9 Healthy Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits and More

The Himalayan pink salt benefits1 mentioned in this article will make you switch to a healthier alternative and a definite beneficial choice for your meal.

Origin Of Pink Himalayan Salt

The Pink Himalayan salt, also known as Himalayan Sea salts, Pink Salt, Rock Salt, and Himalayan Crystal salt, are some other mineral content found in sea beds. The color varies from white to pink due to the high iron and mineral content found in it.

It is known as the ‘white gold’ of the Himalayas, as it is mined near the foothills of the Himalayas – Salt mines in the Punjab region of Pakistan. However, it does have a more controversial history. Click here to know more.

himalayan pink salt
By Adam Cohn/Flickr/Pink Himalayan Salt Rocks, Khewra Salt Mine, Punjab Region of Pakistan

At first, they were used as a preservative due to the extra minerals found in them. Today, it is used to replace table salt in cooking, grilling, roasting, and baking, known for its color and texture.

Some backed by research, pink Himalayan salt benefits are – controlling water levels in the body2, increasing libido, helpful for sinus infections3, reducing skin conditions, and providing better sleep. Let us look at these more specifically. 

1) Benefits of the Himalayan Pink Salt

Although table salts and pink Himalayan salt are majorly comprised of sodium chloride, the latter is more natural as it is hand extracted, less processed, and has other minerals and trace elements, like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Even though pink salt is chemically similar to regular salt, the United States department of agriculture state that regular table salt per 1/4 tsp has 581 milligrams of sodium. In comparison, pink salt per 1/4 tsp has 388 milligrams of sodium. This is because the latter is less dense than regular salt.

Let us look at how much Himalayan pink salt benefits work. 

1.1) Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits Include Rich Mineral Content

The trace minerals found in pink Himalayan salt are only 2 percent but vary around 84. The remaining 98% is made of sodium chloride.

Since the amount of these additional minerals is found in small quantities, considering daily salt consumption, the pink Himalayan salt benefits might not measure up much in this regard.

However, the health benefits of Himalayan salt are –

1) Pink Himalayan salt is beneficial for the detoxification process and removes harmful bacteria from the body.

2) Pink Himalayan salt also aids in balancing the body’s pH levels – helping with digestion and providing a better immunity.

1.2) Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits Include Lower Sodium

Both Table salt and pink Himalayan salt have 98% sodium chloride, but as the latter has larger crystals than the former, there is less sodium per tsp.

Himalayan Pink Salt is also naturally rich in iodine, found artificially in regular table salt.

Since pink Himalayan salt also has a saltier taste, the actual usage would be less; paired with its smaller granule size, it is a good choice to season food while measuring one’s sodium intake.

The Himalayan pink salt benefits achieved through this are –

1) It can help create an electrolyte balance4, helping the intestines absorb the necessary nutrient and in case of high blood pressure (ironically, one of the causes of consuming too much salt.)

This can also help with any heart disease, preventing high blood pressure levels.

2) Someone suffering from iodine deficiency can also consider this a better option.

3) Although Low sodium diets decrease the blood volume in the sympathetic nervous system5, activating the adrenaline and fight or flight response, which causes disturbed sleep.

A recipe with some raw honey, and Himalayan salt, either to eat or drink, would be beneficial for a good night’s sleep.

1.3) A Natural Alternative to Table Salt

Himalayan Pink Salt is a more natural salt, as common table salt is refined and mixed with anti-caking agents like sodium aluminosilicate/magnesium carbonate to prevent clumping.

Too much sodium is found in these salts, which exceeds the 1500 mg of sodium allowed by American Heart Association.

These additives are not found in the Pink Salt, making it one of the purest salts.

1.4) Himalayan Pink Salt’s Biggest Benefits Include Better Hydration

The belief is that even a pinch of pink Himalayan salt in meals and drinks can help achieve fluid balance and prevent dehydration.

Especially drinking Himalayan Sea salt with lemon water can help after a workout, when your body needs essential minerals and electrolytes, helping regain energy.

But, sodium from many other sources can also produce the same results. However, we can add this to pink Himalayan salt benefits.

1.5) Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt Lamps

pink salt
By berkay/unlimphotos.com Copyright 2022.

The therapeutic benefits of the Himalayan Pink Salt revolve around salt therapy. It can be used for one’s overall well-being.

Especially, Himalayan salt lamps are helpful in several ways:

1.5.1) Himalayan Salt Lamps Purify Air

With hygroscopic properties, i.e., attracting and trapping water molecules from the air, which also takes out air pollutants like dust, smoke, and pollen, Himalayan salt lamps are helpful in this way. This might help prevent mold formations and allergies.

