A salty fix for your ailments

Rock salt, also known as the Himalayan pink salt, is mined from deep salt beds from the Sind (Punjab) region and hence called saindhava lavana In Sanskrit. Among the five types of salt mentioned in Ayurveda, saindhava lavana is considered to be superior in quality. This salt is one of the rare elements that can balance the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). Here are some of the benefits of rock salt:

• It facilitates the cellular absorption of minerals and helps to maintain the electrolyte and pH balance in the body.
• Its cold potency acts as an antacid to neutralise gut acidity and hence finds extensive use in Ayurveda medications for ulcers, hyperacidity and other stomach ailments.
• Studies indicate that saindhava lavana works wonders for kidney disorders too. Rock salt has the right proportions of sodium and potassium to restore the kidney health.
• Pink salt plays a supportive role to kick-start the action of other medicinal herbs. For example, anthelminthic are often combined with saindhava lavana to quicken the deworming.
• Gargling with warm salt water clears the sinus by loosening the phlegm, reducing inflammation of the throat and bringing down a cough.
• A saltwater fomentation can cure arthritic and rheumatic pains.
• The presence of potassium makes rock salt a heart-friendly option. When used in moderation, it can balance the blood pressure. However, those with hypertension need to seek professional help to fix a safe dosage of the salt.
• What’s more, rock salt is a natural ionic air purifier which draws water vapour from the air, thereby inhibiting allergens.