Salt is an essential mineral for good health - the body cannot live without it. However, there are enormous differences between standard, refined table salt and cooking salt commonly available and natural health-promoting salt like Himalayan salt.

Himalayan crystal salt is salt in its original form. It is a full-spectrum mineral salt; instead of just containing sodium and chloride like conventional table salt, it provides a full spectrum of trace minerals.

This health-promoting salt comes from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. It was created millions of years ago from the evaporation of the sea so it is as pure as the ancient oceans, and contains all the minerals and trace elements essential to human life.

For the body to remain healthy and function properly, it needs water along with natural, pure salt complete with all-natural elements. Himalayan crystal salt offers all the natural elements exactly identical to the elements in the body.

The elements trapped within the Himalayan salt are in particles small enough to be easily absorbed by the body, for the healthy functioning of cells. This makes Himalayan crystal salt one of nature's most effective health balancers.

Naturally pink in color, Himalayan salt is the purest salt available on earth and remains in its original form, uncontaminated with toxins or pollutants. Unlike table salt, it is free from artificial additives and anti-caking agents. It does not use heat treatment or refining methods to extract it; instead it is mined without explosives to preserve the structures of the crystals, and is washed by hand and sun-dried.

Containing all of the 84 elements found in the body, the benefits of natural Himalayan crystal salt include:

• Regulating the water content of the body
• Promoting a healthy pH balance in the cells, particularly in the brain cells
• Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging
• In conjunction with water it is actually essential for the regulation of blood pressure
• Absorption of food particles through the intestinal tract
• Supporting respiratory health
• Promoting sinus health
• Prevention of muscle cramps
• Promoting bone strength
• Regulating sleep - it naturally promotes sleep

Himalayan salt helps to promote a healthy balance in the body, by maintaining fluids and replenishing the supply of electrolytes whenever the body sweats heavily. By balancing these electrolytes, it helps to keep the body in homeostasis - the balance of chemicals that creates a constant internal environment within the body.

How to Use Himalayan crystal salt

Himalayan salt is extremely versatile. It is available in both granular form and as whole crystals or chunks of salt. In granular form, the salt is crushed and is ready to be used. It can be sprinkled directly onto food or used to cook with.

A good way to experience the amazing cleansing properties of this salt is to use it as a bath soak. It is great for skin conditions like eczema, and has detoxifying, relaxing, moisturizing and rejuvenating effects for skin.

Himalayan crystal salt also has healing effects for the eyes and nose health. It can help to restore moisture to dry eyes, as well as flush out the sinuses to prevent a runny and congested nose or sinus infections, and many other healing benefits. Use a 1% salt:water solution, which is the same ratio as that found in blood, tears and the ocean.