Saindhava lavana or rock salt is considered best among all salts. It is the advised for daily use as per Ayurveda. Its qualities, usage and health benefits are quite different from regular salt. Let us find out.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Saindhava, Sheetashiva (because it is coolant in nature), Sindhuja (because it is found in Sindh region of Punjab), Naadeya (because it is found in the banks of rivers), Manimantha
Vernacular names:
English name – Himalayan salt, Himalayan rock salt, Himalayan pink salt
Hindi name – Sendha namak, Sendha lon
Marathi name – Shende Lon
Gujarati name – Sindhalun
Bangali name – Saindhava Lavan
Tamil name – Intuppu
Introduction:
It is available from mines of Punjab. It is of two varieties –
1. Shweta Saindhava – (white in colour)
2. Rakta Saindhava – (Red in colour)
Anyone of these can be regularly used in the name of Rock salt.
Chemical composition –
Sodium chloride is the major ingredient making upto 98 %. It contains many useful minerals and elements. It also contains Iodine, Lithium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc, Strontium, etc. Read more.
Qualities of Saindhava lavana:
Taste– Salt, slightly sweet taste,
Potency-Cold
Qualities – Light, Unctuous,
Effect on Tridosha – We have learnt that salt taste usually increases Pitta, but Saindhava Lavana, being cold in potency helps to balance Pitta.
Because of its Salt taste, it balances Vata and
It helps to relieve chest congestion due to sputum accumulation, because it also relieves Kapha.
Hence it is one of the rare Ayurvedic substance that balances all the three Doshas.
Rock salt uses –
As per Charaka, it is one of those ingredients, that can be taken on daily basis. (Pathya). (Reference: Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 5/12)
Rochana – improves taste
Dipana – improves digestion strength
Vrushya – acts as aphrodisiac
Chakshushya – good for eyes, helps to relieve infection
Aviidahi – (unlike regular salts), Saindhava Lavana does not cause burning sensation.
Hrudya – good for heart
Hikkanashana – useful in hiccups
Sendha namak Use in respiratory disorders – Kapha vilayana, Kapha chedana – It helps to dissolve / disintegrate Kapha. This property is the reason, it is included in Lavana Bhaskar Churna – used in respiratory disorders (also in digestive disorders), because it helps to dissolve or disintegrate and expel sputum.
Use in joint disorders of stiffness For the same reason, it is used in many medicines that are used to relieve joint stiffness – such as Dhanwantaram Tailam, Brihat Saindhavadi Taila and Saptavinshati Guggulu.
Usually in cases of Rheumatoid arthritis, where there is stiffness of joints, Rock salt is used as an ingredient in oils for external application and tablets for oral intake.
How to use rock salt for fomentation –
This is useful in cases of joint disorders, or wherever Kapha is more, as in sinusitis.
In case of joint disorders with stiffness, apply the oil prescribed by your doctor, leave it for 10 – 15 minutes. Then, take a cup of Sendha namak inside a cloth. Make it into pack. Heat it on a pan, check for heat tolerance on your skin. Once it is tolerable, gently apply this rock salt pack over the affected joint. You can reheat and re-apply on the joints. You can do this for 4 – 5 minutes.
Even while doing Nasya therapy, after doing massage with suitable oil (as advised by doctor), you can give hot fomentation with the same technique, before using Anu taila as nasal drops. It helps to liquify sputum and to relieve sinusitis, migraine etc.
Use of rock salt in Basti –
Basti is a Panchakarma – enema procedure. While formulating the basti liquid, rock salt is added to prepare an emulsion. It helps to dissolve and expel Doshas from intestines.
Use of Saindhava in obesity and high cholesterol – because it has the dissolving and disintegrating effect, it is widely used in anti-obesity products like Lavana taila and anti-cholesterol products.
Where to buy rock salt – Within India, it is available in any Ayurvedic medical shop across India. Outside India, it is available in amazon website.
Use in gastritis and bloating – Rock salt is widely used as ingredient in many stomach care products like Hingwastak Churna, because it improves digestion without causing stomach irritation, without worsening gastritis.
