How much do you know about salt? Surprisingly, it has a pretty interesting history. We’ve been taught to avoid it as much as possible, it’s bad for our health, it causes rust, it dries things out. Despite these modern warnings, salt was very much sought after in times gone by.
Here are a few facts you might be interested in. As recent as the late 19th century, salt was used as currency in what is now Ethiopia. It was referred to as “white gold” in the Middle Ages, because it was so expensive. It was a symbol of wisdom during biblical times (Leviticus 2:13). It was drastically more expensive than beef in the early 1800’s. The reason it was so valued was because our ancestors knew all of the amazing things that could be done with it.
Here are a few beauty tips that will help change your mind about this incredible mineral.
Acne
To fight breakouts, reduce swelling and redness apply a cotton ball, soaked in a solution of 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 cup of warm water, to the effected area. Allow the cotton ball to remain on the area for 1 minute.
Mouthwash
To get your teeth cleaner and whiter, while reducing tarter, plaque and gingivitis you should make mouthwash part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Mixing salt, baking soda and water makes for an ideal mouthwash.
Puffy Eyes
To reduce swelling and inflammation caused by infections, lack of sleep, crying or allergies, try dipping a cotton ball in a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon salt diluted in 1 cup hot water. Allow the cotton balls to remain of the eyes for several minutes, repeat as needed.
Foot Soak
To stomp out foot odor, soften dry feet, heal fungus and repair ingrown nails, soak feet in a mixture of 1 cup salt diluted in 1 gallon lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and dry feet thoroughly.
Poison Ivy
To relieve the itching and inflammation of the rash caused by poison ivy, soak in a warm salt water bath for 30 minutes. Blot dry to avoid tearing open the rash. Repeat as necessary.
Skin Softener
To remove dead skin cells and leave skin feeling soft, apply a mixture of 2 cups coarse salt, 1 cup olive oil and several drops of your favorite essential oil to your skin. Rinse and pat dry.
Facial Exfoliater
To refresh the skins appearance and remove dead skin cells, people with normal skin should be exfoliating 2-3 times a week while those with sensitive skin only once a week. For a simple and effective exfoliant mix 1 cup of coarse salt with 1/2 cup coconut oil, massage the mixture into the skin using circular motions, rinse and cleanse as usual.
Facial Toner
For those with oily or acne prone skin or who need a little extra cleansing after wearing makeup or sunscreen should use a toner. After your usual cleansing, gently mist your face with a solution made with 1 teaspoon salt diluted in warm water, pat dry.
Dandruff
To eliminate flakes caused from a dry scalp, dermatitis or eczema, rub a couple of tablespoons of salt onto your scalp before shampooing.
Dry Shampoo
To clean your hair when you don’t have time, you don’t have access to water, or you just need a quick refresh after a workout, apply a mixture of 1 part salt and 8 parts corn meal to hair. Brush hair until the mixture has been completely removed.
Beach Hair
To give your hair that beachy look, where it has lots of volume and texture all you need to do is spritz your hair with ocean water. If you don’t have access to ocean water you can make a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel dissolved in 1 cup hot water. Shake well before spritzing on your hair.
Sleep
To help you sleep drink 8 ounces of water followed by a pinch of salt placed on your tongue. Allow the salt to dissolve without it touching the roof of your mouth.
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