Pink Himalayan Salt: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Introduction

Himalayan pink salt is a naturally pink-coloured variety of salt mined in Pakistan near the Himalayan Mountains of South Asia. Pink Himalayan salt is mined like rock salt; but, it is technically sea salt. Salt is a nutrient that might play an important role in maintaining human health.

However, excess salt in our diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Due to its health benefits, Himalayan pink salt is used as an alternative to table salt.. Pink Himalayan salt has superior mineral content compared to table or sea salt¹. It contains lower sodium chloride compared to table salt.

Nutritional Value of Pink Himalayan Salt

Pink Himalayan salt has many essential minerals and elements¹. However, many of these minerals are present in very small amounts and might not contribute to any health benefits.   

• Calcium: 1.6 mg
• Potassium: 2.8 mg 
• Iron: 0.0369 mg
• Magnesium: 1.06 mg
• Sodium: 368 mg

Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt

1. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Respiratory Diseases

Pink Himalayan salt is the purest variety of salt as it contains no chemicals or toxins. It possesses about 84 minerals that can be absorbed easily by the body due to their small molecular size. Ancient Greeks used pink Himalayan salt to clear airways and to improve breathing. Himalayan salt lamps are used to remove dust, pollen, smoke, and other contaminants that could increase the risk of respiratory problems.

Himalayan salt inhalers can help cleanse the respiratory system and may relieve symptoms of asthma, hay fever, and allergies. Salt might reduce symptoms of conditions like sinus infections and asthma². You must consult a doctor for such conditions.

2. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Stress

Pink Himalayan salt may enhance serotonin levels in your body. This chemical might help to reduce stress, boost energy and relieve depression. Pink Himalayan salt can help restore energy in your body. There is a lack of evidence for this benefit.

3. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Sound Sleep

Due to its high mineral content, Himalayan pink salt may help you sleep well.. A diet low in sodium can lead to irregular and disturbed sleep patterns³. A hormone called cortisol is produced in response to stress. Cortisol can obstruct the flow of melatonin, which may help the sleep hormone. Pink Himalayan salt lamps and inhalers might promote peaceful sleep by reducing stress. Please consult your doctor for proper advice.

4. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Digestion

Pink Himalayan salt contains deepan (appetizing) and pachan (digestive) properties. These may help in solving digestive problems and prevent gas accumulation. Pink Himalayan salt can also help peristalsis (muscle contraction that moves food through the digestive tract). It helps regulate metabolism and promotes acid-alkaline balance. These benefits may need further studies to establish.

5. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Skin

Pink Himalayan salt contains detoxifying properties and may help to remove toxins from the skin, and thus may have some effect on clean and soft skin. It may keep the skin hydrated which makes it appear young and fresh. One of the reasons for acne is an imbalance in the skin pH. Pink Himalayan salt can balance skin’s pH level and help with acne-free skin. Pink Himalayan salt may be helpful for skin conditions like eczema. However, you must consult with your Ayurvedic doctor or dermatologist before using any herb for your skin.

6. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Weight Loss

Himalayan pink salt can be helpful  in weight loss without any major side effects. Using Himalayan salt soles is a popular way which may help in weight loss. The salt sole contains the essence of the salt. This sole can be prepared by leaving a handful of pink salt granules in a jug filled with water overnight and letting them dissolve.

Excess salt intake causes water retention inside the cells of our body. Unlike table salt, Himalayan salt crystals expel extra water from the cells. Pink himalayan salt may additionally enrich the body with minerals and nutrients.

7. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps commonly occur due to magnesium deficiency. Pink Himalayan salt contains an adequate amount of magnesium and thus it may be effective in the management of muscle cramps. These benefits are not backed with sufficient scientific evidence; thus an advice from a qualified doctor is recommended.

8. Potential Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt for The Heart

Pink Himalayan salt might help improve blood circulation in the body. It may have some effect on regulating blood pressure levels and decreases the risk of heart attack.    

Though studies show the benefits of pink Himalayan salt against various disease conditions, these studies are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of pink Himalayan salt on human health.  

According to some studies in Australia, pink salt found in those regions contains both nutrient and non-nutrient minerals. It includes nutrients like sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, etc. The non-nutrients include aluminium, lead, mercury, etc. Even after processing, the presence of some impurities like lead, mercury and others can be observed¹. Furthermore, to provide sufficient value of these nutrients, one needs to consume a higher amount of pink salt compared to table salt. Therefore, it is essential to check on which region of pink salt you are buying.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Take Pink Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt is used in different ways depending on its use: 

• For cooking 
• For seasoning 
• For preserving food 

Many people also might use Himalayan pink salt as a substitute for bath salts.

Side Effects of Pink Himalayan Salt

Consuming too much salt can result in side effects. It is essential to keep all possible risks in mind and take salt in moderation. The possible side effects of consuming include: 

1. Kidney Disease

Excess salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD)⁴.  

2. Bone Disorders

Consuming excess salt can result in excessive flushing out of calcium through urine. This might lead to osteoporosis⁵.   

3. Heart Diseases

High blood pressure is the most common cause of heart disease. Excess salt intake leads to hypertension⁶.  

4. Hypernatremia

This is a condition in which the sodium levels in the blood are too high. Hypernatremia produces serious health issues, out of which dehydration is a significant one. When sodium in the blood is very high, the body tries to set it right by moving water out of the cells into the bloodstream. Excess water is flushed out via urine along with other essential salts, leading to dehydration⁶.

Fluids may accumulate in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing. Symptoms such as nausea, weakness, vomiting, and intense thirst might also occur.  However, such effects are yet to be confirmed by more research. Therefore, kindly do not self-medicate.

Precautions to Take with Pink Himalayan Salt

It is essential to follow these precautions when using pink Himalayan salt for the following conditions:  

• Allergies- Some individuals might be allergic to Himalayan salt. You must stop using Himalayan salt if you develop allergic reactions like swelling, rashes, etc.    
• Pregnancy- There is little scientific evidence to prove whether pregnant women can consume Himalayan salt. Thus, it is better to avoid it during pregnancy.  

Interactions with Other Drugs

Ayurvedic preparation can interact with your ongoing medications. Ayurvedic physician’s advice is to be followed thoroughly, as their prescription is based on keeping your health condition in mind. Please ensure to disclose all medications prescribed and currently being used to your doctor at the time of consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Fayet-Moore F, Wibisono C, Carr P, Duve E, Petocz P, Lancaster G, et al. An analysis of the mineral composition of pink salt available in Australia. Foods. 2020 [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7603209/
2. Salt therapy as a complementary method for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases, with a focus on mold-related illness. PubMed. 2021 [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34726628/ 
3. Vitiello MV, Prinz PN, Halter JB. Sodium-Restricted diet increases nighttime plasma norepinephrine and impairs sleep patterns in man*. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism [Internet]. 1983 Mar 1;56(3):553–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6822653/ 
4. Malta D, Petersen KS, Johnson C, Trieu K, Rae S, Jefferson K, et al. High sodium intake increases blood pressure and risk of kidney disease. From the Science of Salt: A regularly updated systematic review of salt and health outcomes (August 2016 to March 2017). Journal of Clinical Hypertension [Internet]. 2018 Nov 7;20(12):1654–65. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8030856/ 
5. DiNicolantonio JJ, Mehta V, Zaman SB, O’Keefe JH. Not salt but sugar as aetiological in osteoporosis: a review. 2018 [cited 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6140170/ 
6. Harvard school of public health. Salt and sodium. [Internet] Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/salt-and-sodium/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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