Black salt: composition, useful properties and contraindications.

There are many varieties of salt in the world. In this case, rock salt mined in mines can have different shades depending on what elements from the rocks fall there. As a rule, they give a pinkish or yellowish hue. But sometimes it happens that impurities give a richer color, and such a product gets its own name - for example, black Himalayan salt. In addition, manufacturers may add some additives to the usual rock salt. There are also folk recipes for the preparation of such compositions - they also allow you to get black salt. Below we will consider the different types of this product.

What is black salt

So, at the heart of this product is always rock salt, to which some or other ingredients are added. However, several species differ in composition and origin.

Types

The following types of black salt are distinguished:

1. Indian (Himalayan). It is extracted in Pakistan, India and Nepal. Such salt is not subjected to purification and refining, so its crystals have a pronounced dark-pink with brown and even purple patches of color. This interesting coloring is a result of the mineral greigite. But this coloring occurs only in large crystals, while when the salt is milled, the pink coloring becomes more noticeable. In India, this salt is additionally heated in ceramic vessels to very high temperatures, adding oriental spices, as well as ebony seeds, which are called "harad". This makes the salt even more useful by increasing the amount of valuable microelements. And its hue becomes more saturated.
2. Lava. The packaging often says "Black lava salt" to emphasize its volcanic origin. In fact, it is sea salt, which is most commonly produced in Cyprus and Hawaii. It is positioned as a detoxifying agent, and is similar to activated charcoal in this respect. This salt contains fewer sulfur compounds, but has a more earthy taste.
3. Thursday black salt. It is often called Kostroma, because the original recipe was invented in Kostroma, although virtually every province had its own version. Initially, such salt was made from ordinary rock salt by firing it in a wood stove together with rye flour. In some provinces, cabbage leaves, kvass, and spicy herbs were used. Heavy metal impurities were destroyed by the high temperature. Also rye flour provided black salt rich in minerals. It was prepared only on Thursday of Holy Week and consecrated in church on Easter Sunday, so in a sense it has a ritual significance. Although the Orthodox Church denies this and does not welcome the use of black salt.

The most useful for health is considered to be Himalayan or Indian black salt, although, unlike other types, it contains quite large amounts of hydrogen sulfide. But it is this substance that helps to normalize blood pressure and remove excess weight.

Composition and calories

Thursday salt, depending on the method of preparation, contains 3-5 kcal per 100 g. If we consider the composition of black Thursday salt, we can pay attention to the fact that 85-94% of its composition is sodium chloride, and the rest is bread ash. But in fact, that is exactly what is useful. It contains calcium ions, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron oxide (which is why it is able to prevent anemia). It is worth noting that in white salt, sodium chloride occupies about 98% of the volume, that is, other useful minerals in it is much less.

Thus, as a result of roasting, the amount of heavy metals in Quaternary salt is significantly reduced, as is the chlorine content.

The energy value of Himalayan salt is low. It contains only 5 kcal per 100 grams. In total, it includes more than 80 active ingredients. Himalayan salt also contains less sodium chloride than regular salt. Plus it has hydrogen sulfide, which improves the digestive organs and cardiovascular system.

Benefits of black salt from Kostroma (Thursday salt)

In the old days, Thursday salt was attributed almost magical properties. It was believed that enough for any illness just pour a pinch of black salt in a glass of water, stir it and give a person to drink - after that the disease will pass. In fact, this is certainly not true, but there is a certain logic to it. Thursday salt contains carbon in the form of fine porous charcoal. It acts just like any other enterosorbent, that is, it removes toxins from the body. This really improves your well-being, and also helps to cope with food poisoning and get rid of the signs of allergies faster.

In addition, Thursday salt has other useful properties. She:

• normalizes digestion, eliminates constipation and bloating;
• Improves appetite;
• strengthens the natural immune system;
• eliminates muscle spasms;
• normalizes blood composition;
• reduces the acidity of gastric juice;
• improves nervous activity.

At the same time, unlike regular salt, it does not retain water in the body, so even with arterial hypertension you can use it (of course, in moderation).

In cosmetology, black salt is used to treat acne, because it performs the same functions as masks containing activated charcoal in this respect - it removes toxins, cleans pores and even has an antiseptic effect.

