Black Salt
Black salt
Black salt is a type of rock salt that is generally known as “Kala namak”. Black salt is considered a cooling spice in Ayurveda and is used as a digestive and a healing agent.
According to Ayurveda, Black salt helps improve digestion by increasing the bile production in the liver due to its Laghu and Ushna properties. Drinking Black salt along with water on an empty stomach in the morning helps to remove toxins from the body and provides relief from constipation due to its laxative property. Black salt is also good for diabetics when taken in balanced quantities as it helps in maintaining sugar level in the body.
Scrubbing Black salt along with coconut oil gently on the body helps prevent infections and relieves inflammation as well as pain. Black salt can also be added to the bathing water to help manage other skin infections such as eczema and rashes.
Excessive intake of Black salt should be avoided as it might cause nausea and vomiting. Consuming Black salt in large amounts may also alter your blood pressure levels[1].
According to Ayurveda, Black salt helps improve digestion by increasing the bile production in the liver due to its Laghu and Ushna properties. Drinking Black salt along with water on an empty stomach in the morning helps to remove toxins from the body and provides relief from constipation due to its laxative property. Black salt is also good for diabetics when taken in balanced quantities as it helps in maintaining sugar level in the body.
Scrubbing Black salt along with coconut oil gently on the body helps prevent infections and relieves inflammation as well as pain. Black salt can also be added to the bathing water to help manage other skin infections such as eczema and rashes.
Excessive intake of Black salt should be avoided as it might cause nausea and vomiting. Consuming Black salt in large amounts may also alter your blood pressure levels[1].
What are the synonyms of Black Salt?
Kala Namak, Himalayan Black Salt, Sulemani Namak, Bit Lobon, Kala Noon, Intuppu.
What is the source of Black Salt?
Metal & Mineral based
Benefits of Black Salt
1. Indigestion
Black salt is used to correct indigestion by stimulating bile production in the liver. It also helps control bloating by improving the digestive fire due to its Laghu and Ushna (hot) properties.
2. Constipation
Black salt is good for constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature. It softens hard stool and helps in easy excretion.
3. Obesity
Black salt might help manage weight by digesting Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and removing extra fluid from the body due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
4. Muscles spasm
Black salt helps to control muscle spam because of its Vata balancing property. It also has a small amount of potassium which is an essential component for the muscles to work properly.
5 High cholesterol
Black salt helps in controlling high cholesterol level due to its Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) reducing property. This is because according to Ayurveda, Ama is the main reason for high cholesterol as it blocks the channel of the circulatory system.
Black salt is used to correct indigestion by stimulating bile production in the liver. It also helps control bloating by improving the digestive fire due to its Laghu and Ushna (hot) properties.
2. Constipation
Black salt is good for constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature. It softens hard stool and helps in easy excretion.
3. Obesity
Black salt might help manage weight by digesting Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and removing extra fluid from the body due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
4. Muscles spasm
Black salt helps to control muscle spam because of its Vata balancing property. It also has a small amount of potassium which is an essential component for the muscles to work properly.
5 High cholesterol
Black salt helps in controlling high cholesterol level due to its Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) reducing property. This is because according to Ayurveda, Ama is the main reason for high cholesterol as it blocks the channel of the circulatory system.
Precautions when using Black Salt
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Black salt might cause nausea and vomiting in some cases.
Patients with heart disease
Ayurvedic View
Black salt may alter your blood pressure, so it is advisable to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
FAQs about Black Salt precautions
Recommended Dosage of Black Salt
- Black Salt Churna - As per your taste but not more than 1 teaspoon (6gm) per day.
How to use Black Salt
1. Black salt in cooking
Add Black salt as per your taste in food for better digestion.
2. Black salt with Trikatu churna
a. Add 1-2 pinch of Black salt in Trikatu churna.
b. Take it before meals twice a day to increase the appetite.
3. Black salt in Buttermilk
a. Add 1 to 2 pinch of Black salt to 1 glass of buttermilk.
b. Drink it after lunch for better digestion.
