Salt is very important for our body as it balances the fluid flow and also blood pressure. It is commonly used as a food flavoring agent. The most superior quality of salt comes as the variety known as Himalayan Pink Salt. The value of salt is high enough to earn the name of "white gold" by the alchemists. It is also known as King Salt, and in Ayurveda, it is the "Salt of Life."
The Himalayan Pink Salt has a content of iron and some other minerals. The presence of iron gives it the pinkish to deep pink or red color, depending on the amount of the iron content. It is said to contain about 84 minerals essential for the body and thus has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for ages.
The Himalayan Pink Salt is mined in the Salt Range Mountains, which lies south of the Himalayas in Pakistan's present-day Punjab region. The crystalline mine of salt is said to have formed by evaporation of an inland sea from the Jurassic era, which led to the deposition of iron content salt on the beds.
The Himalayan Salt is rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, chlorine, sodium, zinc, etc., all in the right amount. The salt is anti-toxin, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant. Due to all of the properties mentioned above, it has been used to treat several conditions, infections, and some diseases. Even the modern-day western doctors recommend the wonder salt to people these days.
The Himalayan Salt can have an allergic effect on some people and can also be harmful when taken in a very large quantity. The article will give you all the information you need BOUT Himalayan Pink Salt.
How did the word “Himalayan Salt” originate?
As the name suggests, Himalayan salt is found a little south of the Himalayan mountain range in Pakistan's Punjab region. The salt is pink in color due to iron in the rock formation that contains the salt.
The Himalayan Pink Salt is also called “Sendha Namak” in Hindi. This name is derived from the Sanskrit name, “Saindhava Lavana” which was named so because it was found in the Sindh region.
Historical Use of Himalayan Salt
The Himalayan Pink salt is said to have formed during the Jurassic era by evaporation of an inland sea and decomposition of the crystalline mineral. It means that it had been present on earth 300 million years ago. The decomposed salt is now mined for the nutritional rich salt to be used by people.
The salt is believed to be the purest salt present to humanity today. It is also because the salt mines were preserved for years by volcanic lava, due to which it was out of reach of the toxins.
People residing on the Himalayas were the first ones to use the salt found there. In ancient times, people used it as a preservative in the Himalayan region. It was first used to prevent food from going stale.
Soon, people started using the Himalayan Salt in Ayurveda because of the various healing properties it possessed that our ancestors learned over time. It was found to stabilize appetite, blood pressure, acidity, infections, and even cure skin problems.
For years till today, salt is widely used as a better slice of life by people following the Ayurvedic diet.
Mineral Content
Himalayan Pink Salt has a total of 84 minerals that are contained in the crystalline rock formation. The most common minerals that are found are calcium and potassium. In commonly known minerals, one gram of Himalayan Salt contains 0.036 milligrams of iron, 1.6 milligrams of potassium, 2.8 milligrams of magnesium, and 368 milligrams of sodium.
It has comparatively more amount of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron than table salt, whereas sodium and iodine content in Himalayan Pink Salt is lesser.
Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt in Ayurvedic Treatment
As of now, there is no solid scientific study of the properties and benefits of the Himalayan Salt. However, we cannot deny the fact that it has been used successfully for ages by our ancestors from a very ancient time. It has been trusted and also recommended by the Ayurvedic experts.
Himalayan Salt has proven itself to be very effective in flushing out toxins from our body and also stabilize the sugar level. It is a good digestive when taken in the right amount. The salt also benefits the skin and is sold in bath salts as well.
Below are more specific scientific and Ayurvedic benefits of Himalayan Salt.
Treating diseases/health problems using Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt for Acidity
Acidity is a result of the formation of gas in the stomach. It Is caused due to a bad digestive system. Himalayan Salt is an anti-oxidant that clears the digestive tract and eases the formation of gas. It not only relieves gas and acidity but also cures indigestion.
The formation of gas is related to the Vata Dosha and the Pitta Dosha. Imbalance of the same results in toxins to be accumulated in the digestive tract that forms gas.
Himalayan Salt balances the Vata Dosha by reducing it and Pitta Dosha by increasing it in the body, leading to indigestion, gas, and acidity.
Himalayan Salt for appetite
The anti-oxidants in the Himalayan Salt clears the digestive tracts of the toxins and makes the digestion process be easier. This results in the digestion of food in time to be hungry for the next meal. Thus, the salt helps in reducing the loss of appetite.
By balancing the Vata and Pitta Dosha and curing indigestion, the salt thus improves the digestion process. It results in reducing the loss of appetite that is caused due to a bad digestive system.
Himalayan Salt for Obesity
Himalayan Salt reactivates the insulin that reduces sugar cravings. As the sugar intake reduces, the fat accumulation in the body is also reduced. Hence, Himalayan Salt helps in curing obesity.
