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Introduction
Internal Consumption
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
External Use
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt, also known as Pink salt, is considered as the most superior salt in Ayurveda. The color of the salt ranges from white to pink or dark red due to the high content of iron and other minerals present in it.
It is said to contain 84 minerals including calcium, chloride, sodium and zinc. It maintains electrolyte balance in the body, relieves muscle cramps and keeps the body hydrated.
Himalayan salt is beneficial for the formation and strengthening of bones due to its calcium and magnesium content.
Massaging your face with Himalayan salt helps to remove dead skin and cleanses the skin. It can also be used along with some carrier oil to massage joints to reduce stiffness. Soaking your feet in warm water containing Himalayan salt helps to get rid of edema due to its electrolyte balancing property.
It is advisable to avoid excessive intake of Himalayan salt as it may cause problems like high blood pressure and swelling[1].

What are the synonyms of Himalayan Salt?

Mineral Halite, Pink Himalayan Salt, Sendha Namak, Sindhav Salt, Himalayan Rock Salt

What is the source of Himalayan Salt?

Metal & Mineral based

Precautions when using Himalayan Salt

Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Do not take Himalayan salt for a long duration if you have any kind of systematic swelling in the body.
Allergy
Modern Science View
Use it under a doctor’s supervision if you are allergic to Himalayan salt or its constituents[1].
Patients with heart disease
Ayurvedic View
Take Himalayan salt in small quantity if you have high blood pressure. Take a gap between your medicines and the salt if you are taking it for a long duration.

Recommended Dosage of Himalayan Salt

  • Himalayan Salt Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon; not exceeding 1 teaspoon.

How to use Himalayan Salt

1. Himalayan Salt in cooking
Use it as common salt for cooking in day to day life[2].

2. Himalayan Salt with Ginger
a. Take dried Ginger pieces with Himalayan Salt (Sendha namak) before meals twice a day.
b. It can also be used to control high blood pressure and manage digestive problems[8].

Precautions when using Himalayan Salt

Allergy
Modern Science View
1. Apply Himalayan salt to a small area first to test for possible allergic reactions.
2. People who are allergic to Himalayan salt or its constituents should use it only under doctor’s supervision.

Recommended Dosage of Himalayan Salt

  • Himalayan Salt Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

How to use Himalayan Salt

1. Himalayan Salt in bathing water
a. Add ½-1 teaspoon of Himalayan salt in a bucket full of water.
b. Take bath with this water to relieve the symptoms of dermatitis and allergic conditions of the skin[5].

2. Himalayan Salt for fomentation
a. Add ½-1 teaspoon of this salt in hot water.
b. Use this water for fomentation (warm compress) to manage swelling and pain on the affected area.
c. For better results use this remedy twice a day.

3. Himalayan salt tooth powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Himalayan salt.
b. Add 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder.
c. Also add ½ teaspoon of Mustard oil and mix all the ingredients well.
d. Use 1-2 pinch of the mixture at a time and massage over teeth and gums.
e. Rinse with water.
f. This remedy is useful to manage swollen and painful gums.