Add Black salt as per your taste in food for better digestion.
2. Black salt with Trikatu churna
a. Add 1-2 pinch of Black salt in Trikatu churna.
b. Take it before meals twice a day to increase the appetite.
3. Black salt in Buttermilk
a. Add 1 to 2 pinch of Black salt to 1 glass of buttermilk.
b. Drink it after lunch for better digestion.
Precautions when using Black Salt
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Use Black salt powder with coconut oil if your skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Black Salt
- Black Salt Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Black Salt
Black salt Body Scrub
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Black salt.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Gently scrub it on the body and then wash with tap water.
d. Use this remedy once in 2 weeks to control itching, redness and swelling on the body.
2. Black salt in Bath Water
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Black salt.
b. Add it to 1 bucket full of water.
c. Use this water to take bath.
d. Repeat 2-3 times a week to manage eczema, rashes and other skin infections.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Black salt.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Gently scrub it on the body and then wash with tap water.
d. Use this remedy once in 2 weeks to control itching, redness and swelling on the body.
2. Black salt in Bath Water
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Black salt.
b. Add it to 1 bucket full of water.
c. Use this water to take bath.
d. Repeat 2-3 times a week to manage eczema, rashes and other skin infections.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Black salt mainly consists of sodium chloride and a trace amount of sodium sulphate, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfide, iron sulfide and hydrogen sulfide. Due to the presence of iron and other minerals, the salt is pinkish grey in color[1].
Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda
Modern Science View
Black salt is a type of Rock salt. Rock salt is known as Sendha namak in India and the grains are generally large in size. Rock salt is used during religious fasts and in festivals because of its purity.
Modern Science View
Black salt like any other salt is hygroscopic in nature and can absorb moisture from the environment if not stored properly. So it is generally advised to store Black salt in airtight containers.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Black salt might cause diarrhea if taken in excess amount because of its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Black salt might cause heartburn due to its Ushna (hot) potency if taken in excess amount.
Modern Science View
Yes, Black salt can be consumed every day. Taking it in the morning on an empty stomach has numerous benefits, such as:
It helps to remove toxins (like heavy metals) from the body.
It helps to cleanse the intestines.
It is helpful in skin diseases.
It helps to maintain the pH of the body.
It also gives relief from constipation[1].
It helps to remove toxins (like heavy metals) from the body.
It helps to cleanse the intestines.
It is helpful in skin diseases.
It helps to maintain the pH of the body.
It also gives relief from constipation[1].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Black salt can be consumed everyday in a limited amount. It helps to improve digestion and enhance your appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. As it improves digestion, it also further helps digest the Ama (toxic remains in the body due to incomplete digestion).
Tip: Drinking a mixture of Black salt mixed water (kept overnight) on an empty stomach in the morning helps to cleanse the body.
Tip: Drinking a mixture of Black salt mixed water (kept overnight) on an empty stomach in the morning helps to cleanse the body.
Modern Science View
Yes, using Black salt is good for diabetics. Diabetic patients generally have higher sugar levels thats keep fluctuating. Black salt when taken in balanced quantities helps to maintain sugar level in the body and decreases the need of taking insulin externally[1].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, a diabetic can consume Black salt. Diabetes is a condition that occurs due to poor immunity that is a result of poor digestion and this results in uncontrolled sugar levels. Black salt, if taken in an appropriate quantity, might help improve digestion and regulate immunity, which might in turn help maintain blood sugar levels.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the benefit of eating curd with Black salt.
Modern Science View
Salt in any form if taken in large amounts, is harmful due to its high sodium content. Sodium in high amounts causes fluid retention and a rise in blood pressure. Black salt is slightly better than white salt although the use of salt of any kind should be kept under control[1].
References
- Basu D, Sharma D, Darji V, et al.Discard biochemical malfunction by black salt through naturopathy.Eur J Pharm Med Res.2015;2(6):96-101.
- Basu D, Sharma D, Darji V, et al.Discard biochemical
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.