The Benefits of Black Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt has many beneficial properties. In particular, it:

1. Enhances immunity.
2. Prevents such troubles as heartburn, increased gas, bloating.
3. Normalizes the work of the intestinal muscles thanks to the high content of potassium and magnesium.
4. Relieves spasms and abdominal pain (also because of the large amount of potassium).
5. Allows you to maintain hormonal balance, including due to normal levels of melatonin and serotonin, so its use improves psycho-emotional state.
6. Normalizes blood sugar levels, which is very important in type 2 diabetes.
7. Thanks to its unique mineral composition it prevents the development of osteoporosis.
8. Regulates metabolic processes, which helps to get rid of excess weight.
9. It reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol in the body, which is very useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially since a number of studies show that it does not retain fluid. Unlike ordinary salt, Himalayan salt does not raise blood pressure.

In traditional oriental medicine, it is also believed that black Himalayan salt is able to relieve the pain of joint diseases. The product is also considered useful in inflammatory respiratory diseases. On the one hand, it improves the separation of phlegm, on the other hand, it eliminates the inflammation itself.

Black salt for weight loss

Replacing regular salt with black salt in various dishes already helps to normalize digestion, remove toxins and excess fluid, and get rid of extra pounds. However, a saline solution can additionally be used for this purpose. It is best to use Himalayan salt, as it contains more minerals, but Thursday salt will do.

It is necessary to make a strong enough 25-26% salt solution - 1 tsp. fine fraction per glass of water. This salt solution is taken by 1 tsp per glass of water and drunk on an empty stomach to speed up the metabolism, improve digestion and remove toxins. At first it may seem that the remedy acts negatively - the first few days some people experience digestive upset. But this indicates only that the toxins are actively eliminated. Very quickly these unpleasant sensations pass. The duration of the treatment course is one month. Within a year, it can be repeated no more than three times.

Black salt in medicine

In folk medicine, black Himalayan salt is used in the form of a solution. It is prepared at home. Take a glass, pour on the bottom 1 tsp. salt (or put a few cubes of 2-3 cm.), then pour a full glass of water and leave for a day. If after that time the salt is not completely dissolved, you get a solution of about 26-27%, which corresponds to the salinity of ocean water. If no salt can be seen at the bottom, a little more should be added, and after a day the solution will be ready. In a jar with a closed lid, it is stored long enough.

This salt solution can be used for different purposes:

1. To relieve swelling of the legs make compresses from the solution, applying pieces of cotton cloth to problem areas and fixing them for 20-30 minutes. You can also do baths with the saline solution to relieve swollen feet.
2. For the treatment of respiratory diseases accompanied by cough with profuse expectoration of phlegm, salt solution is poured into a kettle, brought to a boil, cooled for 5 minutes. In the kettle's spout inserted a sheet of paper rolled up in a cone, and breathe over it with steam.
3. For the treatment of joint pain make a bath with a salt solution. The water temperature should be at least 37 degrees.
4. When inflammation of the tonsils and bad breath should be 3-4 times a day rinse your throat with a salt solution.

But for the health of teeth and gums use another recipe. Olive oil is mixed with Himalayan fine salt, and the mixture is used to brush teeth and massage gums to prevent cavities and inflammatory diseases. To increase the effectiveness, it is recommended to add a couple of drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to the mixture, you can also take lemon oil.

For periodontal disease and bleeding gums, also use Quaternary salt. To do this, take 2 parts flower honey and 1 part black salt, mix and use the resulting paste to massage the gums.

Uses of black salt in cosmetology

For use on the face

You can make the following skin masks on the basis of black (Thursday) salt:

1. For skin firmness. Mix 1 tbsp. sour cream with 1 tsp. black salt. The mixture is applied to the skin for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. If you add a little lemon juice, it will also have a whitening effect.
2. For the care of fading skin. Take 2 spoons of any flour, raw egg yolk, 1 tsp. of Thursday salt, a little flower honey and sour milk. All this is mixed, applied to the face and held for 10 minutes, then washed off with lukewarm water.
3. Himalayan black salt can be used for the following masks:
4. Vitamin. For 1 tsp. salt take 1 tbsp. thick heavy heavy cream, 2 tbsp. spoonfuls of kiwi or strawberry puree, mix, apply to face for 5-10 minutes, wash off with cool water, moisturize with usual cream.
5. Rejuvenating. Take 1 tsp. of Himalayan salt, the same amount of honey and twice as much kefir, mix, add 1 tablespoon of fat-free cottage cheese (best to take non-grainy). The resulting mixture is applied to the skin, massaging lightly, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water and moisturizing cream.
6. Cleansing. For 1 tablespoon of Himalayan salt of medium grind take the same amount of natural coffee, which must first be ground and mixed with literally half a teaspoon of water to get the grounds. The mask is applied carefully so as not to traumatize the facial skin. Then lightly massage the surface and rinse with warm water.

