How to use Himalayan pink salt for your wellbeing

Himalayan pink salt is a natural rock salt. It is often hand-mined from the ancient sea beds near the Himalayas in Pakistan, and is minimally processed, meaning it's unrefined and retains trace minerals like iron, giving it that distinctive pink hue and making it a natural, less processed alternative to table salt.

In recent years, its use has soared in popularity. As a result, it is prized for its unique flavour profile and numerous health benefits.

What Himalayan pink salt is

Himalayan pink salt is sourced from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan (1), it is one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world.

The salt itself is believed to have formed millions of years ago as ancient bodies of water evaporated, leaving behind mineral-rich deposits.

Many Himalayan pink salt products are pure, meaning there are no additives like added anticaking agents or iodine.

Natural composition and nutritional profile

Like standard table salt, Himalayan pink salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride. The difference between them is what remains after processing.

Because it is not heavily refined, Himalayan pink salt retains additional minerals and trace elements that are usually removed from standard forms of fine table salt.

Some estimates suggest it may contain up to 84 trace minerals, with iron contributing to its distinctive pink hue (2). Scientific studies have found notable, though still trace, amounts of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and manganese.

The role of salt in the body

Salt has been used by our ancestors for thousands of years to flavour and preserve food, and it plays an important role in essential bodily functions, as well as appearing naturally in a lot of foods.

Sodium chloride (salt) is crucial in the body for regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function, acting as an electrolyte to maintain water levels inside and outside cells, support nerve impulses, contract muscles, and assist in the absorption of nutrients like glucose. Meanwhile chloride also aids digestion and pH balance. It's essential for blood pressure, hydration, and overall cell function, but needs to be balanced, as too much or too little can cause issues (3) (4) (5).

Sodium chloride mixed with water makes up a saline solution, and this has several different medical purposes.

How to use Himalayan pink salt in cooking

Himalayan pink salt can be used in everyday cooking in place of regular table salt.

Both in its coarse or fine forms, it works well for seasoning vegetables, meats and grains. It also works well for finishing dishes just before serving.

Other uses of Himalayan salt for wellbeing

Skin and bath rituals

Himalayan pink salt, added to warm water, may be used for refreshing foot soaks or baths, particularly helpful for dry or winter-affected skin. Research suggests that minerals such as magnesium in salt-rich solutions may help support the hydration of the skin.

Soothing sore throats

Gargling a mild and warm salt water solution is a long-standing traditional at-home remedy for easing sore throats. Himalayan pink salt can be used in this way, as it may help reduce swelling and support oral cleanliness (6).

Natural exfoliator

Homemade exfoliating scrubs may also feature Himalayan pink salt. When combined with natural oils like coconut, shea butter or olive oil and a diluted essential oil for a pleasant scent, it can help to exfoliate away dead skin cells, and support the natural process of skin cell renewal. The result is smoother feeling skin.

Other good natural salt options

For those looking to explore other unprocessed salts, Celtic sea salt is often considered another natural alternative. Like Himalayan pink salt, it is also less refined than standard table salt.

Key takeaways

In summary, Himalayan pink salt is an unrefined salt that retains natural trace minerals due to minimal processing. It can have many uses around the house and for your health, including being used in cooking and simple wellness rituals, and is often chosen as a more natural alternative to table salt.

Recommended products

Profusion Himalayan Rose Pink Crystal Salt: Unrefined coarse pink crystal salt for everyday cooking and table seasoning, valued for its natural mineral content and clean flavour.

Cytoplan Electrolyte Creatine Complex: A daily electrolyte and creatine blend designed to support hydration, energy production and performance during busy days or training routines.

Oskia Renaissance Body Scrub: A dual-action exfoliating body scrub combining pink Himalayan salt and enzymes to smooth, soften and revitalise tired, lacklustre skin.

Eco by Sonya Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub: An organic, coconut-oil-based salt scrub that deeply exfoliates while leaving skin hydrated, smooth and softly scented with lemongrass.

MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak: A calming mineral bath soak made with Himalayan pink salt and essential oils to relax muscles, soften skin and unwind before bed.