Vibandhaghna – relieves constipation, bloating.
Culinary uses: Rock salt is famously used in making many yummy dishes including Pani Puri, Masala Puri, Ice creams etc. Many households use rock salt as the main salt, in place of common salt.
Rock salt for digestive disorders:
It aids in digestion by stimulating digestive fire, balances natural production of Hcl, and is prescribed for laxative and digestive disorders. It improves appetite, removes intestinal and abdominal gases, cramps, and soothes heartburn.
Rock salt side effects – It is not indicated in people with high blood pressure, edema and water retention.
In very high doses, it may increase blood pressure.
Miscelanneous benefits of Saindha namak:
- Rock salt is used as a home remedy for curing many disorders and ailments such as relief from rheumatic pain and herpes, inflammation and irritation from insect bites.
- Consumption of rock salt along with lemon juice can help in eliminating stomach worms and controlling vomiting. It also provides relief against
- It is beneficial for people suffering from respiratory problems and sinus. Gargling with rock salt helps relieves in throat pain, throat swelling, dry cough and tonsils. Rock salt is dissolved in water to prepare brine which is used in facial steams for patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis or other nose and ear discomforts.
- Rock salt can be used as easy remedy for Halitosis- Bad breath, a teeth whitener or mouth freshener. Gargling with rock salt provides relief against sore throat. Its pungent smell suppresses the pungent odour of undigested food.
- One of the most amazing benefits of rock salt is that it overcomes muscle cramps. Those experiencing muscle cramps can mix a spoon of rock salt in water and sip it to get relief within a few minutes.
- By providing all the essential trace elements, it is a fast nervous stimulant, relaxes body and mind, it greatly improves the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems to a significant extent as like a aspirin.
- It helps in maintaining the flow of salivary and digestive juices. You can add a pinch of rock salt with few shredded mint leaves and coriander leaves to curd, lassi to make a refreshing beverage.
- It strengthens the bones and connective tissue. It increases blood level due to its Iron content hence useful in anemia.
Care of the newborn:
अथ खलु जात मात्रम् एव बालम् उल्वात् सैन्धव सर्पिषा मार्जयेत्।(वाग्भट)
Acharya Vagbhata tells ‘Immediately after the birth of the child, the Ulva (secretions or cheesy white coating enveloping the body and face of the new born child) over the body and face should be cleansed by wiping and rubbing it with the mixture of Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt) and Sarpi (ghee)’
Inducing vomiting to get rid of phlegm from newborn’s oral cavity:
First of all a cotton swab should be smeared with ghee and placed over the crown of the head of the new born child. Later the child should be given emesis using the mixture of Saindhava Lavana (rock salt) and ghee. This emesis will bring out the deeply stuck phlegm from the throat and stomach. This will make the child breathe easily. Charaka Sharirasthana 7/43
Read related: Ayurvedic Care Of The Newborn Baby: Jatamatra Paricharya
you dsy rock salt can be used every day but people having high bp should not have it. what salt can they have then?
Hi, common salt / rock salt – both contain sodium chloride, which would increase BP. Hence both, or any other type of salts should be avoided or used in minimal quantity in case of high BP.
You say Saindahva lavana is not recommended for HBP persons; is plain sea salt better than this for those people?
Both are not recommended in high BP patients.
Dear doc,
How do we incorporate it in our daily diet ?
Dear Anandi, Since it is told to be used regularly, you can replace your table salt with this salt.
Great Info, Doctor
Sunny- Kathmandu
29.9.2013
Thanks 🙂
what is the difference between rock salt and common salt? I think common salt(table salt) is the powder of rock salt. pl. clarify.
Common salt is derived from ocean and is Sodium chloride, fortified with Iodine.
Rock salt is available from Himalayan region. It contains 98 % Sodium chloride, but apart from it, it contains many minerals, which makes this very special.
Can this salt be used in regular cooking. Considering the wealth of minerals it contains, will it have beneficial effects for one’s health.
