Is There a Better Salt?

different types of salt

Salt has been a vital part of human civilization for centuries, not only as a seasoning but also for its various health and wellness properties. Uses for salt besides seasoning food include food preservation, deicing roads, in agriculture as fertilizer, and in manufacturing paper, PVC and cleaning product.

After a recent simple blend post, we were asked about the different properties of therapeutical salts and research found me down a rabbit hole and asking some tough questions.
In this article, I’m delving into the differences between three popular salts used in health and beauty: Himalayan salt, Dead Sea salt, and Epsom salt. We'll explore their chemical properties, origins, and the ethical and sustainability considerations surrounding mining and importation into the United States.

Himalayan Salt
Originating from the salt mines in Pakistan, Himalayan salt is celebrated for its distinctive pink hue and has many suggested health benefits. Chemically composed primarily of the same composition of table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl.) It also contains trace minerals magnesium, potassium and iron oxide which gives it the characteristic color.

Himalayan salt is widely used in food preparation and very popular in the wellness industry. A scoop of Himalayan salt in a bath will relax muscles, detoxify the body, and promote overall well-being. Himalayan salt lamps have an appealing warm glow and purify the air when the heat from the lamp releases negative ions neutralizing airborne pollutants and improving indoor air quality.

Concerns for the ethical practices of Himalayan salt mining are on the raise due to labor conditions and mining a finite resource. Some extraction companies have taken steps towards sustainable sourcing and working directly with local communities to provide better working conditions and eco-friendly mining practices.

Dead Sea Salt
From The Dead Sea, technically a lake bordered by Israel and Jordan, Dead Sea salt is extracted from the lake water using evaporation. This salt is also the chemical sodium chloride but has a high concentration of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

salt formation in the Dead Sea

Famous for its healing and nourishing properties, Dead Sea Salt is used in bath salts, scrubs, masks, creams, shampoos, and conditioners. Revered for soothing skin conditions such as psoriasis and helping reduce inflammation this salt is mostly consumed in the health and wellness industry.

The collection of Dead Sea salt is intertwined with geopolitical tensions and rising ethical concerns regarding fair treatment of workers. Moreover, the Dead Sea itself is shrinking from mineral extraction and dams, which emphasizes the need for sustainable harvesting practices. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to support conservation initiatives in the area.

Epsom Salt
Unlike Himalayan and Dead Sea salt, Epsom salt is not harvested from natural salt deposits or water but is produced through a chemical process using magnesium sulfate.

Widely valued for its therapeutic properties, Epsom salt is used to soothe muscle pain and cramps, and promote relaxation, sleep and stress reduction. Soaking in a bath with Epsom salt feels amazing while supporting nerve function and reducing inflammation. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches.

The ethical and sustainability considerations for Epsom salt are different from the previous natural salts. It is essential to ensure responsible manufacturing practices and environmental stewardship throughout the production process.

Importing salts:
The importation of salts into the US raises ethical questions related to fair trade, labor practices, and environmental impact including shipping products from far away. Consumers should be mindful of practices of the sourcing of salts and opt for products from companies that prioritize fair wages for workers, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, supporting initiatives that promote transparency and accountability in the salt industry can drive positive change and encourage responsible practices.

Salt mining is a major industry, and it has a significant impact on local communities and the environment. For example, salt harvesting in Ethiopia has been linked to negative environmental impacts and social conflicts between different ethnic groups.

By educating ourselves about the origins of different salts and understanding the purpose and benefit of salts in our wellness rituals, our intentional consumption will help influence a more environmentally responsible salt industry.

For now, Simple Wellness Co. will continue to offer these salts in the shop and has sourced from distributors that we believe have practices we can stand behind. This research does raise questions though such as- is there a product from a closer source or an alternative to chemical processing that also has some or all of the therapeutic benefits? This is a rabbit hole I’ll likely find in the days to come.

different salts offered at Simple Wellness Co.