Masks based on salt can not be done if there are open wounds, scratches, irritation on the skin.

For hair

In folk medicine, Himalayan black salt is used for hair care. It helps get rid of seborrheic crusts and dandruff. You can simply apply a small amount of salt to wet hair and lightly massage it, and after 20 minutes, rinse without using shampoo. After that, it is recommended to apply a ready-made moisturizing mask or conditioner. Hair is then dried naturally, without the use of a hair dryer.

You can use a salt solution for hair - 1 tablespoon per glass of hot water. In this solution, soak a piece of thin linen cloth and use it to massage the scalp for half an hour. After which the hair is washed with warm water.

Finally, Himalayan salt can be added in a nourishing mask - half a teaspoon mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, raw egg yolk and 3 teaspoons of olive oil. If the hair is prone to greasiness, more lemon juice is added. Leave the mask for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Black salt in cooking

Black Thursday salt has always been an element of the Easter breakfast. They dip boiled eggs in it, and it's really delicious. Properly cooked in a woodstove, the salt smells of wood logs and just a little hydrogen sulfide, like mineral water, so the smell is not scary. Salt also goes well with boiled potatoes, as their loose flesh quickly absorbs the salt crystals and softens their flavor and aroma. It also goes well with vegetable and mushroom dishes.

For example, you can make a salad with pickled mushrooms, ripe tomatoes and red onions. For 4 servings of salad take 3-5 tomatoes (depending on size), 250-300 grams of pickled mushrooms (preferably - raw mushrooms), 2 cloves of garlic, half a red onion, up to 1 tsp of Thursday salt, pepper to taste. Dress the salad with vegetable oil, preferably unrefined and flavored. Tomatoes are washed and cut into slices, garlic - slices, and onions - thin half rings. Mushrooms do not need to cut, but it is recommended to rinse them with cold water to remove the brine and excess salt. Then all the ingredients are mixed and dressed with sunflower oil and Thursday salt.

Harms and Contraindications

Although all types of black salt are considered beneficial, they still have a number of contraindications. So, if in cases of arterial hypertension, such salt helps to reduce the pressure, then in the presence of a strong degree of hypertension, sodium chloride will still have a negative effect, so it is better to exclude the product from the diet. This also applies to chronic kidney disease and heart failure - with them black salt is contraindicated.

How to choose and store black salt

The so-called black Himalayan (Indian) salt is not really black. In general, it comes in two varieties. First, it is the black Himalayan salt, which actually has a dark pink hue. It is mined directly in the Himalayas, northern India, etc. Its color is due to the high content of iron sulfite. This salt can be used in cooking, but it has a peculiar smell, which is associated with the adsorption of hydrogen sulfide on the surface of the crystals. Many people do not like this smell. But if Himalayan salt is left out in the open for a while, the smell evaporates.

Second, there is the black Indian salt Kala Namak. It also has a dark pink hue when dry, but if liquid gets on it, it turns dark. Despite its specific sulfuric taste and smell, it is widely used in cooking in India. It is often added to ready-made spice blends, such as garam masala.

Understandably, there are plenty of fakes on the market. Therefore, only buy Himalayan and Indian salt from trusted sellers. The natural product is produced only in India, Nepal and Pakistan. The packaging should indicate the composition. Real Indian salt does not contain any additives. To be sure, you should buy a test sample, check whether it has a sulfurous smell, and also dissolve it in water and observe after a day to see if there is any sediment.

As for storage, the Himalayan salt should be stored in a glass container with a tightly screwed lid, so that no water can penetrate inside. It is best to make the container out of thick glass, as the sun's rays destroy the useful components contained in the crystals. Temperature extremes should also be avoided.

You do not need to make Thursday black salt yourself, you can buy ready-made, but you must carefully read the composition. One advantage of a quality finished product is that it is fired in a wood-fired oven, which is not always possible at home.