Hi, even common sea salt should be avoided in hypertension (high BP)
I have heard slightly a different / contradicting statement about Saindhava Lavanam. That is, it could be used as a substitute for common salt when a person is high BP patient. Hence in my opinion it must be containing less of Sodium(Na). Anyway I am not a doctor,but from an Ayurvedic Pandit’s family. Pl. clarify.
sir, for a person with high BP, excess of Sodium chloride is not good and Saindhava lavana contains 98% of it. Hence, it is best to use it only in limited quantities in hypertensive patients.
This is a great article. I have been using only Himalayan salt for years. For those of you on the east coast of the USA, Whole Foods sells it too
Does rock salt contain iodine??Is it useful in case of hypothyroidism??
Yes it contains traces of Iodine. It is useful in hypothyroidism.
Hi sir,
What are the differences between black salt and rock salt?
– Which one is preferable in daily cooking?
– Which one is preferable in case of bloating and gas problems.
– BTW, can we use black salt in place of table salt while we cook?
It’s great information that could improve everybody’s lifestyle.
Black salt is called Souvarchala Lavana.
As mentioned in the article, rock salt is ideal for daily cooking. It is useful in bloating. You can use black salt in place of table salkt.
Very usefull information for all &heigh BP persons
Thank you very much, Mr Chandrasekhar.
Good information! Thank you very much!
welcome 🙂
I have constipation problem, can I use Senda lavana daily will it relive of the constipation problem.
Yes it would help in constipation to some extent.
Great article!…is the crystal salt(called rock salt that are available in the general deptmental stores) the rock salt u have mentioned? or is that from ocean.
Can one use himalayan salt during pregnancy?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, it is specifically called as Rock salt / Sendha namak or saindhava lavana. It can be used during pregnancy.
Kindly explain how to use it when our throat is bad or we are suffering from sinus. Also which oil you were talking about in your article.
There are many home remedies, in which rock salt is used for sinus. – Here is one –
https://easyayurveda.com/2014/05/07/trikatu-rock-salt-home-remedy-for-sinusitis-laziness-and-high-kapha/
In Dhanwantaram Tailam, Brihat Saindhavadi Taila oils, rock salt is used as ingredient.
Lots of information in short and clear article
Thanks
I am glad you find it useful. Thanks.
Apart from purity , why rock salt is to be preferred to common salt in case of BP or Diabetic patients? Is it that sodium content ( %) in Rock salt is less than common salt so that for achieving same salty taste , ( same quantity of both salts ) , bad effect of any salt is less in rock salt. Please explain , as this information helps many people who are advised to use less salt for cooking , keeping in view the bad effects of any salt say for BP , Diabetes etc. Thanks.
Less sodium content is one reason. Another is, presence of other micro-nutrients and useful minerals. like Magnesium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc etc.
What is difference between rock salt & epsom salt?
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, and rock salt is made of sodium chloride plus a combination of minerals.
Epsom salt looks like rock salt, but Epsom is usually prescribed as a remedy for constipation.It is also used as bath salts.
is epsom salt and Saindhava lavana same ? if different , what is it called ? In which shops it is available ?
No. They are different.
Epsom salt is available here – in amazon website – http://amzn.to/2aAUJJG
Rock salt – good quality is available here – http://amzn.to/2ahvEqK
What is epsom salt called in Hindi or other Indian languages. Where can one buy that in the market in India/ Delhi.
It can be purchased in amazon website here – http://amzn.to/2e1VGQw
is there any reference of epsom salt in ayuurveda???
Have not found it yet
very useful information.thank u very much sir.
Welcome 🙂
sir,
Sainthava lavana is good but table salt is commonly used by most of the people why ?
Power of marketing
very useful information. Pride of India.
Thank you!
Informative, thank you!
Welcome 🙂
Lots of information ,thank u Dr
What is the best alternative to control BP? I was told Saindra Lavana was very much helpful. But now I am in confusion.
There are lot of good Ayurvedic medicines and treatments like Shirodhara, oil massage etc which help in effective BP control. Please consult an Ayurveda doctor in person.
Hi Hebbar sir,
Your answers are very good.
Which salt (limited quantity only) is good for BP patients for daily cooking ?
