Throughout history, salt has been used not just as a food additive, but also as a means for trade. This led to the formation of "salt routes,” through which merchants transported and sold salt in countries where it was not produced.
While the earliest recorded instance of salt being harvested for human consumption happened in 6,000 BC at Lake Yuncheng in the Chinese province of Shanxi, it was actually the Romans who perfected the processing of the mineral, as well as its subsequent trade in a worldwide network. In fact, the Latin word for salt, salarium, is the root word for today’s salary. [1] [2]
The use of salt continued throughout the ancient world, with many civilizations soon ascribing mystical healing powers and divine significance to the mineral. [3]
A brief history of salt
According to research, the development of human civilization is directly linked to salt, with usage of the mineral spanning literally thousands of years of human history, across many different cultures and continents -- a fact that is made even more evident by examining the specific cuisines and culinary practices of many countries today. [4]
Aside from cooking, one other social sphere where salt continues to make an impact is in its use in promoting overall health and wellness.
For the Ancient Egyptians, salt functioned as a powerful cleanser, while for the Ancient Greeks, it was an integral part in therapeutic steam baths. The Romans, on the other hand, used salt scrubs as part of their basic bathing rituals. [5] [6]
These practices, unsurprisingly, have since been carried over to modern times.
Salt occurs naturally in nature
Known chemically as sodium chloride, salt is a compound of two different elements, sodium and chlorine. Salt occurs naturally in nature, such as in seawater, where it is the main mineral constituent, and inland, where it appears mainly in the form of halite or rock salt deposits.
These deposits were created after repeated episodes of evaporation in prehistoric seas and inland salt lakes. Over geologic time, and after countless shifts in folding and tectonic movement, several enormous salt deposits have since been formed around the world, some of which are thousands of feet thick. [7]
One such deposit is the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, where pink Himalayan salt is produced.
What is pink Himalayan salt?
One of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world, the Khewra Salt Mine was first discovered by the Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great who noted that his horses were revitalized after licking the stones in its vicinity. [8] [9]
These stones, as it turns out, were chunks of pink Himalayan salt.
Considered to be one of the purest and healthiest salts in the world, pink Himalayan salt is unrefined, unprocessed "raw" salt that is hand-mined from the salt caves in the Himalayan foothills in the Punjab region of Pakistan, which were formed 250 million years ago. [10]
Unlike normal table salt which is artificially fortified and heavily processed, pink Himalayan salt is naturally rich in iodine, as well as other minerals and trace elements. In fact, it is these very minerals, especially iron, that give the salt its characteristic beautiful rosy and pink color. [11]
What are the health benefits of pink Himalayan salt?*
Much like regular table salt in terms of chemical composition, pink Himalayan salt is made up predominantly of sodium chloride. However, its major difference from regular table salt is that it has other elements in it as well -- 84 of them, to be exact.
According to holistic and naturopathic physicians, these other elements -- as well as its pure, raw and unprocessed nature -- are the main source of pink Himalayan salt’s health benefits, some of which are listed below:
Pink Himalayan salt supports normal electrolyte balance*
The essential and trace minerals present in pink Himalayan salt act as important electrolytes in the body. This means it can help maintain the body’s normal fluid balance, as well as optimal overall health. [12] [13]
Pink Himalayan salt helps guard against sodium deficiency*
As it is predominantly composed of sodium chloride, adding pink Himalayan salt to your daily routine can help you avoid sodium deficiency, a condition which has been linked to several health issues. [14]
Pink Himalayan salt helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels*
According to several studies, sodium, one of the major components of pink Himalayan salt, is linked to the maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. [15]
Pink Himalayan salt supports healthy, glowing skin*
Salts such as pink Himalayan salt may offer relief to people who are experiencing minor skin itchiness and dryness. This can be linked to its sodium content, which helps maintain adequate hydration in the skin. It’s the reason why salt scrubs are such a popular skin treatment. [16]
Pink Himalayan salt promotes healthy energy levels
Pink Himalayan salt is packed with antioxidants and electrolytes that can support healthy energy levels when consumed in moderation.
How do I use pink Himalayan salt in the kitchen?
As it is made predominantly from sodium chloride, pink Himalayan salt, such as that from the Health Ranger Store, can be used as an alternative to regular table salt. This means it can be used for cooking without any issues whatsoever.
It is especially great as a “finishing salt,” i.e. one that you sprinkle on top of food such as steamed fish, salads and air-popped popcorn, just before serving.
Want to try adding pink Himalayan salt into your diet? Here are some recipes you can try:
RECIPE: Caprese Salad
A classic, light salad that’s perfect for a light evening meal, this Caprese Salad is reminiscent of the vegetable dishes favored by the Ancient Romans.
Fun fact: The word “salad” is actually derived from the Latin “herba salata,” which means “salted greens.”
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 vine-ripe organic tomatoes
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella
- 20 to 30 leaves or about 1 bunch fresh, organic basil
- Organic extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Organic black pepper, ground, to taste
- Health Ranger Select Pink Himalayan Salt Coarse Ground, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella first into ¼ inch thick pieces.
- Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large salad plate or serving dish.
- Drizzle the salad with organic extra-virgin olive oil and season with pink Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste.
How do you use pink Himalayan salt for personal care?
An incredibly versatile mineral, pink Himalayan salt can be used not just as an additive in our foods, but it can also be used as part of one’s personal care habit.
Here are some ways that you can experience the benefits of adding pink Himalayan salt to your personal care routine:
RECIPE: DIY Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub
Adapted from a recipe by The Kitchn, this DIY salt scrub is said to help soothe dry and itchy skin. This is because the salt grains help slough off dry patches, while the avocado oil imbues the skin with much-needed moisture.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup Health Ranger Select Pink Himalayan Salt Fine Ground
- ½ cup Health Ranger Select Organic Avocado Oil
- 5 to 7 drops Health Ranger Select Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil
DIRECTIONS:
- Pour 1 cup of salt into an empty glass container.
- Pour ½ cup of avocado oil over the salt.
- Add 5 to 7 drops of organic sweet orange essential oil to the salt and oil mixture.
- Stir all the ingredients until everything is well combined.
- Pack into jar.
To use, simply spoon a small amount into your hands and then gently rub it in. Rinse the scrub off with warm water, and then dry your hands thoroughly.
Note: It is best to use this particular scrub sparingly, or about once or twice a week, in order to avoid over-exfoliation.
Do you know of any other ways that pink Himalayan salt can support your health? Do you know of any other healthy, natural salts? Do you know other recipes that use pink Himalayan salt and other natural salts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Explore our Pink Himalayan Salt collection here.
Share this article with your friends and tell us how pink Himalayan salt positively impacts your overall health and wellness!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
