Pink Himalayan Salt Bath Benefits – Better Than Epsom!

*Originally published Feb. 12, 2018 * Updated Nov. 16, 2018

After finding out the countless benefits of pink Himalayan salt, I’ve begun noticing more and more things that make use of this pure salt. After finding a product at T.J. Maxx that utilized this amazing salt, I quickly began to research pink Himalayan salt bath benefits so that I could share this amazing new discovery of mine!

But first:

If you’re reading this article, it means you have internet access and can I just say how lucky we all are, not only because we have the ability to research about amazing substances, but we’re also able to order things in limited supply. You’re here to research Himalayan pink salt, I get that. But remember, there is a limited supply of this million-year-old substance (the purest form of salt on Earth). The fact we can order this via online shopping is astounding to a large percentage of the world!

OK, rant over.

Salt baths have been generally accepted by the public as beneficial for the health.

BUT. I’m here to tell you NOT to use Epsom salts anymore. Use Himalayan pink salt (HPS) for your baths from now on – for many reasons that I’m excited to write about!

Article Contents:

1. Benefits of pink Himalayan salt baths
   
2. History of salt baths
   
3. Thorough explanation of the benefits
   
4. Why and how it works
   
5. Epsom salts vs HPS
   
6. My recommendations

1. Benefits

There are many articles online and sources that attempt to spell out the benefits, but it is never very clear and always spread out across the entire article. I know this is what you’re here for, so I’ll keep my promise. I always deliver!

These are the generally accepted pink Himalayan salt bath benefits:

• Detoxification
  • Through reverse osmosis
  • Clears sinuses and improves respiratory system
  • The increased blood flow helps dissolve and eliminate toxins
• Improves health
  • Cleans skin
  • Acts as a useful therapy for eczema, acne and psoriasis sufferers
  • Improves hydration and energy
  • Kills harmful germs and viruses
  • Increases cell oxygenation
  • Helps physical and mental relaxation
• Relieves pain
  • Eases aches and pains by reducing inflammation
  • Reduces muscle cramps
• Supports balance
  • Acts as an aid in balancing hormones for both men and women
  • Jump-starts metabolism by helping produce adequate stomach acid
  • Mineral-rich salt helps balance blood pressure
  • Supports thyroid and adrenal function
  • Bathing on a 3 to 4-week routine is known to normalize endocrine glands and autonomic nervous system functions
• Mineral Soak
  • Himalayan pink salt contains 84 trace minerals
  • Acts as an antihistamine
• Stimulates the body
  • Improves circulation
  • Improves sleep
  • Stimulates immune system
  • Aids in the production of endorphins

2. Brief History & Overview

Salt has been accepted as beneficial for a long time, but mostly in Europe. It has only been a new trend in North America since the ‘80s and ‘90s. But if you didn’t know it before, my job is to make sure you know about it now.

Salt therapy is REAL.

Halotherapy, or salt therapy, began shaping as a homeopathic practice when it was discovered that Siberian salt mine workers, in the late 19th century, had a low percentage of respiratory problems. In 1843, the physician who worked a Polish salt mine at Wieliczka, Dr. Feliks Boczkowski, wrote that the miners didn’t suffer from lung disease and one of his successors set up a spa to observe the potential of salt caves.

Further modernization of salt therapy began after Dr. Karl Hermann Spannagel hid patients in a salt cave (the Kluterthöhle karst cave) during heavy bombing and noticed health improvements.

Since then, salt caves have become routine in some European countries such as Russia, who approved salt caves for medical use in 1995. Salt caves are now known to be effective in treating various disorders and conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis and asthma.

I won’t go into more detail here, but if you’re interested, I explain things a bit more in detail in my article about Himalayan pink salt lamps.

Balneotherapy

Balneotherapy is the term used to describe the treatment of disease through bathing and soaking in spas (Latin derivative: balneum, meaning “bath”).

Salt baths work because minerals are absorbed through the skin!

Balneotherapy can involve hot (or even cold) water, relaxation or stimulation, and/or massage through moving water. The richness of minerals involved in general balneotherapy practices (especially including sulfur, selenium, radium) are absorbed through the skin through dermal absorption defined by the World Health Organization.

The Bath

Though ancient Indians were known for extensive bathing (three-times a day), the ancient Greeks brought bathing to another level through public bathhouses. Bathing was then raised to a high art by the Romans where hours were spent lingering in communal hot baths built around natural hot springs.

Bathing has even found its way into other cultural traditions around the world, such as Japanese culture where communal bathing in local “Sento” (bath houses) and household family baths have become social norms.

3. Benefits Explained

The benefits of salt therapy are known to have an influence on the respiratory tract, the immune system, cutaneous covering, cardiovascular system, the autonomic nervous system and the mental/emotional state.

Balneotherapy, or disease treatment through hot baths, is known to have extensive benefits. But like I said, my job is to inform you of every bit of information I can find. SO.