Is sayndava lavanam will have good iodine like sea salt for children memory growth ?
Shell we use for sayndava lavanam for kids instead of sea iodine salt ?
1. Saindhava salt.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
Hi
i am studying rock salt and using it daily. first of all it is natural and sea salt is processed and concentrated after evaporation of water . the difference is just like organic and non organic products . being natural it is easy to digest and assimilates faster in body than sea salt. does not need fortification with iodine too as being other minerals in it . it extracts less iodine while digestion. It is best in all kinds of kidney disorders . Infact all hypertention patients should switch on to rock salt however they should consume less quantity as recommended by all the doctors .
dr. sunita
Thank you very much for value addition.
DOES SAINDHAV NAMAK HELP IN REDUCING WEIGHT
Yes, to some extent.
Hi Doctor, Highly informative article. One can use this article as a reference book. Thank you for sharing these vital in puts.
Is it good for my child daily using of sendha namak in physically &mentallyhe is of four years only pl. Reply me
It is good to use sendha namak, in place of common salt even in children.
GOOD!!! THANK YOU FOR THE VALID INFORMATION!
Please clarify the differences between silajit, saindavalavanam, black salt, bhaskara lavanam, sea salt and any other salts used in Ayurveda
Thank you
Jvpathi
I will write about it in detail soon.
Bhaskara lavana details here – https://easyayurveda.com/2011/11/06/lavan-bhaskar-churna-benefits-ingredients-ayurvedic-medicine-for-gastritis/
I suffer from hypothryodism. Can I use the saidav namak instead of table salt with iodine? will that help/
Hi, you would need good amounts of Iodine, hence, better to stick with table salt with iodine.
Very informative article….I have been using sendha namak regularly since more than a decade because of knowledge of its benefits & happy to get authorised reassurance from an ayurveda specialist….but I wonder whether with the changing ecology rock salt available in market is still pure & beneficial without adversa effects…what about fluoride content?….plz clarify….
Dr Vijaylatha
Ajmer
I would still bet on the market available Sendha Namak.
very good information, thank you
Dear Doctor,
Thank you very much for highlighting the value of Himalayan Pink Salt. Biochemical and Biophysical aspects of this salt help to upgrade the health condition of the human beings. Thank you very much.
C. Kalansooriya
good information.we will start to use the same.thank u very much doctor.
Dear Sir,
My Father is adviced to have Low Iodine diet for about 3 weeks. What do you recommend to use, normal salt or Himalayan white Salt. Please advice which salt contains more Iodine. ie., to avoid the same.
Table salt has more iodine than rock salt.
Can we massage joints inflammation with mustard oil mixed with sendha lavana..will it help
Yes, you can. It will help.
Good article
Very good article sir. Is pakistani namak different ?
I checked in many websites. Most of them say Pakistani namak is same as Saindhava Lavana (Sendha namak – rock salt)
Dear Dr Hebbar,
Saindhava Namak (rock salt) is white in colour and is therefore different from Himalayan Pink Salt. I have both these varieties in my home. Himalayan Pink salt is different and it may have some other microminerals which give it Pink hue. Each salt has NaCl as main ingredient but give and take few microminerals, the colour changes. Himalayan Pink Salt is more crystalline in structure than Rock salt. In Delhi, when you ask for Saindhav Namak at any local grocery store, they hand you white salt often bound together in lumps. Both these salts have their origins in the western Punjab/western Himalaya salt mines now in Pakistan. In taste, I haven’t found much difference between Saindhav namak, Himalayan Pink Salt and Common salt. The difference in taste is a bit suble. The Kaala Namak (black salt) is definitely different from the Himalayan Pink salt although the colour of black salt is also light Pink. Black salt has distinct taste due to more sulphur content.
Very informative
I have acid reflux problem for many years now. When acid reflux get severe, I get a yellow greenish bitter juice up my throat. I am assuming this is pitta dosha. Will replacing the common salt with sindhav salt help cure my problem?
It may not cure the problem. It may reduce symptoms by around 5 – 10 %.
