Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) Has These Health Benefits, As Per Ayurveda

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Rock Salt (also called Sendha Namak in Hindi and Saindhava Lavana in Sanskrit) is a naturally occurring mineral form and the isometric crystals of Sodium Chloride. Another common name for it is "halite".

Sendha Namak is synonymous to the religious customs in India. It is used across cultures as an alternate for table salt to cook food during the holy days (Dusshera, Navratra, etc) of the year.

Rock salt is normally available in many colours and it varies according to a variety of impurities present in it. Black salt or KALA NAMAK is also a type of rock salt, with sulphur content, in addition to sodium chloride.

The chemical formula for Rock Salt is NaCl, which is the same as table salt. It can have impurities of gypsum (CaSO4) and sylvite (KCl).

Rock salt is easily available almost everywhere starting from drug stores to supermarkets. This mineral is also available in various forms - powder, liquid extract, which can be added to a beverage, and even as a pill supplement. It is also used as a taste enhancer while consuming fruits like guava, etc (childhood nostalgia).

In addition to all the above qualities, rock salt is highly beneficial for good health and below are some of the reasons on why we all should walk the sendha way! Take a look.

1. Better Digestion:

Rock salt contains a lot of minerals that are beneficial for health, keeping calcium and magnesium in 1st rank. It helps in regulation of the salivary enzymes and digestive juices. It has anti-flatulent property, so it controls the abdominal gas formation. It is also an antacid. In ayurveda, Sendha namak is suggested to be taken along with fennel seeds, coriander powder and cumin seeds to cure digestion-related problems.

2. Improves Appetite:

Rock salt works as a digestive stimulant when used with black pepper, ginger, long pepper and cinnamon; ayurveda suggests.

3. Curing Low Blood Pressure:

Salt and blood pressure are inseparable from each other. Treat low blood pressure with a pinch of rock salt by adding it in water; twice a day. However, it is strictly to be avoided by people with high blood pressure and hypertension.

4. Weight Loss:

Ayurveda believes rock salt to be a fat burner. The trace minerals present in it not only reduce sugar cravings by reactivating the insulin but also initiate the removal of fat cells that are stored.

5. Remedy For Sore Throat:

This home remedy of gargle with warm salt water to soothe sore throat is very common. It has a potential effect in reducing inflammation and swelling of the throat. It also benefits in treating any kind of upper respiratory tract infections.

6. Boosts Metabolism:

Cells can function properly when there is a balanced salt level in the blood. Rock salt helps in water absorption in the body, which ultimately increases the intake of minerals and nutrients to the cells. However, it is always advisable to consume a moderate amount of salt to avoid any other health risks like high blood pressure.

7. Treats Bleeding Gums:

Rock salt is being used as a teeth whitener or mouth freshener from ancient times. It is highly effective in treating bleeding gum problems when used as a mix with triphala and neem powder. And it is known to be one of the best benefits of rock salt as per ayurveda