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Himalayan salt drink is nothing but a salt water containing Himalayan salt. You can either add a pinch of salt to a glass of water, mix and drink it or make a stock and use it everyday.
For making stock:
a. Take a 1 litre plastic bottle and add 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt and fill it with water.
b. Let it rest overnight.
c. Use 1 teaspoon of this solution in a glass, add water to dilute it and drink every day.
Modern Science View
You can buy Himalayan salt either from your local grocery store or online.
Modern Science View
Himalayan salt lamps are decorative lights that are made from solid blocks of salt. A salt block is carved in a way to contain a light bulb that generates heat and light, similar to that of a bed light. These lamps are are believed to keep the air clean in a room along with having numerous health benefits[10].
Modern Science View
Himalayan salt lamp helps in relaxation, meditation and also energizes the body. The common health benefits of this lamp include relief from stress, recurrent migraines, tiredness, insomnia and nervousness. It also improves concentration[10].
Modern Science View
Himalayan Salt might be a good alternative over table salt due to its high potassium and magnesium content[1]. However, it is also high in sodium content, which is not good for people with high blood pressure. So it is advisable to use Himalayan salt with doctor's consultation if you have high blood pressure.
Modern Science View
There is no direct evidence stating the role of Himalayan salt in weight loss. However, a study said that Himalayan salt water along with other dietary changes did help in managing weight. But the role of Himalayan salt alone on weight loss is not yet proved[7].
Modern Science View
Just like table salt, excess intake of Himalayan salt can put you at risk of hypertension and heart problems. Excess consumption of salt can increase your risk of stroke and kidney disease[8].
Modern Science View
Although there is no research on the interaction of Himalayan salt with drugs, it is advisable to consult your doctor to prevent complications. However, people taking diuretics need to be careful as an excess of sodium in the body can prevent the removal of sodium from the body[9].
Modern Science View
No, there are no research studies that states that Himalayan salt is toxic. In fact, it is believed to be the purest form of salt due to its origin. Also, the high content of potassium and magnesium makes it a better alternative over table salt[1].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Himalayan salt in regulating hormonal imbalance; it may regulate hormonal imbalance[15].
Modern Science View
Yes, Himalayan salt prevent muscle cramps as muscle cramps are generally caused due to magnesium deficiency. Himalayan salt contains magnesium in sufficient quantities and thus helps to overcome muscle cramps. Drinking water mixed with a spoon of Himalayan salt helps to get relief from muscle cramps within a few minutes[11][12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Himalayan salt help promote bone strength as it contains various trace minerals including calcium and magnesium. Both calcium as well as magnesium are very important for bone formation and strengthens the bones and connective tissues[11][12].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to explain the role of Himalayan salt in supporting libido; however due to its high mineral content, it stimulates circulation and may support libido[14][15].
Modern Science View
Yes, Himalayan salt is beneficial in enhancing the immune system. It provides all the essential trace minerals and improves the immune system. It fights against bacteria and helps in quick recovery from illnesses[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Himalayan salt helps prevent acid reflux by balancing and regulating the pH of the body. It also has rich iron content due to which it manages heartburn, bloating and flatulence[14-16].
Modern Science View
Yes, Himalayan salt is useful to lower the risk of bacterial skin infections by inhibiting bacterial growth[3]. It also helps control skin problems like dermatitis. It reduces swelling associated with dermatitis when used as saltwater.
Modern Science View
It is believed that taking salt water bath can clear dead skin and toxins from the body surface. Salt water bath also helps reduce swelling and pain in the body. Its antibacterial property also helps prevent infections. However, not enough scientific evidence is available, so the health benefits of Himalayan salt water bath needs to be evaluated[5].
Modern Science View
Although the role of Himalayan salt in managing asthma and improving other respiratory conditions is not clear, there are studies on the use of dry salt inhalation therapy (halotherapy) . When you inhale the dry salt, it helps clear the respiratory passage. It decreases inflammation of the airways and dissolves mucus. This helps in clearing cough and improving the symptoms of asthma[4].
Modern Science View
Ideally, Himalayan salt can be used as long as it remains intact. As salt is hygroscopic in nature (absorbs water from air), it is important to store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container to retain its benefits. If it turns sticky, then avoid using it as it might not serve its purpose.
Modern Science View
Yes, Himalayan salt help in regulating mood and sleep as it maintains the level of sleep hormone (melatonin) in the body and regulates sleep cycle. It helps to relax the body and mind and improves the mood[11].

Tip:

Taking a relaxing bath with a tablespoon of Himalayan salt mixed in water helps to manage stress and anxiety.

References

  1. 1
    Hendel B, Ferreira F. Water and salt: the essence of life:The healing power of nature.(Illustrated ed.)Natural Resources, Incorporated; 2003.
  2. 2
    Farquhar WB, Edwards DG, Jurkovitz CT, et al. Dietary sodium and health: more than just blood pressure.J Am Coll Cardiol.2015;65(10):1042-50.
  3. 3
    antsch J, Schatz V, Friedrich D, et al.Cutaneous Na+storage strengthens the antimicrobial barrier function of the skin and boosts macrophage-driven host defense.Cell Metab.2015;21(3):493-501.
  4. 4
    Endre L.Theoretical basis and clinical benefits of dry salt inhalation therapy.Orv Hetil.2015;156(41):1643-52.
  5. 5
    Proksch E, Nissen HP, Bremgartner M, et al.Urquhart C.Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin.Int J Dermatol.2005;44(2):151-7.
  6. 6
    Yoshizawa Y, Kitamura K, Kawana S, et al.Water, salts and skin barrier of normal skin.Skin Res Technol.2003;9(1):31-3.
  7. 7
    Balliett M, Burke JR.Changes in anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, and testosterone in patients participating in a low-energy dietary intervention.J Chiropr Med.2013;12(1):3-14.
  8. 8
    Rust P, Ekmekcioglu C.Impact of salt Intake on the pathogenesis and treatment of hypertension.Adv Exp Med Biol.2017;956:61-84.
  9. 9
    Milan A, Mulatero P, Rabbia F, et al.Salt intake and hypertension therapy.J Nephrol.2002(1):1-6.
  10. 10
    Lefèvre C.Himalayan salt crystal lamps: for healing, harmony, and purification.Simon and Schuster,2009.
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.