Himalayan salt is crystal salt that originates from Pakistan in the east karakorom range of the great Himalayan Mountains.  It is also known as rock salt or Himalayan pink salt or pink salt. What is striking about this salt is that it is considered to be the best and purest form of salt available. A majority of people consider salt to be sodium chloride and it is this highly processed substance that is being used in most houses for cooking. What many of us probably don’t know is that refined salt is not nutrient rich. In addition to being the king of salts, Himalayan salt is also referred to as the salt of life, because of the fact that it is rich in minerals and therefore offers nourishment and many health benefits to us. It has been found to contain 84 natural minerals along with trace elements that are extremely important for our healthy life and wellbeing.

Himalayan salt has been exposed to tremendous tectonic pressure for millions of years and hence is devoid of any kind of impurities. There are several factors that sets the crystal salt aside from the other kinds of salts. As mentioned earlier, it is the purest form of salt that is hand-mined and hand-washed. It does not contain any kind of environmental pollutants and also has unlimited shelf life. Apart from cooking, it is also used in brine bath. However, the most important benefit of all is that it is nutrient rich and promotes a healthy body.

Chemical composition of Himalayan salt

Himalayan salt is a storehouse of many nutrients and minerals that are essential for the human body. Some of the important minerals that are present in this salt include sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, sulphur, iron, magnesium, silicon, boron, zinc, manganese, iodine, copper, phosphorus, selenium, bromine, and strontium.

Health benefits of Himalayan salt

Too much of salt consumption has been associated with many health problems and issues. However, these problems can be kept at bay by including the right kind of salt in your diet. Unlike the other forms of salt, Himalayan salt is free from toxins or impurities which obviously makes it superior to the other salts. The various minerals and trace elements present in Himalayan salt makes it highly beneficial in many ways.

Himalayan salt helps to regulate the water content in your body

Changes in the level of water can affect the normal functioning of the body. So regulating the water content in your body is extremely important for maintaining proper health. Himalayan salt has been found to have the ability to regulate the water content, thus ensuring proper bodily functions.

Himalayan pink salt can regulate the blood sugar levels

One of the most important benefits of Himalayan salt is that it is capable of regulating the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Consumption of this crystal salt causes it to be easily absorbed into the blood stream which in turn causes water to move from the cells to the blood by the process of osmosis. As a result the blood volume increases and stimulates the kidneys to remove the excess amount of sugar in the blood.

Himalayan salt helps to promote a stable pH balance

The pH of your body refers to the measure of alkalinity or acidity of the cells in your body. In order to function properly, the cells in your body have to be somewhat alkaline. The consumption of Himalayan salt helps to provide this alkalinity to the cells. It helps the body to maintain a stable pH balance, regulates the fluid content and also aids in the elimination of heavy metals like arsenic, lead etc.

Himalayan salt promotes cardiovascular health

The proper functioning of your cardiovascular system is extremely important to lead a normal and healthy life. Factors including improper lifestyle, unhealthy diet, obesity and stress play a vital role in affecting the health of your heart and causing serious conditions like heart failure or heart attack. Himalayan salt is an excellent source of minerals like magnesium and calcium that helps to promote a healthy cardiovascular system.

Himalayan pink salt for skin disorders

Studies and tests reveal that some of the minerals contained in Himalayan salt can nourish the skin and can help to combat many skin problems like acne and aging marks. Brine solution, made by combining Himalayan salt and mineral water is an excellent solution for treating blisters and dry skin. Minerals like Chromium, zinc, and Iodine, present in this salt helps to reduce infections of the skin and also protects your skin from acne.

Himalayan salt helps to prevent muscle cramps

Muscle cramps generally occur when a muscle has been overly used or your body does not have adequate fluid levels and minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. A perfect solution for this problem is to include Himalayan salt in your diet. The vast array of minerals and trace elements present in this salt will provide your body with the essential minerals and will also help to maintain the correct fluid balance.

Himalayan salt against digestive disorders

The inclusion of Himalayan salt in your daily diet ensures that the food you eat is properly digested and passes easily through the intestinal tract. It stimulates your salivary glands leading to the production of more saliva. The enzymes present in saliva helps to breakdown the food into tiny molecules. Himalayan salt also stimulates the digestive juices that aids in the further breakdown of the food thereby allowing easy digestion.

Himalayan salt for persistent respiratory problems

Brine solution containing Himalayan salt can be used in the treatment of many respiratory ailments including bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma. Inhaling the steam of brine solution is very helpful in clearing the allergens and blockages in your respiratory passages, allowing you to breathe without any difficulty.

Himalayan pink salt for dental hygiene

The importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene cannot be overlooked. Dental problems like cavities, tartar, plaque etc, if not taken care of, can lead to painful infection. One way to ensure good oral hygiene is to use wash your mouth with brine solution, which is a solution of Himalayan salt in distilled water. Potassium present in the Himalayan salt can prevent bleeding of your gums. Calcium, another important mineral found in Himalayan salt is useful for keeping your teeth strong and whiter. Cleaning your mouth with the brine solution will allow you to have fresher breath.

Himalayan salt is good for headaches

Headaches can range from mild to severe types and can occur due to many reasons like stress, lack of sleep, vision problems etc. Whatever the reason may be one remedy that will give you immense relief from your headache is Himalayan salt. Massaging the brine solution or sole solution (Himalayan salt in distilled water) in the affected area is a great way to ease up the pain. The good thing about such remedies is that they are not only effective, but also free from any kind of side effects.

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Rock salt for sore throat

Having a sore throat can be painful and very uncomfortable too. This infection, caused by bacteria or virus can lead to inflammation in your throat, which makes it difficult for you to eat and drink. The sole solution is again a good remedy for getting relief from sore throat. Gargling with this solution can fight off the bacteria and virus and get rid of the infection.

Himalayan salt can ease menstrual problems

For many women menstrual cramps are painful and debilitating. Himalayan salt has been found to have the ability to provide relief from the cramps and other kinds of menstrual disorders. A mixture of Himalayan salt in warm water can be poured into a sachet a placed on your stomach. After half an hour, you will feel great relief as the solution relieves the stress and pressure on your muscles.

Himalayan salt for fighting ear infections

Ear infections are caused by viruses and bacteria. Himalayan salt has been found to have the power to fight against these infection causing microbes. It can be combined with distilled water and used as ear drops.

Other uses of Himalayan pink salt

In addition to the various health benefits, Himalayan salt also has many other uses.

Himalayan salt in cooking – Himalayan salt, with its amazing array of minerals and nutrients is an excellent and healthy alternative to refined table salt.

Himalayan salt block – Himalayan salt blocks, available in gourmet food stores can be used to serve food as well as to cook food. You can cook anything on these blocks and enjoy tasty flavorful meals.

Decorations using Himalayan salt – Himalayan salt can be placed in beautiful containers and used as décor crystals.

Himalayan salt for brine bath – A brine bath that uses Himalayan salt can be nourishing and replenishing. The minerals in the salt soothe and heal your body by improving your blood circulation. The overall experience can be replenishing and therapeutic to your mind and body.

Where to purchase Himalayan salt

Himalayan salt is easily available nowadays. You can find them in local food stores or super markets.

The wonders of Himalayan salt are innumerable. Regular use of this salt can keep you healthy and allow your body to function at its optimum best.

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