The Truth About Salt: A Holistic Guide to the Different Types, Their Benefits, Risks, and How to Use Them
The Truth About Salt: A Holistic Guide to the Different Types, Their Benefits, Risks, and How to Use Them
Salt might be one of the most common ingredients in your kitchen, but its impact on your health and wellness goes far beyond flavor. From mineral-rich Himalayan salt to detoxifying Epsom salt, each type offers unique benefits when used with intention. In the world of holistic living, salt is more than a seasoning—it’s a natural healer, a skin-soother, and an ancient remedy worth exploring.
Let’s take a deeper look at the different types of salt, the role they can play in our wellness routines, and how to use them wisely in both diet and self-care.
Table salt is the most recognizable, but it’s also the most refined. While it’s often fortified with iodine—a key nutrient for thyroid function—it typically lacks the trace minerals found in more natural varieties. It’s best used sparingly and mindfully, especially if you’re already getting iodine from seaweed, eggs, or supplements.
Sea salt, harvested through the evaporation of seawater, is less processed and still contains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It’s excellent for both cooking and rehydration (try adding a pinch to lemon water post-workout). However, be mindful of microplastics, and choose clean, sustainably sourced sea salt whenever possible.
Himalayan pink salt, with its signature blush hue, is mined from ancient sea beds in Pakistan. It’s prized for its mineral content—over 80 trace elements—and its use in both culinary and wellness spaces. Add it to your meals for a boost of flavor, or drop it into your bathwater to soothe sore muscles and detoxify skin.
Celtic sea salt, also known as grey salt, is hand-harvested from the coast of France. Moist and mineral-rich, it’s especially high in magnesium and supports adrenal function, enzyme production, and hydration. Stirring a pinch into warm lemon water is a beautiful way to start the day with balance.
Epsom salt isn’t for eating, but it’s a go-to for baths. Composed of magnesium sulfate, it’s well known for reducing inflammation, easing muscle pain, and promoting restful sleep. Adding a couple of scoops to a warm bath a few times a week can do wonders for both your body and your mind.
Black salt, or kala namak, is a staple in South Asian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. Its pungent, sulfur-rich aroma mimics the flavor of eggs and makes it a favorite in vegan dishes. It’s also known to support digestion and reduce bloating. While the flavor can be intense, a little goes a long way.
Salt also has a place in skincare. A sea salt scrub can exfoliate the skin and improve circulation, while a salt bath can help eliminate toxins and soften dry skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, a diluted saltwater toner can offer gentle purification—just be sure to test it first to avoid irritation.
When used with mindfulness, salt can enhance your wellness inside and out. It’s not about eliminating salt altogether—it’s about choosing the right kind, understanding your body’s needs, and finding a balance that nourishes your health.
Salt reminds us that even the smallest elements of nature, when honored and respected, can bring powerful healing. So go ahead—season your life, your food, and your self-care with a touch of the Earth’s mineral magic.
Which salts do you love and how do you use them? Drop a comment or share your favorite salt ritual with us at
