If you haven’t heard about Himalayan pink salt, that’s about to change! Although the eye-catching ingredient dates back approximately 250 million years, its rise in popularity is more recent. Mined from deep within the Himalayan mountain range for which it is named, Himalayan pink salt is generally recognized as the purest form of salt in the world.
Himalayan pink salt and table salt share a similar chemical composition. Both are made of sodium chloride (NaCl). However, Himalayan pink salt also contains 84 trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, which give it its signature pink shade and account for the subtle difference in flavor.
Not only is Himalayan pink salt more attractive than its traditional counterpart (there’s really no arguing with its pretty pink hue!), many believe it offers additional health benefits, thanks to those bonus minerals. When consumed in place of the standard stuff, Himalayan pink salt purportedly aids hydration, lowers blood pressure, rids the body of heavy metals and helps improve sleep, to name just a few.
Now that we have your attention, we’ve identified seven creative ways to use Himalayan pink salt (other than sprinkling it over your food, which is a given!):
1. Himalayan crystal salt lamp
Not only are these lamps aesthetically pleasing, they can help absorb excess moisture and rid the air of allergens. This particular model is hand carved and features an attractive black base. Plus, its “soothing, warm glow” will enhance the ambiance of any room!
2. Himalayan pink salt block
Instead of adding Himalayan pink salt to your favorite dishes, consider cooking thin cuts of meat, seafood and veggies (think asparagus and zucchini) on a Himalayan pink salt slab or block. The unique cooking surface adds a subtle yet complex flavor your dinner guests will appreciate.
3. Himalayan pink bath salts
Soak your cares away with relaxing Himalayan bath salts, like these! According to the manufacturer, they “have been known to improve the texture, tone and appearance of your skin, combat water retention, promote sinus health, prevent muscle cramping and soreness, regulate sleep and even decrease stress.” Also, they contain fragrant lavender essential oil, which is “calming, relaxing, refreshing, toning and cleansing.
4. Himalayan pink salt scrub
To whip up your own super-simple scrub, mix a cup of finely ground Himalayan pink salt with two-thirds of a cup of coconut oil using a fork. Then add approximately 12 drops of lavender essential oil to the blend. Gently massage the scrub into damp skin and rinse with water. Store the homemade exfoliant in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Or, if you’re short on time, try an all-natural product such as Hugo Naturals Grapefruit Himalayan Salt Scrub.
5. Himalayan pink salt soap
Your skin will thank you for pampering it with Himalayan pink salt soap. Try: Evolution Salt Co. Sole Soap. Paraben- and dye-free, it’s made “with sole solution in place of water. Sole solution is a 26 percent solution made from saturating water with Himalayan salt crystals. This gives Sole Soap the benefits of 84 raw trace minerals.” And it also contains tea tree oil, which is heralded for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
6. Himalayan pink salt body spray
Making your own Himalayan pink salt body spray is as easy as 1-2-3! Simply combine three ingredients—three teaspoons of Himalayan pink salt, six drops of essential oil (you choose the fragrance!) and two teaspoons of vodka (which acts as a natural preservative)—in a clean spray bottle and voilà! Enjoy a spritz of your DIY skin-nourishing body spray whenever you need a little boost.
7. Himalayan pink salt foot tiles
Simply heat these energizing tiles in a 350-degree oven or microwave, set them on a cotton towel and place your feet on top of them. Then enjoy a little R & R for about 20 minutes while the Himalayan pink salt draws the impurities and toxins from your tired feet.
