Introduction:  

Kala Namak is a form of rock Salt that is commonly referred to as black salt. It comes from India’s, Pakistan’s, Bangladesh’s, Nepal’s, and other Himalayan salt mines. Ayurvedic medicine first used black salt for its holistic, medicinal powers. It’s full of insoluble minerals, making it difficult for the body to absorb them.

Himalayan black salt, black lava salt, and black ceremonial salt are the three main varieties of black salt. Black lava salt is also known as Hawaiian black salt because it is typically found in Hawaii. While Black ritual salt, also known as witch’s salt, is made up of ashes, sea salt, charcoal, and occasionally black pigment. It isn’t intended for human consumption.^1,2

Black Salt For Cooking

Indian black salt, or kala namak, is another name for Himalayan black salt. It’s often utilised in cooking, especially in Asian and Indian cuisine, because of its pungent, savoury, and umami flavour. It’s also employed in vegan cuisine to produce an egg-like flavour because of its faint, sulphurous fragrance, which is similar to eggs.

Cooking with black salt is common, and it’s a popular element in Indian cuisine. It has volcanic origins and is composed of sulphur compounds that contribute to its odour and flavour. Iron and potassium chloride are also present.¹  

Nutritional Value of Black Salt: 

The nutritional value of black salt is presented in the following table.³ 

Therapeutic Uses of Black Salt: 

Ayurveda considers black salt to be a cooling spice that is utilised as a digestive and therapeutic agent.

Black salt is also known to have many medicinal properties.¹ These include- 

• Fat burner 
• Anti-diabetic  
• Anti-hair fall agent 
• Antacid 
• Haematinic  
• Anti-flatulent 
• Anthelmintic 
• Carminitive 
• Adaptogenic 
• Demulcent 
• Digestive stimulant 
• Hematogenic  
• Antioxidant 

Black salt is an extremely useful herb for many common ailments.^1,2 

Benefits of Black Salt

Benefits of Black Salt for Anemia 

Black salt contains modest amounts of iron, which contribute to the production of haemoglobin in the body. Thus, it can help treat iron-deficiency anaemia symptoms.¹ 

Also Read: 7 Home Remedies for Anaemia

Benefits of Black Salt for Babies 

Black salt boosts a child’s immunity. It also helps get rid of intestinal gas, promotes digestion, and eliminates excess phlegm from the body, making it suitable for babies older than one year. ¹ 

Benefits of Black Salt for Digestion 

• Black salt improves digestion by increasing the natural production of acid in the stomach and increasing the formation of bile juice in the liver.
• It also helps boost the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. 
• Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors, including overeating, allergy, constipation, inflammatory bowel syndrome, etc.
• Black salt’s alkaline characteristics aid to neutralize excess acids in the stomach.
• The minerals it contains help to reduce the damage caused by acid reflux.  

Benefits of Black Salt for Constipation  

Due to its Rechana (laxative) properties, black salt is beneficial for constipation. It softens hard stools and makes moving bowels easier.⁴ 

Also Read: 7 Home Remedies for Constipation

Benefits of Black Salt for Diabetes 

• Insulin is a hormone generated by the pancreas and is in charge of controlling blood sugar levels.
• When a person’s body is unable to produce enough insulin or has become resistant to insulin, he or she is diagnosed with diabetes.
• Low sodium levels have been linked to a decrease in insulin release in the body, according to studies.
• Regular consumption of black salt, which is high in sodium, aids in producing insulin and hence helps control of blood sugar levels.¹ 

Benefits of Black Salt for Muscle Cramps  

• Black salt has a high potassium content, which is important for muscular function.
• It also aids in the absorption of other minerals. Thus, black salt has the potential to treat muscle cramps and spasms by relaxing them . ¹ 

Benefits of Black Salt for Skin  

• The anti-inflammatory effects of black salt, as well as its abrasive texture, aid in the healing of cracked heels,sprains and swollen feet.
• Soaking feet in warm water containing black salt helps relieve the pain and swelling.
• It also functions as a cleanser, assisting in the opening of congested pores and providing a clear complexion.¹ 
• The skin benefits from its high quantity of helpful minerals.
• Cracked skin can be healed by washing the afflicted region in lukewarm water with black salt. This aids in the natural healing of skin.  