Read more about acidity and gastritis remedies – https://easyayurveda.com/2011/01/05/ayurvedichome-remedies-for-acidity-and-gastritis/
Sir,
What do you recommend for eczema patients. I read somewhere that on should apply or take bath with Epsom salt. Or Himalaya salt to cure.
Please clarify.
Thx
Regards
Purvi
There are lot of medicines for treating eczema. Epsom salt is one among them. |
Read more about Ayurvedic treatment for eczema – https://easyayurveda.com/2014/09/10/eczema-causes-ayurvedic-treatment-medicines-remedies/
I am using rock salt for over 3 months and found that the taste of food has increased and it feels good. I heard that it helps in curing thyroid problem tremendously. Which I followed from late Rajeev Dixit Ji.
is the rock salt used in preparing upavas ka food?is rock salt different from khada namak as called in local grocery store?if yes,which one is better for bp patient? i know table salt is very bad.
Rock salt is generally called Saindha Namak, it is better in BP. I think Khada namak is different than rock salt.
Very helpful. I am a type 2 diabetic. Can I use rock salt?
Yes. You can use it in place of common salt.
Read more about a few diabetes tips – https://easyayurveda.com/2013/11/25/madhumeha-ayurvedic-understanding-diabetes-mellitus/
Thank you doctor
Very informative Sanskrit shloka from ved increase credibility I am hypo thiroid patient and I found non refined salt if tongue tested in less quantity we get satisfied with so is it good if rock + non refined sea salt
Really good information, useful for all.
Thanks sir.
very useful information sir. i have one question.. I have thyroid, BP, Cholestrol and sugar. All are in starting level.. Can i use Rock salt instead of common salt..? pls. answer
Sir, It is better avoided.
WHAT IS LoNa namak?
A kind of salt specially created with low sodium for patients facing kidney and heart problems.
Thanks for this article. Sir, i m obess i am trying to reduce my weight but i am suffering from swelling legs and body without any pain due to it weight factualation occur. Someone suggested avoid salt Can i use sindhav namak? Is it help in water reduction from body?
Hi, please consult a doctor and get your leg swelling evaluated. Till such time, it is better to restrict both common salt and Saindhava salt.
Thanks Doctor Ji, Informative article.
We all use table salt fortified with iodine viz. Tatasalt etc. As we know no salt is good for BP patients, but we still have it a little. So if you are using table salt, shift to Sendhav lavana as it does less harm than regular salt, plus it has added nutrients. If you have BP but are using salt, you can shift to Sendhav lavana. But dont think it as a tonic 😉
Thx for the nice article. I am 38 years old. My TSH, Uric Acid and Cholestrol increase. Should i take Sendha Namak in regular diet. Wud it help?
Hi, it would help.
Sir,syindhava lavanm is reduced to thickness of blood
Yes, to a small extent.
Thanks for the useful articles, Dr Hebbar .Does saindhava salt have iodine ? If not, which food can be eaten to overcome iodine deficiency as a result of switching to saindhava ? Person having hyperthyroid, can he switch to Saindhava namak ?
Rock salt contains iodine <0.1 g/kg.
Person with hyperthryoid or any person can switch to Saindhava Lavana. If they are not sure of iodine quantities, they can use both common salt and rock salt (one in the morning, the other at night).
My uncle is suffering from high BP, and he has been taking rock salt for some time. This led me here and I’ve found it really helpful. My other family members are also having pitta, kaffa and cholestrol problems. I’m glad rock salt works for all. 🙂
Thanks for this article!!
Welcome. 🙂
Have high tsh levels, and suffer from migraine. in addition calcium absorption is low. which salt should i use daily and what quantities.
Rgds
Geetha
Rock salt / Saindha namak – 1 – 2 pinch per day.
Thanks. How long should I have and when should I get results, so that i can test again to check.
Rgds
Geetha
You can use this in place of your regular salt for lifetime. Please note that, this alone might not solve the migraine / calcium absorption problem.
For further advice, please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly.
For email advice, please write to our health experts here (paid service) – https://easyayurveda.com/consult/
rock salt has includ KCl
Dear Dr.
Can salt be safely given up completely from food?
