IT IS “WORTH A GRAIN OF SALT”

Salt's Healing Powers
Salt’s Healing Powers

COOKING TIP: To remove all “gamey” taste of venison, soaking it in a brine of salty water will remove all the blood (making it Kosher) causing the meat to taste quite mild.

BEYOND COOKING:

Salt is not only the best seasoning for food and preserving, curing, and brining meat, IT IS ONE OF NATURES MOST USEFUL HEALING AGENTS! Yes, I know that salt is given a bad wrap and rightly so if internally overused, but the healing powers are incredible.

For ages, salt water and salt poultices have been treatments for respiratory illnesses to rheumatism. Plato wrote that “Salt cures all ailments of man”. Hippocrates prescribed inhaling the steam from salty water to his patients ailing from respiratory properties.

Last week, I had a terrible reaction to an antibiotic (Clindamycin) I was taking and decided to stop taking it and not to take another one prescribed to me after a dental procedure. Of course, I made sure that my doctors, my husband and a colleague, knew that I was not going back on an antibiotic at that time. Both of them are open minded to natural treatments, but both were adamant that I gargle often with hot salty water.

I have heard about gargling with warm salty water just about all of my life for sore throats and ulcers, and I have given my babies saline nose spray when they have not been able to breathe well from congestion. I also remember meeting a man once on a beach trip that had just moved to the beach to be near the ocean and to swim in it as much as possible for the healing properties of the salt water. Have you ever noticed that your cuts heal three times more quickly at the beach than at home?

Salt baths date back to ancient Greece. Soaking in a tub of water containing several cups of salt for 20 minutes daily has been proven to improve symptoms of rheumatological conditions, muscle aches, stress, and insomnia. Steam containing salt causes relaxation and gives energy as well as decreasing inflamation in the nasal passages, widening airways of the respiratory tract and clearing nasal and respiratory tract of bacteria and virus. But these days, we have Safety Face Shield with Glasses so no need of worry of the virus’.

I thought that I might look into this old “wives tale” and am now convinced that salt should be prescribed more often as an acceptable and excellent treatment. There are NO SIDE EFFECTS nor long term reliance on medication. The human body needs salt to regulate the eloctrolyte balance inside its cells.

Sea salt has up to 92 trace minerals and elements which neutralize the effect of acids on the body. Some of the most useful of this minerals and elements are calcium, potassium, and bromide.

Table salt, sodium chloride, relieves muscle cramps. The calcium works to build tissue after injury. Potassium is a great regulator of moister in the skin. Bromide works to sooth nerves, and muscles. The sulphates contained in salt are a natural disinfectant and reduce inflamation and infection! AHA! That is why I needed to be swishing with warm salty water!!

Applying a paste onto affected areas of the skin whether it be acne, eczema, hives, or dry and cracked skin will sooth the skin and speed healing.

For a paste you will need just enough glycerin to get about 1 cup on kosher or sea salt crystals to stick together. Rub over affected area lightly and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse well. Don’t forget that this is an excellent natural exfoliate for your skin!

Hot compresses made with salt reduces swelling and is an excellent pain reliever. All around, salt is a wonder!

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7 Comments

  1. When swishing with salty warm water in your mouth, be sure that you have enough salt and not too much salt. The distribution is 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces. If you have too much salt, it may dehydrate the area you are wanting to heal. Just an added note.

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      I am glad that I could help. Let me know how it goes!

  2. Thank You for sharing this. I am looking forward to using salt in these ways.

  3. I use salt in my watercolor painting. Put down paint and immediately add salt. Leave til paint is dry. Blow off the salt. Where the salt was, the paint has been absorbed and leaves little white or light specks. Great texture for watercolor. Sorry you probably meant for this to be for cooking, etc. but I love this technique and it is like magic.

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      Oh, I am so glad you let me know that. I love to paint too. I never knew this. I usually do oils or pastels. I find watercolor harder. I think I will break out the paints today and try this technique with the kids. Thanks for the information!

  4. Salt helps to draw excess moisture out of veggies and fruits for pickling too, but I’m sure you knew that. Epsom salts are used in gardening to brighten roses in color and scent. It’s great to help quell the burn from a too hot pepper too. Saline eyes drops work wonderfully to alleviate pollen allergies and prevent year duct infections. Saline nasal spray is amazing when hunting hard at high elevations, no nose bleeds when nasal tissues are sprayed as needed. These are just a few things we use them for in my house….

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      Love those tips Wendy!! I didn’t know about the height elevation situation. Thanks for commenting! Keep the tips coming.

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