Benefits of Black Salt for Hair  

• Using black salt on a regular basis will help achieve luscious, and damage-free hair.
• It contains important minerals that aid in the repair of split ends, the reduction of dandruff, and the control of excessive hair fall. ¹ 

Also Read: 5 Ayurveda Herbs for Hair Growth

Benefits of Black Salt for Weight Loss 

• Black salt for weight loss is a great addition to diet if you’re trying to cut back on sodium while also avoiding bloating and water retention.
• Black salt helps to dissolve fats by increasing the solubility of digestive enzymes.
• When compared to regular table salt, it speeds up digestion and provides more nutrition to the body’s cells. ¹ 

Benefits of Black Salt for Heart Functioning 

• Black salt thins the blood and may be beneficial in persons with high cholesterol.
• People with high blood pressure, on the other hand, should limit their intake of black salt (no more than 3.75 grams per day).  

Benefits of Black Salt for Circulation  

Black salt helps to maintain good blood circulation in, which helps to prevent blood clots .¹ 

Benefits of Black Salt for Sinusitis 

• People suffering from respiratory problems or sinusitis can benefit from kala namak. 
• You can speed up the clearing up of phlegm and the opening of nostrils by gargling with black salt in warm water or by steam inhalation or by adding it to warm water for gargling. ¹ 

Side Effects of Black Salt:  

In small quantities used in the regular diet, black salt is probably harmless. Black salt should not be consumed in excess of 6 grams per day (elemental sodium content is roughly 2.3 grams).¹ 

• Excessive consumption of black salt may lead to an excess of sodium in the body, resulting in increased water retention and an increase in blood pressure. 
• While bathing with salt water, do not use too much salt and avoid soaking in water for too long, as it may absorb excess skin moisture and leave it too dry. 

• Too much salt in the diet leads to excess secretion of calcium in the urine, resulting in the formation of kidney stones. 

Also Read: Sesame Seeds – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Nutritional Value

How to Use Black Salt?  

Black salt is available in three different forms;¹ 

• Black salt in cooking 

• Black salt with trikatu churna 
• Black salt in buttermilk 

Your doctor will prescribe you the appropriate form based on your individual needs. 

Precautions and Warning to be Taken with Black Salt:  

If you have one or more of these conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking Black salt.¹ 

• Black salt can produce nausea and vomiting in certain conditions. 
• As black salt might affect blood pressure, it’s a good idea to check blood pressure on a regular basis. 

Interactions with Other Drugs:  

Information is not available about the interaction of black salt with other drugs. 

Also Read: Safed Musli – Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions:  

1) What is black salt? 

Black salt is a sulphurous, pungent-smelling kiln-fired rock salt used in the Indian subcontinent.¹ 

2) How much black salt per day? 

More than 6 grams per day is not recommended by doctors because it can elevate blood pressure. Take no more than 3.75 grams per day if you already have high blood pressure and are taking medicines for the same.¹

3) Is black salt and rock salt the same? 

Black salt, often referred to as Himalayan black salt, Indian black salt, or kala namak, is a volcanic rock salt produced in the Himalayan region. It contains varying amounts of sulphur compounds found naturally in the Himalayan mountains, in addition to sodium chloride (the primary chemical constituent in salt).¹ 

4) How to use black salt for weight loss? 

Add lemon juice and a pinch of black salt to water. Drink this after thoroughly mixing it. It can be had either first thing in the morning or after a meal. It’s important to remember that this is only a tactic to help you with weight loss and cannot help you lose weight just by doing this.¹ 

5) Is black salt good for pregnancy? 

Inadequate salt consumption can reduce blood volume and have a negative impact on the placenta’s growth and function. When the placenta’s ability to function is compromised, the baby’s growth, development, and even life is jeopardised. Preeclampsia and fetal death may both be exacerbated by a lack of salt in the diet. ¹ 

6) Does black salt contain sulphur? 

Black salt, contains varyiable amounts of sulphur compounds found naturally in the Himalayan mountains. ¹ 

7) Is black salt good for kidney stones? 