Due to the Himalayan salt's Deepan or appetizer properties, it helps in burning fat in the body while also improving the metabolism. The fat deposition thus reduces, and obesity is cured.
Himalayan salt for Throat infection
Himalayan Salt has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the swelling in the throat caused due to an infection.
When dissolved with warm water and drank or gargled with, the salt helps in calming the swelling and thus soothes the burning.
Swelling in the throat is caused due to imbalance in Kapha Dosha and Pitta Dosha.
Himalayan Salt reduces the Kapha and increases the Pitta, thus balancing the Doshas in the right amount. This soothes the inflammation, burning sensation, and swelling in the neck, thus curing throat infection.
Himalayan Salt for Asthma
Himalayan Salt has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that ease up the burning sensation in the neck and the condition of not being able to breathe properly. It clears up the respiratory tract and helps ease up Asthma.
Asthma is caused due to increased Vata and Kapha Dosha. The respiratory tract is eased up when the Dosha is balanced. Himalayan Salt not only balances Kapha and Vata Dosha but also increases the Pitta.It slowly helps in comforting the breathing problems.
Himalayan salt for Joint pain
Due to anti-inflammatory property, the Himalayan Salt reduces the inflammation in the bones' joints and thus also reduces the stiffness and pain caused due to it.
Joint pain is caused due to Vata Dosha being amplified. Himalayan Salt balances the Vata Dosha by reducing it to the normal levels. The oil of Himalayan salt relieves joint pain and stiffness.
Himalayan Salt for Hair Loss
Himalayan Salt is anti-bacterial. It helps in getting rid of the bacterial formation in hair that leads to dryness, and thus hair fall. Hence, the salt also cures hair fall issues.
Hair fall is majorly caused due to dryness in hair, which is a result of the imbalance of Vata Dosha.
Himalayan Salt is Snigdha or oily in content that removes dryness and balances Vata. This, in turn, reduces the hair fall.
Himalayan Salt for Skin
Himalayan salt is used as a bath salt by people. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-toxin properties that helps in clearing the skin. The salt also being oily helps in removing the dryness of the skin.
Due to the considerably rough texture, the salt is used as an exfoliator to clear the pores.
Himalayan Salt is Laghu or light in nature due to which the exfoliation is easier with it. It clears the pores and gives the skin a glowing tint.
The salt is also Singdha or oily in a property that reduces the dry skin and balances the oil content in the skin.
Forms of Himalayan Salt and Recommended Dosage
The Himalayan Salt is a rock salt is used in powdered form. While some people buy the blocks and grind it up at home, people generally buy the ground and pack salt for use.
Himalayan Salt Powder – The salt can be used to prepare the meals for the day. Half to one teaspoon is recommended for one person during one meal.
Types of Ayurvedic Care With Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt Water
You can add ½ to 1 teaspoon of Himalayan Pink Salt in warm water.
This can be drunk directly or used in gargling.
The process helps in reducing swelling in the neck and pain in the affected areas.
Use twice a day to cure throat infection.
Himalayan salt in Cooking
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of the salt while preparing the meal for one person.
The meal can be enjoyed once it is cooked.
This helps in balancing the tri-Dosha and is an Ayurvedic lifestyle.
Himalayan Bath salt
Use ½ to 1 teaspoon in a bucket full of water or 1 teaspoon in a bathtub.
The salt can also be used as an exfoliation scrub while making sure not to rub the skin a lot.
This removes dryness and clears the pores.
Himalayan Salt as Tooth Cleaning Agent
Add ½ a teaspoon of Himalayan salt to 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder and ½ teaspoon of mustard oil.
Mix them well to form a paste.
Apply it over the teeth and gum and rinse with water.
This reduces swelling in gum, toothache and also whitens the teeth.
Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan Salt Lamps are beautiful and can be placed anywhere in a room. The salt in the lamp helps purify the air and remove toxins from it and thus also from the body. It neutralizes the dust particles in the air to purify it.
Side Effects of Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt is rich in Sodium and Chlorine. Excessive intake of the same is harmful to us. Anything taken in a quantity that is more than required is not good for health.
Excessive intake of Chlorine
Consuming a lot of Himalayan Salt can increase acidity in the body by causing hypochloraemia. This can cause dehydration and also kidney failure.
Too much consumption of chlorine can also create complications for diabetic patients.
Less intake of Iodine
The Himalayan Salt is non-iodized. Constantly using Himalayan salt while not taking dairy, seafood, and table salt can result in iodine deficiency in the body.
This results in improper blood flow and bodily functions.
Intake of excessive Sodium
Himalayan Salt has sodium content in the form of sodium chloride. Excessive intake of the same is harmful to health. It can cause electrolyte imbalance and thus excessive dehydration. It can also play with our pulse rate and elevate blood pressure.
