The Himalayan Mountains are the tallest mountains in the world, and span across five different countries. The region is known for having an amazing amount of natural medicinal resources that have been used for thousands of years. There is so much biodiversity available, and many of the plants that call the Himalayan mountain range home can be used in their entirety to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. The mountains are also home to many essential minerals as well as precious stones.
Himalayan sea salt is mined from the Punjab area in Pakistan, and has a pink color due to the iron oxide in the salt. This natural substance has been used for many years by many different people for a variety of uses, and each year we learn a little more about the variety of benefits that it can provide.
Detoxification
Externally, Himalayan sea salt can be used as a detoxification bath. We recommend using about 2 pounds for a 30-gallon bath (the average bathtub can be filled to 25-50 gallons). It’s best if the bath water isn’t too hot or too cold, but rather the same temperature as your body (96 to 99 degrees).
When bathing, the salt will bond the water to your skin in order to preserve moisture. Toxins are then released from your body, and your body is able to absorb the minerals directly from the sodium through an osmosis process.
Relaxation
Not only will a Himalayan sea salt bath help to detoxify you, but it’s also incredibly relaxing and can provide relief for stiff joints and sore muscles. Salt baths reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
The anti-bacterial properties of the Himalayan salt can be beneficial for people who suffer from skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. There is a reason that it can sometimes sting to get salt into a cut— the salt is actually killing the bacteria!
While bathing, your body is also able to absorb minerals. Himalayan sea salt actually contains 84 different minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron, as well as trace amounts of zinc, iodine, and copper. All of these minerals are essential for your body to function, and can be easily absorbed by your body. Of course many of these minerals can be found elsewhere, but in Himalayan sea salt they occur naturally, without any need for processing or refinement, making them purer and closer to the actual source.
Sinuses
Sea salt can also be used to clear out your sinuses. Neti pots use salt water to cleanse the nasal passages, and using Himalayan sea salt can offer even more benefits than regular sea salt. This salt actually kills bacteria and gets rid of any contaminates or pollutants that may be lingering in your nasal passages. The bacteria is then flushed out with the salt. It can also detoxify the air you breathe.
Besides Neti pots, you can also experiment with lamps. There are many special Himalayan salt lamps for sale that you can put in your home or office to purify the air.
These lamps are typically made with a large chunk of pink sea salt. The salt works by pulling the moisture (along with all the toxins in the moisture) from the surrounding air directly into the salt. The light bulb located within the lamp creates heat, which evaporates the moisture back into the air. However, the toxins remain trapped in the salt ions.
The sea salt is able to trap so many different toxins, including cigarette smoke and residue, dust, pet dander, mold, and pollen. So therefore this lamp could provide HUGE relief for people who suffer from allergies, because the allergens will be removed directly from the air and trapped in the lamp. Along with natural nasal spray, these lamps are one of the best ways to help your sinuses.
A Himalayan Salt Lamp
Replenishing Electrolytes
Of course, one easy way to experience the benefits of Himalayan sea salt is to simply consume it. The salt contains many natural electrolytes (those important minerals that are often added to artificially flavored sports drinks). Electrolytes are extremely important for regulating your body’s hydration, and are important to replenish during times of extreme exertion.
Consuming the salt can also help to improve your digestion while reducing acid reflux.
Conclusion
It’s important that we continue to learn and study the benefits of this wonderful salt. It’s one of those wonderful natural elements that seems to have so many different uses. Therefore it’s definitely worth having around the house at all times.
Whether for a detoxifying bath, a cleansing air purifier, or just an addition to your food, this salt has amazing benefits and should be apart of your healthy, natural lifestyle. We recommend picking up a bag of The Spice Lab’s Finely Ground Pure Himalayan Salt.