Why is black salt useful and how to make it

Due to the lack of much attention to the product, the benefits and harms of black salt in Russia from a medical point of view have been little studied. It is only gaining popularity, gradually replacing the cookery. The experience of other countries and our ancestors speaks of the benefits of this simple food supplement. This will be discussed further.

Types of black salt

Black salt is called 2 different products, both have beneficial properties. They are called:

• Himalayan;
• Thursday (Kostroma).

The first species was originally mined in the Himalayas. The recipe for the second type appeared in the villages of the Kostroma region.

Both products are good for the body, although they have different properties.

The history of the appearance of black salt

Deposits of Himalayan salt appeared during the formation of the Himalayan mountains on the border of India and Eurasia. Initially, it was in the ocean, later it was enriched with useful elements and acquired medicinal properties due to the collision of lithospheric plates, when its deposits rose, mixing with magma.

India remains the main supplier of the product, but production is carried out not only in the Himalayas: deposits are being developed in Pakistan and Asian countries. In the United States, mining is carried out from lava in the Hawaiian Islands.

The name "black" comes from India and reflects the fact that crystals come in different shades due to the content of iron and other minerals: they are usually gray, pinkish.

Due to the specific smell of hydrogen sulphide, a natural product is distinguished from a fake, which at best does not have useful properties, at worst it is harmful.

Crystals are extracted from igneous rocks and cleaned of debris. Then they are dried at a temperature of about 700 degrees, thereby reducing the smell of hydrogen sulfide and making them softer. After cooling, they are crushed and packed.

Thursday salt got its name from Maundy Thursday, when it was supposed to be prepared before Easter on Holy Week. It was used with Easter eggs. For the ancestors, it was a familiar spice, not exotic, which was useful not only in cooking: it was used to treat livestock with its solution, and water the beds. The crystals were black, dark gray, as they were calcined in a furnace.

The second name of the spice - Kostroma - comes from the place of invention of its recipe and the current production.

Composition and properties of black salt

Thursday salt is healthier than usual table salt. After it is soldered, the chemical composition improves, and its useful properties increase. It contains little heavy metals, as well as chlorine, which makes people thirsty.

The beneficial properties of black salt are explained by the presence of the following minerals in the composition:

• iodine;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• selenium.

It improves the general condition of the body and, with regular use, cleanses the intestines. Acting as an absorbent for mild poisoning, it can replace activated carbon.

The Indian variety has an impressive composition: they counted about 80 beneficial trace elements. Accordingly, black Himalayan salt has more beneficial properties.

It contains:

• iron;
• sulfur;
• iodine;
• potassium;
• manganese;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• copper, etc.

It has a healing effect of rejuvenation by accelerating the process of cell regeneration. Benefits for the nervous system are also noted: the emotional state of a person is stabilized.

Both products have the common beneficial property of not retaining water in the body.

The benefits of black salt from Kostroma (Thursday)

In order not to speak in general phrases about the benefits of black Thursday salt from Kostroma, it is easier to list the organ systems to which its medicinal properties apply:

1. Gastrointestinal tract... For minor problems, regular, moderate consumption is helpful to stabilize the digestive process. In case of serious diseases, there will be no harm: the use of the spice is not limited.
2. Teeth, hair, skin, bones... Good condition is maintained due to the content of calcium in the crystals of the product. Ingestion is recommended for optimal benefit.

The benefits of black Himalayan (Indian) salt

Indian salt has the following beneficial effects on the human body:

• helps to cope with insomnia;
• useful in metabolic disorders leading to excess weight, obesity;
• strengthens the immune system;
• relieves constant fatigue;
• improves the condition in case of diseases of the cardiovascular system (without replacing drugs!);
• healing properties have been noted for problems with the musculoskeletal system: rheumatism, arthrosis, arthritis and other joint diseases;
• has a beneficial effect on skin diseases: herpes, psoriasis;
• helps to reduce strong reactions to insect bites.

The undoubted benefits of black Himalayan salt and the almost complete absence of harm make it an indispensable element of a healthy diet.

Slimming black salt

Any seasoning has a low calorie content, and Kostroma salt has absolutely zero.

Therefore, it is found in dietary food recipes, since it does not cause strong thirst, practically does not retain water and does not cause swelling. Therefore, with moderate use, you can not worry about the dangers of extra pounds gained with water.

The Himalayan and Kostroma varieties improve appetite: excess calories can be gained by eating more than usual food, which will harm the weight loss process.

Black salt in folk medicine

The medicinal properties of black salt have been known for a long time, but in Russia it is used only by folk, and not by official medicine.

A solution is made from it, which is used to gargle for colds, added to inhalation; make compresses for swollen legs, apply to insect bites.

Saline solution

To obtain a useful solution, crystals are placed on the bottom of the glass in a layer of 2 - 3 cm, filled with water.

The glass is left to infuse for 24 hours. A day later, a precipitate of undissolved crystals should remain at the bottom of the glass. If there is no sediment, add a little more and leave it on for several hours.

The resulting solution is added to pure water, drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.

For 1 glass, 1 tsp is enough.

The following effect will be noticeable:

• the body will be cleansed of toxins;
• the condition of the skin will improve;
• sleep will become stronger;
• the intestines will be cleansed.