The side effects caused due to excessive intake of Himalayan Salt are:
Dehydration
Imbalance in Blood Sugar level
Hormonal Imbalance
Elevated Diabetes
Kidney problems
Elevated blood pressure
It is advised for people who suffer from high blood pressure, kidney problems, and diabetes to not take Himalayan salt without your physician's consultation. In case of any of the side effects, you should immediately visit a doctor.
Precautionary Guide while Using Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt for people who are Allergic
Some people can be allergic to Himalayan Salt. If you are unaware of the allergy, it is best to try a small amount on your skin for possible reactions or to get an allergy test done if you are cautious. In case of allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, etc., stop using Himalayan Salt immediately and consult a doctor for the same. It is important to visit a doctor and get an anti-allergy immediately.
Himalayan Salt during Pregnancy
It is not clear with scientific evidence if Himalayan Salt is good for pregnant ladies or not. The less iodine content can result in iodine deficiency in the body that can harm the fetus inside. It is best not to experiment with it while you are pregnant and not consume it.
Himalayan Salt during Breastfeeding
Iodine deficiency is also not good while breastfeeding. It can be passed on to the baby and is harmful. It is best to have a good source of iodine if you want to consume Himalayan Pink Salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dissolve Himalayan Salt and drink it with water?
Himalayan Saltwater is good for health. You can add a pinch of salt in warm water and drink it slowly.
½ to 1 teaspoon of the salt can also be added to a water bottle and left to sit overnight. This mixture is taken as a teaspoon and added to warm water. You can drink it once or twice every day.
2.What is a Himalayan salt lamp?
Himalayan Salt lamps are decorative pieces made of Himalayan Pink Salt. It is kept in the corner of the room to purify the air and remove the toxins. A light bulb is placed inside the carved salt piece. Apart from improving the air quality, it is used to impart positive energy to boost the mood. The purified air and good mood will also help you in getting good sleep.
How to tell if the salt lamp is authentic?
A real Himalayan Salt Lamp is made of pure salt rock. It is light in weight and gets dissolved in water easily. In case your lamp is doing too well in water, it means that the lamp is fake. Also, it is not advised to keep a salt lamp near water as it will dissolve. An authentic salt lamp gives a soft glow. If your lamp is way too bright, there are chances it is fake or has mixed salt content.
1.Why is the color of the Himalayan Salt Pink?
Himalayan Salt is rich in iron. The infusion process creates the color of the crystal in the salt. Depending on the iron content, the Himalayan Salt varies from light pink, orange to red in color.
2.Is Himalayan salt better than table salt?
Himalayan Salt is believed to be the purest form of salt available to man today. It is used in the Ayurvedic lifestyle instead of table salt to cure several health problems. Thus, if you follow the proper Ayurvedic diet, you will be able to get the iodine intake from other diet items while also taking the benefits of the pink salt, which implies that Himalayan Salt is better than the table salt.
3.Does Himalayan salt go through a cleaning process?
Yes, Himalayan Salt goes through an intensive cleaning process. Even though it is the purest salt, there can be contamination due to irregular surface area. The salt that is mined is cleaned with an Ultrasonic technology and RO purified water.
4.Which variant of the color is considered to be of the highest quality?
The lighter the color of the salt, the better is the product. Darker color signifies the presence of impurities in the salt rock. Pink salt is the most soluble in water and thus also free of impurities and high in quality. Pink salt is graded AA in quality, and light pink or baby pink salt rock is AAA graded.
5.How to store Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan Salt should be packed and kept in a cool and dry place. Water or due can ruin the salt. Also, the sat should never be stored in a metal container. It can react with the metal. It is best to store Himalayan Salt in a glass container.
6.How much should Himalayan Salt be consumed on a daily basis?
Himalayan salt has a considerable amount of Sodium. The human body needs not more than 500 milligrams of sodium on a daily basis. It should not be fed anything more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium in a day. You can consume Himalayan salt as per your taste; however, be careful with diabetic patients and people with high blood pressure. Also, do not overdose with the salt as it can create side effects.
7.What are the other names of Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan Salt is also known as Pink Himalayan Salt, Black salt, White Gold, Pink Salt, or Halite.
8.Does Himalayan Salt expire?
No, Himalayan Salt does not expire. However, it should be kept according to the measures to avoid developing toxins in the salt.
9.Is Himalayan Salt lamp safe for consumption?
No, a salt lamp is not meant for consumption. Himalayan Salt Lamp is made of 100% natural pink salt. It is not processed and cleaned. Consumption of the same is hazardous to health. It is also better to keep the lamp away from the reach of children and pets.
10.Is Himalayan Salt organic?
Under the regulations of the government, the Himalayan Salt is not organic. Salt is a mineral and cannot be organically grown. It is residual of the sea being evaporated and cannot be organic.
11.Where can I buy Himalayan Salt?
You can find Himalayan Pink Salt in the nearest grocery store.The Ayurvedic care centers also have Himalayan Salt on sale.
