Sulfur

Sulfur powder is a refined form of the bright, yellow element that resembles baby powder. When burned, it produces a very strong odor similar to rotten eggs, and a bright, blue flame. In its pure form, this powder can be used to treat acne and other skin problems. Sulfur is considered an essential element to all life and is available in the human body as biotin and thiamine. Enzymes use it for antioxidant functions.

In the past, most sulfur powder came from mines and volcanic activity. It was ground from rocks and salt domes of fossilized minerals through a hot water process that melted sulfur and produced pure powder. These processes were used up until the 20th century, when the element became scarce and too expensive to mine.

Most modern sulfur comes as a byproduct of the petroleum refining process and natural gas industry, in the form of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is converted to usable sulfur used in fertilizers, gunpowder, matches, and detergents. The rubber, plastic, and paper industries also use sulfur extracted from sulfuric gases.

As a dietary supplement, sulfur powder might be used to treat bacterial infections on the skin or internally. It can stimulate the production of bile and boost the immune system by protecting the body from pollution and radiation exposure. Historically, sulfur was used as a laxative and diuretic and to treat gout, scurvy, spasms, and rheumatism.

Sulfur has made up the base for sulfa drugs used as a primary antibiotic for decades, and it was also used to treat viral infections and parasites. In Chinese medicine, it was used to treat acne, ringworm, psoriasis, and eczema. The powder can be purchased in its pure form and mixed with cream or bought as a ready-to-use ointment.

Health experts say sulfur as a food additive is safe in very small amounts. The mineral can burn the eyes, tissues, and lungs if they are exposed to sulfuric gases. Acid rain can come from coal and petroleum production, and from power plants that extract sulfuric acid, which can cause environmental harm to soil and water resources. In some regions, improved environmental standards address these concerns.

Sulfur is referred to as brimstone in the Bible. It is considered an element of fire used in exorcism and magic, and it has been used in magic rituals to remove hexes or spells and to protect people from harm.

Garlic contains ample amounts of the element. Sulfur can also be found in Brussels sprouts, onions, cabbage, and turnips. Wheat germ and some beans, including soybeans, also contain it. In the human body, several amino acids rely on sulfur for proper functioning.

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Discuss this Article

kylee07drg Post 4	My cousin uses this organic powder to treat her acne. It is working, though the smell is a bit strong, and it reminds me of the air near this lake that I have been to multiple times. I have smelled the intense odor of sulfur in the air around the lake, because there is a paper mill located nearby. Every time I go there, I am a bit overwhelmed by the scent of sulfur in the air. I've read that sulfur is used to bleach paper, so I guess this is why the mill is using it. It really does stink up the town, and even though it is organic, I think it's bad for the environment because of the odor pollution! Who wants to go camping at a lake that smells like sulfur?
Oceana Post 3	My cousin lives in Australia, and they spell it like “sulphur” instead of “sulfer” over there. We both tried to correct each other before realizing that its a cultural difference. I had been writing to tell her that I had been having problems with mildew growing on my pumpkins in the garden. She suggested that I use powdered sulphur. The really fine powder can prevent mildew. You just dust it on the plants. There is a courser sulphur powder that you can use to increase the soil's acidity, if you have plants that need acidic soil. I had never heard of using either type of powdered sulphur for gardening before, and I was happy to hear that I could use something organic instead of buying a bottle of chemicals.
giddion Post 2	@shell4life – If you cut or crush onions or garlic, there is a chemical reaction. Something in them breaks down into sulphide compounds, and this is why they smell so pungent. I've heard that people who eat onions and garlic regularly decrease their risk of getting cancer. I would imagine that eating natural sources instead of buying sulphur powder in supplement form would give you the most benefit, though.
shell4life Post 1	I had no idea that garlic, onions, and cabbage contained sulfur! I eat these regularly, so I guess my body is getting enough of it. Is the sulfur what gives these foods their potent and sometimes offensive aroma? I did notice that they are all very pungent.

 PS  I have picked up sulfur from volcanoes in Hawaii, and gotten burned on my fingers for the effort. So be careful in this situation. At least I am, now.