• Inflammatory diseases of the uterus, ovaries, prostate (non-aggravated);

• Pelvic commissure peritoneum (post-operative);

• Sterility as a result of inflammatory diseases;

• Post-operative infiltration upon termination of pregnancy in a critical period (after 2 months).

Digestive disorders:

• Chronic gastro-enteritis, duodenitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, colitis, IBS, etc.

Lymphatic system:

As a result of a specifically conducted research, it has also been established that Blue Cambrian clay (montmorillonite clay) stimulates lymphatic node activity and lymphatic drainage, thus promoting detoxification of the body.

Home applications of the Rapan® Blue and Yellow clays:

Increase up to 30-40 minutes. Use for detox (the pores dilate in warm temperatures helping ionic exchange between clay and the body), when stressed, tired, recovering from an illness, to help with muscle aches, arthritis, skin problems, etc. For better effect, add Rapan salt (200-300g) to increase ionic exchange capability of clay in a clay bath.

• Fill with a 10 % solution of Rapan salt and knead to get a homogeneous mass.

Warm it up on a water bath to 50-60 °С. For applications and compresses, use clay mixture at 42-45 °C, layer thickness 1-1,5 cm. Duration of procedure: 30-90 min. Procedures should be carried out for 1-2 days, with a break on the third. On one day, clay therapy could be combined with a massage or inhalation.

• Brush Teeth: Use Rapan clay to remove tartar, control bleeding gums, pyorrhoea.

• Facial Pack: Mix Rapan clay with water to a smooth paste (using approximately 50% water) and spread evenly over the face; let dry for 20 minutes, then remove with warm water. Use moisturiser to nourish the skin afterwards.

• Acne: Mix Rapan clay (2 tbsp) with warm water and Rapan salt (1tsp) to make a facial pack. Apply daily. Skin disorders: apply above mixture to an affected area. Can be used for warts, athletes foot, yeast fungus, ringworm, sunburns, scalp, pimples, cuts,boils, cold sores, and shingles, etc.

• Foot bath - use 200g of Rapan clay in a foot bath (warm water) to help soothe aching and tired feet. Add 50g of Rapan salt to multiply the effect and promote ionic exchange.

• Compress - mix Rapan clay with 10% Rapan salt dissolved in warm water, to form a semi-liquid paste, spread over a clean cloth and apply to an affected area (normally an area of localised problem, e.g. arthritis, strain, sprain, back problem, etc.). Cover the area with warm cloth. Leave on for 30 mins-1 hour.

• Poultice - use Rapan clay and salt (10% water solution) mix with enough very warm water (50-60°С) to form spreadable mass. Apply a thin layer directly to the skin. Cover with cling film and wrap up with warm cloth. Leave on for up to 1 hour. Use where the affected area is large

Contra-indications: malignant tumours, undiagnosed lumps, pregnancy, tuberculosis, feverish conditions, individual intolerances, infectious diseases, exhaustion of any origin, severe disorders of the blood vessels, consequences of traumas accompanied by seizures/fits. Please consult your doctor if you suffer from any health condition. Do not resort to self-treatment.

• Disclaimer: All the information provided here is for information purposes only. Rapan ® products are not to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or cure of any disease. Their main purpose is to support the underlying physiological properties of basic human health through the enhancement of supportive metabolic functions essential to sound human health. They can also be used as a cosmetic product. Although no adverse reactions to the Rapan products have been recorded in its time of existence, we would still recommend you to consult your doctor before using any of the Rapan products if you are suffering from any medical condition.

Reference:

• Adaptogenic and medicinal properties of peloids, Novosibirsk Medical State Academy, Novosibirsk, 2001. Edited by Prof. V.Y.Kulikov.

• Sanogenetic Mechanisms of Peloid Therapy, Novosibirsk Medical Institute, Novosibirsk, 1999. Edited by Prof. V.Y.Kulikov.

• Sanatoria and Resorts' Part in the Processes of Rehabilitation of the Population of the Siberian Region (Materials of the Regional Scientific-Practical Conference, 22-24 October 2003). Novosibirsk, 2003.