Himalayan pink salt is the salt most commonly used by people in southern Asia. It is often confused with regular table salt because of its pale pink color. Himalayan salt comes from deposits that are thousands of years old and are extremely high in sodium (salt). Although it is commonly known as pink salt, it actually has gray or brown stripes. Today, it comes in different forms. It can be found in salt shakers, salt blocks, and in various forms such as candies, cookies, and saltwater pool drops.
Himalayan pink salt comes in two different forms. One is called Mokume cash or pink salt and is harvested from wells in the Himalayan Mountains. The other form is called Mehandi or pink salt and is harvested from natural springs in the Himalayan region. Both have characteristics of being high in sodium (salt) and therefore popular as an alternative natural remedy for various ailments. Pink Himalayan salt has been found to benefit:
This was discovered many years ago when villagers in India first began using Mokume nashi to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, and eczema. The salt was effective in treating these ailments because it contains trace minerals that help heal the body and stimulate the immune system. These minerals found in Himalayan salt include calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and niacin.
A variety of lamps called lampshades or mehndi are made of this salt. Indian Head Massage Therapy is based on the healing properties of this type of salt. It is used to relieve tension, muscle spasms, and stress as a part of the therapy. This is why Pink Himalayan salt lamps are popular among the masses. A lampshade may be used to create a cozy atmosphere during meditation and yoga sessions.
Another way of using Pink Himalayan salt is in the manufacturing of products such as baby food. This salt is highly valued by lactating mothers because it helps reduce milk production when it comes in contact with breast milk. It is effective in maintaining a balanced electrolyte content in infants who are suffering from cradle cap as well as other skin irritations. Moreover, it also contributes to the growth of healthy hair in newborns.
Salt lamps are also very common in the eastern part of the world. These types of lamps utilize mineral salts to provide artificial light. They are mostly used to achieve a relaxing mood during the daytime. The use of Pink Himalayan salt in a salt lamp can be mixed with regular table salt and lit to produce an even lighting effect.
Although this article discusses the most common and widely used forms of using salt, there are still other ways of utilizing this fine white powder. A great alternative is in the making of a salt bath. In this method, a shallow glass basin is filled with warm water. The bottom of the basin is lined with coarse salt, while a Pink Himalayan salt piece is placed at its bottom.
The water is slowly brought to a boil and a cloth dipped into the water is placed on top of the cloth. This is then covered with a towel, which is placed at the base of the glass basin. A gentle rocking motion is made for several minutes. Once the water has been absorbed, the cloth is removed and the heat source from the stove is applied to the pink Himalayan salt crystals. After a few moments, the water gradually evaporates leaving the mineral salt exposed at the bottom of the basin.