Himalayan pink salt is rock salt from the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the foothills of the Himalayas. This salt earns its place among the healthiest salts. It contains up to 98 per cent sodium chloride and the rest of the salt consists of trace minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Himalayan pink salt is a rock salt but all rock salts are not Himalayan pink salt. The difference between the two is the mineral make up. The crystals of this salt are pinkish. This salt is the purest type of salt on this Earth. It has become a craze in the wellness industry, being coolant in nature and one of the healthiest ingredients which can prevent and cure various health problems.
The qualities, usages and health benefits of Himalayan rock salt are quite different from regular salt. It is used for seasoning foodstuffs, pickles, preserving food items, purification processes, therapeutic formulations and so on. Amongst the varieties of salt, it is considered the best.
Benefits of Himalayan rock salt:
Improves digestion: Himalayan rock salt improves loss of appetite and promotes digestion.
Improves metabolism: Being loaded with natural minerals, this salt boosts body’s metabolism and thus enhances the immune system as well.
Prevents dehydration: A pinch of Himalayan rock salt to meals and drinks can help the body achieve optimal fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
Useful to cure anaemia: Himalayan pink salt comes from ancient sea beds in the Himalayan mountains. Its pink colour comes from its rich iron content and thus it helps combat anaemia.
Strengthens bones: Pink rock salt contains a diverse range of trace minerals and electrolytes, which may contribute to bone health.
Helps relieve joint stiffness: Soak the affected joint for 15 to 20 minutes in warm water containing rock salt. Then tap dry. It will ease stiffness in your joints.
Helps relieve respiratory disorders: Himalayan rock salt therapy helps decrease inflammation and open up airway passages while helping to get rid of allergens and toxins from the respiratory system. It can relieve cough, cold, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections etc.
Helps combat obesity: It reduces sugar cravings by reactivating insulin. So it encourages weight-loss and combats obesity.
Boosts immunity: Himalayan rock salt contains all the essential trace minerals and it can do wonders for your immunity. It fights harmful bacteria and helps kick illnesses to the curb.
Good for sound sleep: Pink rock salt regulates the level of melatonin and thus regulates our sleep cycle. It helps to relax mind and body and also manages stress and anxiety. This also aids sound sleep.
Helps combat high cholesterol: Ordinary iodised salt contributes to sodium levels of the body which can increase levels of hypertension, which when combined with high levels of cholesterol can spell trouble. If you need to use salt, make sure to use Himalayan rock salt and not the refined salt to reduce this problem.
Good for hair: Rock salt deeply cleanses your scalp and removes dirt from your hair without stripping them off their natural oils. Just mix a little quantity to any mild shampoo and rinse with cold water.
Good for skin: Himalayan rock salt draws toxins out of the body. It is great for cleansing the skin and getting rid of clogged pores. Just mix a teaspoon with your regular face wash and rinse with cold water. It exfoliates your skin and helps get rid of dead, dull, rough and ageing skin.
Good for heart: Although high intake of sodium chloride has been found to raise blood pressure, which dramatically raises the risk of heart attack, strokes and many other serious health issues, but Himalayan rock salt is a better alternative to table salt as it is high on potassium and helps stabilise blood pressure by maintaining a balance of high and low blood pressure. Therefore it is good for the heart but in small quantities.
Good for eyes: This salt contains your daily recommended amount of trace minerals. Table salt causes you to become dehydrated and it can dry out your eyes which can lead to vision problems. Surprisingly, Himalayan pink salt would not dehydrate you. It has 84 trace minerals which actually improve eye health.
Improves the taste of food: Making the switch to Himalayan pink salt will not only benefit your health, but it will boost the flavour of food. This salt is not refined, yet it is bursting with flavours.
Considering the wealth of minerals Himalayan rock salt contains, it will have beneficial effects for one’s health. However, use it in moderation because an excess of everything is bad. Remember to consult your doctor before trying these natural remedies.