After the consecration of Thursday salt, it is stored for a year, until the next Easter. To do this, you need a linen bag or opaque container with a tightly screwed lid. Salt should be protected not only from sunlight and moisture, but also from prying eyes.

How to make black salt at home

Although it is easy to find Thursday salt today, many housewives prefer to make it themselves. Various methods are used for this purpose.

Recipe for Thursday salt with seasonings

Thursday salt can be made with seasonings and rye bread. For 1 kg of coarse non-iodized salt, take 5-6 tbsp. spoonfuls of chopped dried herbs (oregano or oregano, rosemary, thyme, mint, dill, etc.), as well as 4 loaves of rye bread. It is recommended to soak the latter in water beforehand. All ingredients are mixed with salt, put in a cast-iron mold and fire in the oven until the mixture is charred. Then it cools, grinds and sifts out the black dust, and the ready salt is poured into a glass container and tightly closed with a lid.

Recipe of black salt with leavened grounds

A classic variant - this is black salt with kvass grounds, it was it most often made by Russian housewives. In modern conditions, it is necessary to act as follows. It is necessary to buy coarse salt (but not iodized salt) and mix it with kvass grounds - this mass remains after the wort is prepared. The proportions are as follows: the salt must be 4 times less than the wort, for example, 100 g to 400 g. Salt and guts should be thoroughly mixed, and then placed in a large metal frying pan (only without the plastic handle) or in a cauldron and cooked in the oven until this mass is charred. Then the product cools, carefully crushed, and a fine black dust should be sifted.

Ready product is poured into a dry glass container with a tightly screwed lid. Such salt, if desired, can be used instead of table salt.

Recipe of Thursday salt with flour

In a pan poured a packet of coarse ground rock salt and 1.5 cups of rye flour, stir it with a wooden spoon, and gradually heat the mixture until it turns black. There is no special smoke, but the salt is not quite black, but rather a dark gray. But it is easy to grind it to powder.

Interesting facts about salt

Many people think that salt only has its own flavor, but that's not entirely true. To understand this, add it to other foods that have a distinct flavor, and you will notice that the salt can intensify or mitigate it. For example, if you add it to freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, it will be less bitter. Adding a little salt to a banana milkshake will make it taste deeper. In addition, salt enhances all the other flavors. It can also be used as a preservative because it creates an environment in which pathogenic bacteria cannot survive. But useful microorganisms, such as lactobacilli, develop well in this environment.

It is interesting that salt is not only black. It all depends on what other additives it contains. For example, pink salt is produced in Poland, Chile, Bolivia, Australia, and even in Russia, more precisely - in the Crimea. There, on Lake Sasyk-Sivash, there are unique natural conditions - under the influence of microorganisms and algae, salt acquires a coral-pink hue. Once upon a time, the salt lakes located in the lower reaches of the Volga River also produced pink salt, which got its unusual coloring due to microorganisms. But this product also had a delicate aroma of violets. This salt was supplied to the court of Catherine the Great.

But the red Hawaiian salt received its color from the iron admixture in the volcanic clay. It used to be used for various rituals, such as treating canoes so they would not sink. Today it is used mainly for culinary purposes.

There are also very beautiful salt crystals which look like gemstones of a dark purple hue. Such crystals can be found in Austria, Germany, and Spain, for example. Its coloring is irregular, it looks more like stripes. However, if you dissolve it in water, you get a completely transparent liquid. Scientists believe that this is not due to the presence of chemical additives, but to radioactive irradiation, especially since such salt is found only in certain areas, and outside of Europe it simply does not exist.

Although black salt is consecrated in church, it has nothing to do with true Orthodox rituals. Moreover, the church had previously tried to combat them. In particular, when in 1551 was convened Stoglavyi Sobor, then his decision was forbidden to consecrate black salt, as it was considered pagan and heresy. And violators were punished severely - expelled from ministry. However, this had no effect on folk superstitions.

In most cases, science has not proved the fact that red, pink and yellow colored salts are somehow more useful than ordinary salts. In addition to the fact that black salt containing charcoal can indeed be used as an enterosorbent, and also has the properties listed above. However, you should remember that those colored salts, which are sold in stores, often contain artificial additives.

Photo of black salt