Salt, a white-colored crystalline compound, is commonly used as a preservative or as a food seasoning. Dating back to 6050 BC, salt has already been considered essential in the daily lives of people; that it even caused conflict between groups of people who were trying to claim possession over the so-called “white gold”. In fact, a specific kind of salt was given to a person in accordance with his status – crystal salt were given to those who are in the higher level while rock salt were basically for the common people and those who belong to the lower strata. As the years passed by, men started to become knowledgeable about agriculture and have later on found out that salt is effective in adding flavor to one’s meal. Moreover, they have also discovered that it can serve as a preservative as well.

In another piece of good news, organic salt has a lot of health benefits and natural uses besides being just your usual preservative or a seasoning.

• Sore Throat.

  Sore throat is an inflammation or swelling in the throat usually accompanied by a burning sensation usually caused by common viruses, smoking, dryness of the mouth, and other bacterial infections. An individual who has sore throat experiences difficulty in swallowing since pain is felt whenever the food passes by the throat. There are even instances wherein even just opening the mouth becomes too painful especially when the inflamed area has gone wide. A person will most likely be able to determine the occurrence of sore throat for the reason that its symptoms are very noticeable such as having a sense of scratchiness at the back of the throat. There is also a high possibility of getting cough and fever whenever you experience sore throat; which is why, upon detection of the symptoms, one must take a glass of lukewarm water and pour a teaspoon or two of organic salt. This will serve as a gargle and must be done several times a day for faster treatment of the inflammation. Sore throats which last for more than 2 weeks should be consulted to the doctor because it might be an implication of a more serious condition such as cancer of the throat.

• Burns.

  Burns are damages in the tissues usually brought about by friction or severe heat. They are classified into 3 degrees according to the severity of the injury. The first-degree burn is the least worst among the three cases of burns. It only involves swelling and redness on the epidermis which is the outermost layer of the skin. The second-degree burn affects the deeper layer of the skin known as the dermis. This degree involves inflammation and blistering of the dermis. The worst degree, which is the third degree, is commonly referred to as the full-thickness burn for the reason that it impairs the whole depth of the skin and it also has the tendency to extend up to the bones, muscles, or even the underlying fats. Salt, as what a physician have suggested, is effective in treating burns. Upon getting burnt, wet the infected area and put salt on it (make sure that the infected area is covered by salt). Let it stay for not less than 20 minutes then brush it off afterwards. For burns in the mouth caused by intake of food which is too hot, you may do the saltwater gargle. However, one must put in mind that the treatment of burns is dependent on its severity. In some instances, especially on the third degree cases, salt can’t be used; instead, the help of a doctor is needed.

• Painful Gums.

  Painful gums are often the result of poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, unhealthy diet, and hormonal changes. Painful gums can also be the product of dentures that do not fit well and irritation caused by the toothpaste or mouthwash. When painful gums are not immediately treated, there is a probability that an individual might experience tooth loss, have bad breath, and it can even cause pregnant women to deliver babies prematurely. To avoid such, painful gums should be treated right away. The easiest remedy is through gargling lukewarm water with a teaspoon of rock salt at least twice a day. It has been proven that salt water aids in curing gum sores, toothache, and bleeding gums. Nevertheless, severe gum pains should be checked by the dentist.

• Toothaches.

  As result of poor dental condition, a person experiences pain around the tooth or the jaws. A person with dental cavity or gum disease is more likely to suffer with toothache. This condition causes severe throbbing which can sometimes be really awful. Saltwater gargle in minor cases of toothache is a good remedy. However, when the pain is unbearable, it is recommended that you visit the dentist; though you may also gargle before having your teeth checked.

• Bee Stings.

  Bees infuse venom on people by stinging them; some even leave their stingers on the skin. The injected venom has the tendency to cause injuries to the body for the reason that it is poisonous. To relieve the pain or the itchiness, apply on the stung area a paste mixture of water and salt combined with baking soda.

• Allergies.

  Usually caused by an exaggerated response of the immune system, allergy takes place and is triggered by substances that are new to the body, known as allergens. Salt is said to be effective in treating allergies due to its antibacterial properties. For sinusitis and those affecting the nostrils, saltwater gargle is advised. For allergies on the skin, salt paste should be applied.

• Post-nasal Drip.

  Post-nasal drip is the buildup of mucus at the back part of the nose and throat, going downwards, and giving a dripping sensation along the pathway. Post-nasal drip might eventually lead to sore throat or persistent cough. Before things get worse, gargle saltwater several times a day until it cools off.

Salt are often in granules which implies that its size is really, really small. However, despite its minute size, salt offers a number of things which are very, very essential and are of great help to one’s body. But keep in mind to do things in moderation. Too much intake of salt can cause high blood pressure, will make you retain water and can damage the kidneys.

Sources
health.howstuffworks.com
livestrong.com
care2.com