Thanks
Yes.
Thanks for such detailed information and uses of rock salt very useful in day to day life.
Can pregnantake women consume saindhava lavanam on regular basis in the place of regular salt
Yes.
Very informative article. Thanks for the information.
Welcome! 🙂
Which salt is preferable for thyroid patients – Rock salt, Red salt or Black salt?
Rock salt.
hello gud day ,i am a constipated i can make popo only one in a week, and i use to drink every morning 2tsp. in 3 glass of water. And im worry about the side effect.
For personal health advice, please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly.
If you want my help in finding a good Ayurveda doctor for you, then let me know your place.
For email advice (not a reliable option, we do not promise any cure), please write to our health experts here (paid service) – https://easyayurveda.com/consult/
Sir,
Recently I had undergone angioplasty for 70% blockage.Which salt will be beneficial for me?
Rock salt – Saindhav Lavana. Available in amazon website, here
http://amzn.to/2oeLJ44
I have PCOS and thyroid too.to be ovarian free which salt I should use?
Saindhava salt is useful. But you may need medicines as well. Please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly.
Is it good for thyroid patients as well?
Yes.
Will it helps in weight Loss?? If so, how can I consume it??
Plz reply
It does not contribute directly to weight loss.
Where from can I get Saindhava Lavana in India
Here are a few companies selling very good quality Saindhava Lavana on amazon website.
Sri Sri Ayurveda – Good ratings. 1 kg, 70 Rupees –
http://amzn.to/2rnunFL
Nyassa Himalayan Pink Salt – very good consumer ratings
http://amzn.to/2sq1dUG
Sold by Original Indian Table (costly) –
http://amzn.to/2rDhyaG
Maddi Saindhava Lavana – 2 kg – 340 Rupees,
http://amzn.to/2rDBcU7
The Patanjali salt packet says it was created from a 250 million year old Himalayan rock salt bed.
The Label says expiry date is “2018”.
So happy they dug it up just in time!
Hi, what they mean is, Himalayan pink salt is in use since so many years.
Is a kidney patient can use rock salt (replacing of normal salt).
Yes, in small quantities.
How about fortified Iodine? Does himalayan salt have iodine naturally?
Yes, it has Iodine.
What are side effects if taking regularly
There are no side effects. It is good to use in place of common salt daily.
I want to know whether we will use the rock salt daily for cooking like sambar, poriyal etc…..
Yes. Rock salt can be used in place of normal salt
Sir, is there any rationality behind using combination of makshika, saindhava lavana and snehadravya
Hi, to prepare a colloid, which stays in the large intestine for longer period of time, for better absorption.
Sir, people suffering from kidney problem if they have cartianie is 2 above, will this salt is useful for them to reduce that, because of high BP his certitane level was increased to 3 and reduced, and now it is nearly 2, how to reduce this, please advice sir.
It may not reduce creatinine level but it can be used as part of diet.
For personal health advice, please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly.
If you want my help in finding a good Ayurveda doctor for you, then let me know your place.
For email advice (not a reliable option, we do not promise any cure), please write to our health experts here (paid service) – https://easyayurveda.com/consult/
Sir, would you please advise a cure for ulcerative colitis. Is the SaindavaLavana helpful for it?
For personal health advice, please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly.
If you want my help in finding a good Ayurveda doctor for you, then let me know your place.
For email advice (not a reliable option, we do not promise any cure), please write to our health experts here (paid service) – https://easyayurveda.com/consult/
How does this differ compositionally from Kala Namak? Can Kala Namak be used in daily cooking like Saindhav Namak as substitute for common salt?
Read more about Kala namak composition
Sodium Chloride – 97.8 % w/w
Sodium Sulphide – 0.918 %
Iron – 0.030 % w/w
Insoluble matter – 0.07 % w/w
Read more about Kala Namak here –
https://easyayurveda.com/2014/10/28/sauvarchala-lavala-sochal-salt-benefits-usage/
Saindhava Lavana is told as the best salt for daily usage. If not Saindhava, common salt or kala namak can be used for daily purposes.