Here is a list of chronic diseases and health conditions that the University of Presov has claimed balneotherapy helps with:

Hot baths are known to encourage detoxification, stress ease, and increased circulation.

The pure minerals found in Himalayan pink salt are said to counteract illness by stimulating the immune system and nourishing the organs.

For a clear list of balneotherapy benefits:

• Kills harmful germs and viruses due to the gradual increase in body temperature from the warm water
• Hydrostatic pressure is increased from thermal bathing, which increases cell oxygenation and blood circulation
  • This, in turn, helps eliminate toxins
• Vital organs and tissues are nourished through the increased flow of oxygen-rich blood through the body
• Digestion aid through stimulation of intestinal tract and liver secretions
  • This, in turn, increases metabolism
• Mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt (HPS) baths produce high amounts of negative ions that promote well-being (both physically and psychologically)
  • Electromagnetic (EM) radiation (or positive ionization) is found throughout our daily life from electronic screens, cell phones, computers, etc.
  • Be wrapping yourself in negative ionization from HPS, you help counteract the effects of electronics and EM radiation
• Dermal application of mineralized waters have therapeutic effects on skin diseases such as fungal infections, dermatitis, and psoriasis
  • This, in turn, can aid in healing wounds and skin injuries
• Eases aches and pains
  • According to Natural Living Ideas, a 2012 study found that bathing in saline solution on a regular basis helps reduce inflammation (in turn, aiding arthritis and similar issues)
• Improves sleep
  • Our body temperature drops at night, starting around 2-hours before sleep. Raising your body temperature with a hot bath leads to an immediate cool-down period afterwards, which can help relax and prepare the body for sleep!

A study in 2005 from Research in Complementary and Natural Classical Medicine, a controlled group of 30 patients found greater improvements in flexibility, tenderness, and muscle spasms from balneotherapy.

According to NaturalLivingIdeas.com, include relaxation, mineral soaking, detoxification, pain relief from aches, improved sleep, circulatory system stimulation, bloating relief, soothing of bites and blisters, and sinus relief.

WellnessMama.com states that blood sugar is improved and HPS acts as a natural antihistamine.

Bone health could be improved, too! There’s also a theory that Osteoporosis may be caused by the body using calcium (and minerals) in the bones to neutralize acidity in the blood. A hot HPS bath could help with bone health due to the vast amounts of 80+ natural minerals found in its material makeup.

4. Why It Works

Reverse osmosis is a HUGE benefit of HPS, but one that is taxing to explain – which is why I didn’t attempt it at the beginning of the article!

When submerging yourself in the pure pink salt of the Himalayan mountains, reverse osmosis occurs with the balance of heat, mineral water, and epidermis!

The presence of Himalayan pink salt (HPS) pulls harmful toxins out of the body through the salts natural hygroscopic characteristics (which means a substance “readily attracts water from its surroundings” by absorption or adsorption according to ScienceDaily.com).

This allows the magnesium and sulfate minerals to enter the body and helps “flush” toxins from the body – this also aids in the production of key protein molecules in both joints and brain tissues. Magnesium plays an important role in over 325 enzymes (According to Natural News) and by replenishing your magnesium levels, muscle and nerve function is improved along with a reduction in inflammation, an improvement in blood flow and cellular oxygenation.

Not only does HPS have these essential minerals, but the production of negative ions also helps counteract electromagnetic radiation. Pulling an example from my article about Himalayan pink salt lamps, according to WellnessMama.com:

• Natural waterfalls produce about 10,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter

• Cities produce about 100 negative ions per cubic centimeter

There can’t be a better way to counteract EM radiation than by soaking in the purest form of salt available on the Earth – Himalayan pink salt offers numerous amounts of benefits.

5. HPS vs. Epsom

There has always been hype over Epsom salt baths and I’m not going to try and persuade those who LOVE it to change their minds.

BUT, I would like to persuade you to TRY Himalayan pink salt (HPS) as an alternative.

Here are some reason why you may consider switching:

• Epsom salt is not actually salt (according to Tavoos Halotherapy Spa)
  • It’s a mineral found in water with high levels of sulfate and magnesium (which are beneficial minerals, yes)
• HPS has magnesium and sulfate just like Epsom salt, BUT it also contains 82 other minerals and trace elements (such as chloride and sodium)
• Epsom salt is similar in crystalline structure as table salt (which is the least pure of the salts)
  • This similarity is actually the reason why Epsom is called “Epsom salt” in the first place
  • Table salt is not very pure (and not very healthy)
  • Epsom salt has no sodium chloride in its makeup and is actually scientifically known as “magnesium sulfate”
• HPS crystals are chunks of literal mineral deposits on salt cave floors of the Pakistani foothills of the Himalayan mountains
  • HPS is the purest salt available on earth with no decontamination from positive ionization or electromagnetic radiation
  • Sea salt is purer than table salt, but with the ocean being contaminated by oils and human presence, HPS is the purest untouched form of sodium chloride (salt)
• Epsom salt allows reverse osmosis, but HPS does as well with the added benefits of negative ionization, improvement of mood through natural aromatherapy, air filtration, allergenic symptom relief, etc.

