logo

(Salt) Clears a stuffy nose, relieves constipation... Is salt still alive?

Clear a stuffy nose, get rid of constipation... Is salt still alive?

Reporter Kim Young-seop (edwdkim@kormedi.com)
 
Salt (sodium) is an essential element for sustaining life. It is vital for health, including immunity and hydration. As such, it is still used for various purposes today. However, excessive consumption must be avoided. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]
 
Consuming too much salt raises blood pressure and is bad for your health.
 
However, it clears a blocked nose and relieves constipation by loosening blocked intestines. Salt, which once even served as currency, still has many uses today. According to the U.S. health portal WebMF, salt, a kitchen essential, is more than just a simple spice. It is widely used in the health sector for everything from removing tooth stains to reducing swelling.

It is well known that salt is effective for nasal congestion or runny nose caused by allergic rhinitis, colds, or the flu. It is essentially a type of folk remedy proven by experience. Let's try rinsing the inside of the nose with salt water using a 'saline nasal spray' that can be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy.

 

Severe bad breath can occur if the mouth is dry or plaque builds up. Baking soda fights microorganisms in the mouth and can neutralize bad breath for up to three hours. It is recommended to make a mouthwash with half a teaspoon of baking soda and one cup of water, and gargle for one minute, three to four times a day. Previous research has shown that toothpaste containing baking soda is more effective for teeth whitening than toothpaste without it. Baking soda only removes stains from the tooth surface; it does not scratch the whiteness of the teeth. Salt can also be used to remove tooth stains.


Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help alleviate pain caused by stomatitis and promote faster healing. Adding a teaspoon of salt to half a cup of water, stirring, and then rinsing your mouth before spitting it out can aid in treating stomatitis. Salt can be effective for mild cases of stomatitis. Salt is also beneficial for sore throats. Rinsing your mouth with salt water—made by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water—reduces swelling. It can also soothe the stinging sensation in the throat. It essentially acts as a natural mouthwash.

 

Baking soda, a type of salt, is a natural antacid that relieves heartburn. After a meal, add one teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of cold water, stir, and drink. However, if heartburn is frequent, you should see a doctor immediately to check for any other underlying issues. You must not forget that baking soda contains sodium. If you are on a low-salt diet due to conditions such as high blood pressure, you should use a different type of antacid as prescribed by a doctor.

 

Salt is also good for relieving swelling and tenderness caused by ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the flesh. Ingrown toenails mainly occur on the big toe. Soak your feet in warm salt water several times a day, then apply antibiotic ointment and bandages. However, if symptoms do not improve, you should see a doctor promptly. If you have foot pain, dissolving two cups of Epsom salt in about 3.8 liters (one gallon) of warm water and drinking it may be helpful. Salt contains magnesium, which helps muscles function properly. However, there is no evidence that it is absorbed through the skin. Drinking warm water is more likely to make you feel better. Soaking your body in Epsom salt is not harmful.

 

Mineral-rich saltwater is beneficial for psoriasis and eczema. Soaking in saltwater allows the skin to absorb moisture, alleviating redness. Salt can also soothe the scaly skin and inflammation caused by psoriasis or eczema. At home, simply add Dead Sea or Epsom salt to a bathtub and soak for about 15 minutes. Adding just one cup of regular table salt to the bathwater can also help relieve eczema symptoms.

Salt can also be used for insect bites or stings. A paste made by mixing baking soda with a little water can help with itching, stinging, and mild swelling. It is also helpful for hives, angioedema, or skin rashes caused by contact with poison ivy. Saltwater helps stop heat cramps. Prolonged exercise or physical labor in the heat causes you to sweat. Loss of fluids and salt can cause needle-like pain, particularly in the arms, abdomen, and calves. Consuming fluids and salt can prevent this. You can drink sports drinks or eat salty foods with water. In an emergency, you can make your own sports drink by mixing a teaspoon of salt into about one liter of water.

 

People with constipation can reduce symptoms by dissolving Epsom salt in a cup of water and drinking it. It is generally recommended to drink 2 to 6 teaspoons a day. Adding lemon juice improves the taste. You can usually see results within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

 

==========

Mineral-rich salt water

Does it help with psoriasis as well?

Relieves redness

 

Rather than saying it's bad because it's salty

Salt has so many more useful benefits.

9
0
Comments 12
  • Profile Image
    상처를 줘도 받지않는 법.
    짠게 안좋다고만 생각하고 있었는데 과하지 않게 사용하면 많은면으로 도움이 되네요.
    • Profile Image
      하루=즐겁게+행복하게+웃으며✌
      Author
      소금이 꽤 괜찮네요
      조금만 먹는다면 건강에 많이 도움이 되겠어요
  • Profile Image
    지영도영
    많이 먹는게 문제가 되지 그외에는 활용도도 좋네요
    • Profile Image
      하루=즐겁게+행복하게+웃으며✌
      Author
      맞아요, 하도 소금을 먹어서 그게 문제지
      건강하게 먹는 거는 하나도 문제가 안 되죠
  • Profile Image
    지은
    오호^^ 소금에 이런 효과가요?♡♡
    정말 좋은것같아요 ~ 공유 감사합니다 🤭🤭
  • 이재복
    소금이 몸에 안 좋다고는 알았는데 적당히 먹으면 몸에 좋기도 하네요. 막힌 코를 뚫어 주기도 하는 군요. 비염 환자들에게 좋은 소식이겠네요. ㅎㅎ
  • Profile Image
    ..💕한밧드(0:01발송)
    저는 변비가 심해서 변비에 좋은 음식이나 행동을 많이 검색해보곤 하는데 소금은 처음이네요. 유용한 정보 감사합니다
  • 은하수
    소금물로 양치하면 좋더라구요
    소금 잘 활용하면 좋은 점 많군요 
  • