The Health & Beauty Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt
Although Himalayan salt comes in a variety of colours, including white and orange, it is the pink stuff that has come to be the most recognised and touted for health and beauty benefits. Sourced from sea salt mines in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, these salt deposits were formed by ancient oceans over 250 million years ago. Here, they remained covered by lava, ice and snow for millions of years, which is why Himalayan salt is considered pure and largely free from pollution.
Read up online, and Himalayan pink salt contains anything from 85-99% sodium chloride, with the rest being made up of some 84 trace minerals, including sulphur, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromine, borate, strontium and fluoride.. And that’s just what they are, trace quantities. Being in an unprocessed natural state means that the body may recognise the compounds more easily and absorb them more efficiently, however studies are extremely limited. Nevertheless, we have put together some of the reasons that many health and beauty advocates use Himalayan pink salt as part of their daily routine.
Sole Water & Electrolyte Source Placing a pinch of Himalayan salt in distilled water, or going one step further and filling a jar with salt and distilled water so you have a supply of sole water close at hand for daily use, has been touted as a great way to get electrolytes into the body, and even as a way to improve adrenal function and sleep quality.
Himalayan Salt Lamps Lauded for their air purifying properties, Himalayan salt lamps supposedly attract moisture from the air to the surface. Here, due to the warmth radiating from the lamp, the water evaporates quickly, producing negative ions and leaving positively charged pollen, dust, dirt, pollutants, and allergens behind the air. For this reason, it is best to clean your lamp regularly with a damp cloth (be sure to unplug it first!) The negative ions produced are believed to reduce EMF (electromagnetic frequency) toxicity in the home environment, caused by electrical goods. These negative ions are also believed to produce biochemical reactions, such as an increase in serotonin (which alleviates stress) and a surge in oxygen flow to the brain. Whether enough ions are emitted to make a difference to your health or not we don’t know, but the mood lighting effect is sooooo pretty!
Himalayan Salt Caves or Rooms Salt therapy, or halotherapy, has grown in popularity in recent years. Whilst studies are limited, and any positive benefits may be down to the placebo effect[1], some theorise that the inhalation of salt particles helps to pull water into your airways and in doing so thins out mucus buildup and reduces inflammation. These effects may prove useful in the relief of lung conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Throat Gargle Not an instant cure by any means, but according to Penn State Medicine, gargling with saltwater can help kill bacteria, loosen mucus and offers pain relief[2].
Footbaths and Bathing According to Elizabeth Taddiken, a naturopathic physician at the Rockwood Natural Medicine Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, taking a footbath with a combination of magnesium flakes and Himalayan pink salt “can help relieve painful feet after a long day… and allows for better absorption of the minerals, and it can help you hydrate your skin all over”[3].
When it comes to bathing, there’s now an easier way to incorporate Himalayan pink salt into your bath time routine, with NEW Pampering Himalayan Pink Salt 2-in-1 Foaming Bath Soak & Body Wash. Featuring soothing Magnesium, hydrating Potassium, and pH-balanced Calcium, it’s formulated to soothe body and mind with its elegant fragrance and product a nourishing lather. A delicate blend of essential oils helps you prepare to tackle the day or wind down for the evening:
Lavender Oil: Both relaxing and refreshing, Lavender’s a go-to when in need of clean, stress-free moments.
Bergamot Fruit Oil: Known for its refreshing aroma, this citrus oil helps to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
Clary Sage Oil: Full of free-radical fighting antioxidants, Sage helps contribute to a youthful appearance in skin.
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References
[1] https://www.lung.org/about-us/blog/2016/06/promising-placebo-salt-halotherapy.html
[2] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
[3] https://www.prevention.com/health/a26718702/himalayan-pink-salt-benefits/