However, these pink Himalayan salt benefits lack scientific evidence regarding an adequate amount of water being used in this process.

1.5.2) Himalayan Salt Lamps Improve Mood and Well Being

One great way to reduce the daily effect of the bright blue light through the technology we are familiar with is using the light of Himalayan salt lamps, which provide a good antithesis.

The soft and warm glow of Himalayan salt lamps will act as a good nightlight and elevate your mood as well.

Himalayan pink salt contains negative ions that have molecules that are odorless and tasteless. These are similar to those found in natural environments, thus giving a good dose of serotonin to brighten the mood. Studies show indoor ionization has some health benefits.

Animal studies also produce effective results relating to salt lamps improving one mood. However, other scientific studies also refute these pink Himalayan salt benefits. 

1.5.3) Himalayan Salt Lamps Help with Respiratory Diseases

Some health claims also credit salt lamps with reducing respiratory problems like asthma and COPD. There are Himalayan salt inhalers available at drug stores for the same purpose.

This can be credited to a form of ancient salt therapy – Halotherapy, where people having asthma would spend some time in a salt cave. The salty air can help with clearing out airways and breaking down mucus due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in them.

Of course, this form of therapy is backed by studies, but more extensive research is needed, especially with other research pointing in the opposite direction.

There have also been cases when Himalayan salt lamps were recalled due to malfunctions like shocking people and catching fire. So, it is better to use these with precautions. 

Even though the proof for all of these Himalayan pink salt benefits has not been found, these lamps can decorate one’s home and improve moods both day and night.

1.6) Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits Include a Good Exfoliator

Mixing the salt crystals of Himalayan pink salt with coconut or olive oil can act as a natural exfoliator, especially for dry winter skin. A warm washcloth or warm bath can give softer and smoother results.

You can also use bath salts for soaking your foot. All you need is magnesium flakes and pink salt; use a 20 minute rinse to help soothe and pamper your skin.

Himalayan salts in the bath help the skin soak up minerals with different benefits like – chromium fighting acne, sulfur keeping the skin smooth, and zinc preventing scaring.

Himalayan Pink Salt benefits also include helping with health conditions like acne and eczema.

1.7) Pink Himalayan Salt Soothe Sore Muscles

himalayan pink salt
By makidotvn/unlimphotos.com Copyright 2022.

Minerals and Salts are often used in baths in order to relieve cramped or sore muscles, as they help absorb the trace minerals present in Himalayan pink salt.6

This helps to fortify connective tissue and bones that lead to soreness.

1.8) Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits Include Good Digestion

The appetizing and digestive properties of Himalayan pink salt help with problems caused by gas accumulation.

It also helps with regulating metabolism, promotes acid-alkaline balance, and peristalsis (muscle contraction that aids in moving food through the digestive tract.)

1.9) Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits Include Weight Loss

You can use the Pink Himalayan salt to aid your weight loss journey with no known side effects. It is quite a popular method.

To prepare the salt sole, leave out the pink salt granules in a water-filled jug overnight, letting it dissolve.

The salt dissolves in the water by morning, with only a trace left in the bottom. You get saturated saltwater which flushes out toxins, improves one’s energy, and provides the necessary hydration.

While Table Salt can contribute to water retention leading to fat, Himalayan salt does the opposite – expelling water from the cells.

2) Side Effects of Pink Himalayan Salt

While Himalayan pink salt fits under many health claims and helps regulate daily sodium intake, one needs to take precautions in the following cases –

2.1) Kidney and Heart Disease

Excess sodium intake can increase blood pressure, which increases the chances of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This can lead to kidney failure, which is fatal to one’s life.

High blood pressure can also cause heart diseases due to hypertension. The side effects of this – chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting, can even lead to a heart attack.

2.2) Bone Disorders

Excess salt can also cause flushing out more calcium through urine, leading to osteoporosis.

This can cause the bones to become brittle and weak and cause side effects like back pain, stooped posture, and bones that break easily.

2.3) Hypernatremia

If the sodium content in the blood is too high, serious health issues like dehydration occur as Hypernatremia.

The flushing out of excess water via urine from your body also releases essential salts. It can also cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to difficulty of breath, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

2.4) Iodine Deficiency

While regular table salt is a processed one, providing much-needed iodine in the body, non-processed pink Himalayan salt can lead to iodine deficiency.

This can affect thyroid function and cell metabolism in the body. Generally, pregnant women and those on a vegan diet are cautious of symptoms like neck swelling, weakness, heart rate changes, flaky skin, and feeling cold.

