We know of salt as a beloved kitchen staple. But for civilizations as early as 6050 B.C., salt played a vital role in their way of life. According to Seasalt.com, empires used salt in barter trade while the Egyptians turned to it for their religious offerings. Moreover, data shown in ‘A History of Salt’ indicates that salt was used as a basis for population censuses and taxation, and salt monopolies were practiced in many states such as Italy and China.

Fast forward to today and we still turn to salt for its amazing uses and benefits beyond the kitchen. Here are 10 ways that demonstrate the power of salt:

  1. Help your mouth from going south.
    • Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda in water for a simple yet effective mouthwash. You can also use salt to ease your canker sores or soothe a sore throat.
  2. Salting the wound.
    • There is truth to the expression ‘throwing salt on a wound.’ According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, salt serves as a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It can sting a bit but it’s an effective alternative to antiseptic solutions.
  3. Free from foot funk.
    • Sprinkle some salt in your smelliest pair of shoes at night, Sterishoe.com advises those with bromodosis or smelly feet. Let it settle for the rest of the night then shake the salt off in the morning. Your favorite pair will smell as good as new.
  4. Sleep like a baby.
    • If you want to have better sleep at night, make sure you take in just enough salt throughout the day. A study by the Department of Experimental Medicine of Charité-Universitätsmediz in Berlin, Germany shows that a lack of salt will result to sleeping disorders and higher blood pressure. This is something to keep in mind next time you season your food with salt.
  5. Shake off the headache.
    • Headaches are usually caused by dehydration. Mix lemon juice and salt in a glass of water for a natural remedy for a pesky headache, according to Best Herbal Health. The electrolytes in salt plus the vitamin C in lemon will surely give your migraine the boot.
  6. Unblock yourself.
    • Research by the Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center shows that salt can serve as a natural laxative as it helps increase the amount of water in your intestines. Dissolve 2 to 4 teaspoons of salt in a glass of water to banish your bathroom blues. Try adding lemon juice to the solution if you find it too salty for your taste buds.
  7. Salt sorrows away.
    • According to The Salt Institute, salt consumption is linked to less depression. Salt doesn’t automatically make you happy per se, but it does make you less sad. Experts believe that eating food with just the right amount of salt helps you look better, feel better and gain more energy.
  8. Bid the nasty flakes goodbye.
    • Scrub out your embarrassing dandruff with some good ol’ table salt, suggests Mercola.com. Grab a salt shaker and apply salt onto your dry scalp to lift the dandruff. Massage for about 10-15 minutes and then proceed shampooing your hair.
  9.  Cough it out.
    • According to Progessivehealth.com, gargling salt water is an effective remedy for a dry cough. Simply add two teaspoons of salt into a warm glass of water. Stir until the salt dissolves and gargle with the solution.
  10. Relax to the max.
    • Harvard School of Public Health research shows that salt relaxes the muscles. Salt lowers the level of adrenaline in your body and helps muscles function properly.

One can go on and on about the benefits of salt. It truly is an essential part of our way of life then, now and in the future. Perhaps we should apply the old saying literally and take everything with a grain of salt.

 

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