The salty taste, called Lavana Rasa in Ayurveda, is made from water and fire elements.
Lavana rasa is balancing for Vata dosha but aggravating for Pitta and Kapha.
If used wisely, salt is renowned for stimulating digestion and increasing the absorption of nutrients from food. When taken in excess it can be harmful. Higher doses can work as a laxative or emetic.
The Ayurvedic properties of salt vary according to its type
Table salt
Often used for commercial cooking, is highly processed using various chemicals and is the least nutritious form of salt. It also contains a very high sodium concentration, which contributes to high blood pressure, kidney disease, oedema, and inflammation, amongst other things. For these reasons, it is not recommended to consume table salt.
Sea salt
Sea salt is processed by evaporation or desalination. Evaporation is a natural process where water is simply evaporated from seawater to leave salt. Sea salt is higher in minerals than table salt. For this reason, it is considered to be healthier. Always choose a sea salt that is naturally harvested.
Rock salt
Rock salt, such as pink Himalayan rock salt, is mined from rocks. Pink Himalayan rock salt is even higher in minerals, which is what gives it it’s pretty pink colouring. Rock salt is called saindhava lavana and this is considered the best among all salts.
Sandhava is of two varieties
1. Shweta saindhava - white in colour
2. Rakta saindhava - red in colour
Indian black salt (or kala namak, or Himalayan black salt)
It is used in India, Pakistan and other Asian countries. Black salt is found in the mountains of Pakistan and is considered a volcanic salt. It is high in trace minerals, especially iron and magnesium. It possesses the same benefits as pink rock salt. It has a very distinct sulphur smell. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat flatulence. It can also be used as a mild laxative and digestive aid.
Ayurvedic Actions of Salt
Deepana: appetite stimulant
Amapachana: digests toxins
Bhedaniya: purgative
Slesmala: increases kapha and mucous
Anulomana: causes Vata to move downward
Good quality salt is so important in our diet, unfortunately, the overconsumption of cheap chemically processed salts is contributing to many lifestyle diseases. It is recommended to speak to your Ayurvedic Practitioner about your salt intake