Very specific science-based reasons why sheepskins are a great choice for you, your family and your home.
Sheepskins have accompanied humans for ages. First traces of their usage in colder regions of human habitats are reaching 500 B.C. We know that as a fact because of archaeological discoveries such as Mummy in Subashi buried in a pair of sheepskin boots.
Sheep hides have been worn and used for other purposes for centuries because of the many natural warming and health properties of wool and leather. Sheep wool has been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on our health. One of the reasons is that it works as a natural biofilter. High levels of creatine in sheepskins enable them to naturally catch, bind and neutralise particles of harmful chemicals. That’s why they help to neutralise odours at home such as tobacco smell. Another favourable element naturally present in wool is lanolin, a substance well known as a significant ingredient of natural care cosmetics and healing creams. Wool in sheepskin has great thermoregulatory properties which means that it assists to keep body temperature at a natural and stable level. Sheepskins and all products made of wool are breathing materials, they enable free air movement and act as straw draining the moisture from our skin. They lower the temperature when it’s too hot and raise it when it’s too cold. How it’s possible. Well, it’s just plain chemistry 🙂 The reaction between creatine and water vapour can either create or absorb energy in the form of heat depending on the direction of this reaction. This quality is extremely valuable to those that don’t have mature thermoregulatory mechanisms developed yet, namely children. That’s why sheepskins and woollen products are perfect elements of children’s trolleys, rooms and wardrobes. The structure of fibres in wool makes them perfect shock-absorbing support to our bodies that relieve aches and pains. The fibres can act as micro springs because of the three-dimensional spirals that they are made of.
Did you know sheepskins absorb the negatively operating electrosmog at our homes? This last fact seems to be especially important in modern times when electromagnetic waves are constantly emitted by such everyday appliances as television and computer screens, low consumption light bulbs, microwave ovens, electric radiators and many more. Exposure to the electromagnetic field is not new in our history as there are natural sources of it like thunderstorms that were present in our environment. It has significantly increased though since we are surrounded by more and more human-made electromagnetic fields everywhere we go. WHO launched an international program to address the question of whether extensive long-term exposure to lower levels of electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health. There were signs of reported symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, suicide and depression, nausea, fatigue and loss of libido but none of them was ever strongly connected with the exposure to electromagnetic fields. Official WHO statement from 2016 is that: “Despite extensive research, to date, there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health.” Nevertheless, electrosmog is a fact and levels of it have probably increased even more since 2016 when the research program was executed. If just simply laying on a piece of sheepskin or having one around you at home can lower this stress to our body, why not just go ahead and do it? 🙂
Sheepskins wool structure has natural antibacterial and self-cleaning properties. It’s because of a high level of lanolin which is necessary to preserve wool in great condition no matter the weather and external conditions. The layer of this natural animal wax makes sheepskin resistant to dirt, dust and mites as there is no surface they can attach to. That makes sheepskin and woollen products hypoallergenic and helps to keep them in great condition with simple processes like brushing and airing. Of course, the pelt itself has a specific aroma connected with lanolin. The scent of sheepskins can be very calming and relaxing for many people and very uncomfortable for others. Fortunately, there are some methods to deal with the natural aroma of a sheep hide. I’m preparing an article with tips on sheepskin and woollen products care.
One of the least obvious uses for sheepskin is as a yoga mat. Have you known that yogis have used natural animal skins to meditate for centuries? Now it’s impossible to use traditional tiger hide but choosing sheepskin is still a great option. Their natural properties allow you to balance your electromagnetic field and separate you from outside energies. Thermoregulatory properties of a sheepskin allow you to create a cosy micro space for your practice and the sensational feeling of softness and comfort makes sheepskin a perfect choice for a longer meditation. Their self-cleaning properties ensure hassle-free usage for years.
As the demand for sheepmeat has increased for several years now so is the availability of sheepskins. Each of us has to make that individual decision whether buying sheepskins is ethically justified. Pretty Simple philosophy, in this case, is that there is no other natural material with so many great qualities that remains in perfect condition for years as a sheepskin. I believe that it would be a great waste if they weren’t recovered from the meat industry.