Store the solution in a closed jar.

Healing baths with black salt

Another way of using black salt in folk medicine is therapeutic baths, which are useful for skin diseases, itching, and dryness.In addition to the healing effect, they have a relaxing effect and relieve stress.

You can take a salt bath separately or add it while bathing.

On average, 1 - 1.2 kg of salt is needed per 100 liters of water.

It is better to stay in the bath for 30 minutes. After taking it with clean water, the body does not need to be rinsed.

The use of black salt in cosmetology

Although there is no harm after using the spice, it is not actively used in cosmetology.

Women add it on their own in beauty recipes:

• masks;
• baths for hands, feet, body;
• scrubs, etc.

The benefits are manifested in the effect on the skin, which becomes soft, velvety.

Facial scrub with Indian salt

Since the skin of the face is delicate, in order not to harm it with crystals, it is worth adhering to two rules:

• use finely ground black salt for the face;
• wash your face with a scrub no more than 1 time a week for oily skin, in 2 weeks - for dry skin.

For a scrub, mix any unrefined oil (except for sunflower oil), finely ground black salt in a 1: 2 ratio.

Indian Salt Toothpaste Recipe

The paste maintains a beautiful, healthy smile, cares for the oral cavity, prevents diseases of the teeth and gums.

To prepare a fine grind, crystals are mixed with a tablespoon of vegetable oil (it is better to take not sunflower oil, but olive oil or any other). The resulting mixture is used to brush your teeth as usual.

You can add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil for a pleasant scent.

Black salt in cooking

Himalayan salt is used as a common seasoning for any dish or an additive to spices: for example, in the South Asian spice "Chat masala" used in India for fruit salads, dishes with fried nuts. It is appreciated by vegetarians.

To some, a specific smell seems pungent: then the seasoning is aired. Others do not like its weak egg flavor: in such cases, other spices are added.

The Thursday variety is used as a seasoning for all dishes. She has a specific smell, to which they quickly get used to.

It brings the maximum benefit not during cooking, but when added to the finished dish.

How to use black Kostroma salt as a talisman

Ancestors associated black quaternary salt with magic, believing that it has mystical properties: helping with health, protecting against damage, the evil eye.

In order for black salt to acquire magical properties, and the amulet to work at full power, it must be consecrated in a church on Easter.

How to make black salt at home

The natural Himalayan variety is rare on store shelves: you need to look for it in specialized points of sale of spices and healthy foods.

Thursday salt, on the contrary: you can buy it, but it is better to prepare it at home. The cooking process itself may seem complicated at first. But you do not need to cook the spice often, and the preparation itself does not require large expenses.

To do this, you will need in a ratio of 1: 5:

• rock salt;
• Borodino bread (can be replaced with any rye).

The process consists of the following steps.

1. Soak the bread with water.
2. Mix all ingredients.
3. Place in a cast iron skillet.
4. Preheat oven to 250 ^aboutC, put in the pan.
5. Wait until the bread turns black. Remove from oven.
6. When the mixture has cooled, grind. It is more convenient to grind with a blender.

After cooking, the product is placed in a storage container.

Seasoned black salt recipe

The recipe will appeal to lovers of spices, unusual flavor combinations. Caraway and coriander are used more often. You can also add thyme, mint.

You will need:

• bread;
• salt;
• caraway;
• coriander.

The ratio of the main ingredients is 1: 5. For 0.5 kg of salt, 2 tsp is used. caraway seeds and 2 tsp. coriander.

Prepared according to the standard recipe scheme.

Flour Thursday salt recipe

For the recipe, you need ingredients in a 1: 1 ratio:

• Rye flour;
• salt.

The mixture is spread in a frying pan, fried, stirring regularly. When the flour turns black, remove the pan from the stove.

After cooling, it is placed in a storage container.

Recipe for Thursday salt with leavened milk

Kvass is often prepared in villages. Kvass thick - sediment remaining after preparation of the product. On its basis, a recipe appeared.

Cooking according to the standard scheme: as in variant with Borodino bread, mix the thick with salt, put in the oven and grind when it cools down.

The harm of black salt and contraindications

There is no evidence of harm from the use of the product in medicine. Himalayan and Thursday salt cause harm only as a result of excessive use: the rate is 1 teaspoon per day (20 g). Then the product will show only beneficial properties.

Side effects of excessive use:

• swelling;
• load on the vessels of the body;
• load on the kidneys.

With renal failure, hypertension, it is necessary to monitor the amount of product consumed.

The benefits and possible harm of both black Kostroma salt and Himalayan salt are incomparable, since the value of the products is high.

Black salt serves not only as a seasoning for food: it is worth remembering about contraindications for external use. For example, salt baths that are not recommended:

• during pregnancy (especially in 2-3 trimesters);
• the presence of tumors (malignant, benign);
• intolerance to the product;
• bleeding and blood diseases;
• renal failure;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• active phase of tuberculosis.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of black salt have been studied by our ancestors for centuries, and it is wise to consider their experience. The main thing is moderation and regularity of use. Already after a few months, you can notice changes in the body, proving the beneficial properties of the product.