People with allergies and pregnancy are generally told to avoid Himalayan salt, as the effects are unknown.

3) Himalayan Salt Products and Its Various Uses

As mentioned above, the products made of Himalayan salt are sometimes used for dietary and non-dietary purposes. Some of them are –

1) Lamps are large salt blocks with a central light source.

2) Pink Salt Rooms and caves are used in the salt therapy.

3) Pink Salt Body Scrubs and Bath Salts

The finely ground pink Himalayan salt can be used in a shaker; the coarser variety is rubbed on meat and sprinkled over sauteed vegetables. Chilled salt blocks can also be used to serve cold dishes, and cooking salt blocks are beneficial for many purposes.

However, one should be cautious which consuming more sodium as it can lead to the above-explained health problems.

If you wish to make your Himalayan salt product, here are some options –

1) For a Facial spray, take an 8 oz spray bottle, add 1 tbsp of Himalayan salt, 1 tsp of magnesium flakes, 1 cup of warm distilled water, and 3-5 drops of any essential oil.

You can use this salt on your face or body throughout the day.

2) For a body scrub, use pink Himalayan salt (fine or medium grain – 1 cup), Olive oil (1/4 cup), and essential oil (10 drops).

Wet the skin, and apply this salt scrub. This will help remove dead skin cells.

3) To boost your electrolytes, use purified water (2 cups), fresh orange or lemon juice (1/2 cup), Himalayan pink salt (1/4 tsp), and honey (1 tbsp).

This helps those who exercise a lot of suffering from any cold or flu.

4) For Sore Throat, mix finely ground pink Himalayan salt (1/2 tsp) with 1 cup of warm water, then gargle.

This will help kill bacteria, ease any pain, and loosen mucus.

4) Is Himalayan Pink Salt Worth It?

Of course, most of the health benefits of minimally processed Himalayan pink salt are not found. Some of them are functions of sodium chloride – so any salt, including table salt, can also be put to use for the same purpose.

While other benefits like those affecting blood sugar levels, libido, and age factor have to do with more than just the sodium intake, thus, one can be confused about whether Himalayan pink salt is different from table salt.

Pink Himalayan Salt is also quite expensive, and the minerals present in it might not give all the benefits, for which one needs to find sources somewhere else.

Thus, it is up to your own experience whether you find the usage of this natural product worth it or not.  

Read more from us here for more health information, health tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Himalayan Pink Salt Less Sodium-Containing than Conventional Table Salt?

No, Himalayan pink salt has the same sodium content as conventional table salt. While it does contain some beneficial minerals, it, like any other type of salt, should be used in moderation.

2. Can Himalayan Pink Salt Be Used to Treat Skin Diseases Such as Eczema?

Although there is little scientific evidence to support this claim, some individuals feel that using Himalayan pink salt in baths or as a scrub might help heal skin disorders such as eczema. However, before attempting any new treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

3. Is It True that Himalayan Pink Salt Lamps Have the Ability to Improve Air Quality?

There is no scientific proof that Himalayan pink salt lamps can improve air quality. While they may create a calming environment, their ability to purify the air is questionable.

4. For Health Concerns, Can Himalayan Pink Salt Be Substituted for Other Forms of Salt?

While Himalayan pink salt contains some beneficial minerals, it should not be utilized in place of medical care or a nutritious diet. Using it as a natural alternative to highly processed table salt, on the other hand, can be a healthy choice.

Some More Salt Types Their Health Benefits
Icy Health
  1. Sarker, Apurbo, et al. “Halite; the rock salt: Enormous health benefits.” World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 5.12 (2016): 407-416. ↩︎
  2. Wang, Shuoyue, et al. “Water level as the key controlling regulator associated with nutrient and gross primary productivity changes in a large floodplain-lake system (Lake Poyang), China.” Journal of Hydrology 599 (2021): 126414. ↩︎
  3. Lindbæk, Morten, Per Hjortdahl, and U. L. Johnsen. “Use of symptoms, signs, and blood tests to diagnose acute sinus infections in primary care: comparison with computed tomography.” Family medicine 28.3 (1996): 183-188. ↩︎
  4. Metheny, Norma. Fluid and electrolyte balance. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2012. ↩︎
  5. Dibona, Gerald F. “Sympathetic nervous system and hypertension.” Hypertension 61.3 (2013): 556-560. ↩︎
  6. Kuhn, T., et al. “Signature of the Himalayan salt.” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms 477 (2020): 150-153. ↩︎

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