Kidney stones are a painful condition caused by a build-up of minerals and acid salts into a lump that blocks the flow of urine and causes nausea. However, because of its medicinal characteristics, many traditional practitioners recommend swapping black salt for normal salt. ¹ 

8) What is black lava salt? 

Black lava salt comes from Hawaii or Cyprus and is simply table salt mixed with activated charcoal. Use black lava salt as a finishing salt; it’s more for the aesthetic effect than the taste. ¹ 

9) How to use black salt? 

Indian black salt can be sprinkled on popcorn or kale chips for a unique flavour. Vegans can enjoy black salt because it gives egg-free foods the scent and flavour of eggs. It can also be used as a scrub or a soak while bathing. ¹ 

10) Can black salt be used for cooking? 

Yes, you can use black salt for cooking. Black salt is now widely used in cooking and is a typical element in Indian cuisine. Black salt is perfectly safe to use in cooking. ¹ 

11) Does black salt cause gas? 

No, black salt helps to decrease heartburn and bloating by stimulating bile production in the liver. It lowers acid levels and alleviates reflux. A pinch of salt can help to prevent gas production, bloating, and flatulence. ¹ 

12) Does black salt contain iodine? 

Because black salt does not contain iodine like table salt, you will need to supplement diet with iodine sources. ¹ 

13) Does black salt contain sodium? 

Sodium chloride and trace impurities of sodium sulphate, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulphide, iron sulphide, and hydrogen sulphide make up the majority of kala namak. ¹ 

14) Does black salt help in reducing weight? 

Yes, by inhibiting fat accumulation in the body, black salt may be helpful in achieving weight loss. Black salt, unlike white salt, has a low sodium content. When it comes to losing weight, this is a positive thing. High salt consumption has been linked to an increase in hunger and weight gain. ¹ 

15) How to use black salt for hair? 

Black salt contains minerals that are said to help thicken hair, cure split ends, and promote healthy hair development. Add black salt to hair scrub or dissolve it in water and use it as a hair rinse after washing hair to gain the advantages of black salt for hair. ¹ 

16) What are the uses of black salt? 

It aids in weight loss, cures acidity, acts as a laxative, promotes hair growth, and has antioxidant effects. It also has a low salt content, minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium that are necessary for good health. Black salt helps to decrease heartburn and bloating by stimulating bile production in the liver. ¹ 

17) Can black salt expire? 

Salt, as we all know, has no expiration date because it is a preservative in and of itself. Because salt packers are required to print the expiration date on the bag, the majority of them print it two years from the day of production. ¹ 

18) Can black salt cause diarrhea? 

Due to its Rechana (laxative) nature, black salt can produce diarrhoea if consumed in large quantities. ¹ 

19) Is black salt and pink salt the same? 

Black salt is another type of Himalayan pink salt. However, to infuse some therapeutic characteristics, this salt is burned at extremely high temperatures in kilns with charcoal, harad seeds, amla, and other ingredients. ¹ 

20) Is black salt good for blood pressure? 

Yes, black salt is good for blood pressure, as it contains more potassium and less sodium than table salt. ^1,2 

Also Read: Munakka(Raisins) – Benefits, Nutritional Value, Side Effects & Precautions

References 

1. 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. https://www.ejpmr.com/home/abstract_id/485

2. Chander V, Tewari D, Negi V, et al. Structural characterization of Himalayan black rock salt by SEM, XRD and in-vitro antioxidant activity. Science of the Total Environment. 2020; 748: 141269. https://sci-hub.st/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141269

3. Mumtaz T, Zuha SB, Saha ML, et al. Mineral composition and microbial association of a local condiment- ‘Beat laban’ (Black salt). Microbial Biotechnology with special reference to amylase, lipase and protease. January 2011.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255984030_Mineral_composition_and_microbial_association_of_a_local_condiment-_’Beat_laban’Black_salt

4. Shinde LV. A Herbal composition for treatment of acidity and indigestion problem. Publication number: 20200222482, 16 July, 2020. https://patents.justia.com/inventor/laxman-vishwanath-shinde

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