Salt is a key ingredient in many dishes, adding distinct flavour and making it difficult to picture cooking without it. While finely powdered table salt is most commonly used, the natural form of salt is ”rock salt”, also known as “Sendha Namak”1,2.
Rock salt is also known by its various local names such as Sindhalun in Gujarati, Kala Namak or Sendha Namak in Hindi, and Shende lon in Marathi2,3. It is crystalline and can be seen in shades of black, purple, and pink1,3. It contains 84 trace elements, including sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, and zinc, many of which are essential for normal body functions1,2,4.
Rock salt is highly valued in the Ayurveda system of medicine, as it is believed to support skin and hair health and may also help in weight management. Replacing regular table salt with this natural form of salt may be a healthier alternative for some people3,5.
Rock salt is an authentic form of salt, mostly obtained from the Himalayan region. It is available in its pure crystalline form1,2. During the refining process of salt, many harmful chemicals are added to it to prevent the salt from getting soggy. Rock salt does not contain added chemicals, which makes it safe for consumption when taken in moderation1,2,5.
Rock salt is formed when seawater or lake water in arid regions evaporates and leaves behind deposits of salt5,6.
Halite, commonly referred to as rock salt, is a sedimentary mineral that was created by the evaporation of ancient saline lakes and oceans. Salt deposits are left behind because of the water evaporating over millions of years16.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Rock salt mainly consists of sodium chloride and also provides trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sulphur, oxygen, cobalt, and hydrogen. These essential minerals are useful in many body functions that keep you healthy2,4,6. The benefits of rock salt include:
Rock salt is believed to be an excellent home remedy for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, constipation, heartburn, bloating, and stomach pain2,3,6. It is rich in minerals and vitamins and helps improve digestion, promote bowel movements, and remove toxic substances from the intestines. Rock salt is also believed to stimulate insulin production, helping to reduce the cravings for sweets and supporting weight management6.
Rock salt may be able to improve the body’s metabolism, thereby enhancing physiological functions7.It facilitates mineral and nutrient absorption in the body, helps maintain the electrolyte balance, and stabilises the blood pressure 2,6.
Rock salt boosts your immunity and contributes to healthier bones and connective tissues, which may help prevent various bone-related diseases and disorders2,6.
A deficiency of potassium and other minerals can increase the risk of muscle cramps. Rock salt, which contains potassium, sodium chloride, and other minerals, may help alleviate muscle cramps to some extent2,6,7.
Saltwater gargling is a common home remedy for a sore throat2. When rock salt is used as a primary ingredient in salt water gargles, it also helps in treating respiratory illnesses like nose blockage, cold, chest disorders, and cough5.
Rock salt helps to control blood pressure levels. Bathing with rock salt water can lower your blood pressure2.
Taking a bath with rock salt in warm water can relieve your stress and anxiety and relax the mind2,6.
According to Ayurveda texts, rock salt is believed to purify, nourish, and refresh the skin. It may also prevent oiliness, reduce acne, and exfoliate the skin, making it soft and smooth. It may help reduce the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis2,6,8.
Rock salt massage helps to get rid of all dirt from hair and removes dead skin from the scalp, while preserving the essential natural oils that keep your hair healthy and balanced2. It also prevents dandruff and hair fall9.
The main component of rock salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), which is commonly known as table salt. However, traces of other minerals can also be found in rock salt, giving it distinct colours and impurities15.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Although rock salt has several benefits, replacing iodised salt with only rock salt may lead to iodine deficiency. Also, the excessive consumption of this salt may lead to high blood pressure, which in turn may lead to heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke4,10.
Rock salt and sea salt may seem fairly similar in some ways, but there are a few differences in them, as follows1,2,6,11,13,12:
Rock salt, also known as Sendha Namak, contains numerous trace elements that are essential for growth and development. Being an unrefined salt, it offers various health benefits and is commonly used to help manage many ailments. However, since rock salt is not iodised, its exclusive consumption may contribute to iodine deficiency. Additionally, excessive salt intake can lead to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications. Therefore, it is crucial to consume rock salt in appropriate quantities to maximise its benefits while minimising potential health risks.
Rock salt is the pure, unrefined form of salt, whereas table salt is the refined form of salt6.
Both are unrefined forms of salt with various trace elements needed for body growth. When consumed in appropriate amounts, both can provide health benefits13.
The recommended daily amount of salt intake for adults is generally less than 5 to 6 grams per day (about 1 teaspoon). This is equivalent to less than 2,000 to 2,300 mg of sodium per day. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily, which corresponds to about 5 grams of salt14.
No, rock salt is not iodized, so using it alone may lead to iodine deficiency.
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