Growing up, I had an amazing hairstylist who mentioned homeopathic products and treatments she used. Epsom salts were mentioned quite often, but I never really considered it as a worthwhile endeavor (and by endeavor, I mean, why would I want salts in my bath).

Now that I see there’s a better avenue to pursue with Himalayan pink salt, I haven’t doubted the benefits of balneotherapy. Neti pots have saved me from allergies, surfing in the Pacific Ocean (with sea salt) has helped clear my head, so I’m no longer doubting the power of salt because it’s all beginning to add up!

6. Recommendations

Before I list some online options, it is important to mention: exercise CAUTION.

If you have heart medications or are under the influence of prescription drugs, please consult with your doctor or physician. According to the University of Presov, extra caution should be exercised by the elderly, those with skin disease, pregnant women, and those with heart issues.

Also, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola mentioned in an article by Natural Living Ideas, there is an appropriate way to approach Himalayan pink salt (HPS) baths in order to reap all the benefits.

When taking your salt bath, make sure:

• There are 1.28 ounces of salt per gallon of water
• The bath should be at body temperature:
  • 37º Celsius or 98.7º Fahrenheit

The purity of the salt is really dependent on its origin. As previously mentioned in my last article about HPS lamps, there are specific salt mines in Pakistan that produce 100% pure pink salt.

You have to make sure you buy 100% pure pink salt from Pakistan because you want the highest quality – you’re breathing this salt in and absorbing it through the skin (so be careful!).

Amazon recommendation:

The Spice Lab; 100% Pure – check on AMAZON

After looking through a bunch of the options on Amazon, this was the only one I could find that disclosed the origin of the pink salt (it must be from the Pakistan salt mines of the Himalayan mountains for it to be truly 100% pure and authentic). The price is worth it, since the other options may be fakes.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON!

Also – all the facts they use to advertise their products are spot on. They mention the age of the salt and the proper mixture (1.28 oz of salt per gallon of water). Out of all the options, I’ve chosen this choice of Himalayan pink salt.

SoWellMade recommendation:

THE BEST OPTION

The even better option is from SoWellMade.com, the only source of pink salt that I trust for the highest quality. If you want to know the reasons I trust them, read my review of them here.

SoWellMade.com rocks because:

• Fair Trade Regulated
• 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
• Handmade from hills of the Himalayas in Pakistan
• Founded in 2004 with 14 years of experience in the industry

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW ON SOWELLMADE.COM

• Himalayan Bath Salts Sample ($3)
• Fine Himalayan Bath Salts ($7.95) – .5mm to 1 mm
• Coarse Himalayan Bath Salts ($8.95) – 3 mm to 5 mm
• Crystal Himalayan Bath Salts ($8.95) – 30 mm to 70 mm
• Order 1-pound, 5-pounds, or 55-pounds at a time!
• Food-grade bath salts with Fair Trade Regulations

So although you may be more familiar with Amazon, trust me in that, you can’t always trust Amazon to give you the most natural and humanely sourced products. Especially when it comes to newer trends like pink salt.

SoWellMade.com is definitely the way to go – so at least give it a look and consider their expertise and dedication in the industry of Himalayan pink salt.

I hope you enjoy the purest form of salt available on Earth!

Conclusion

With the history of bathing and balneotherapy, and the World Health Organization encourages the development and standardization of non-invasive and/or semi-invasive methods, Himalayan pink salt (HPS) baths is a no-brainer.

Even Dr. Michael Irwin, the director of UCLA’s Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, has encouraged even 30-min of relaxation before the start of your day because “there are huge benefits to the stillness [of] the moment when bathing.”

With the numerous benefits of balneotherapy (hot bath treatments), salt therapy, and the digestion of HPS, it’s no wonder that Epsom salt will lose its hype soon as more people are made aware. There’s almost no comparison now! To the point where I will convince anyone who believes in Epsom salt otherwise.

I would encourage you to SHARE this article and let those who use Epsom salt know of this PROVEN alternative.

They could gain so many more benefits and really use their time and money toward high-quality salts (in this case REAL salts, since Epsom salts don’t really even contain sodium chloride!).

I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I’ve enjoyed the research. I hope this can help people find a better way to relax or treat conditions – or at the very least, I hope I’ve saved you time in your own research process.

All the information in this article is backed up by real sources provided at the bottom (available to the public) because I’ve invested my personal love and hours of work in every article on this website.

Let me know what you think by commenting below! What is your opinion of Epsom salt versus pink salt? I would love to hear from you.

You may also find interest in my other health articles:

• Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits
• Healing with Sound Frequencies

Thanks for reading and best of luck with your HPS baths!

Chase

Feb. 2018

Sources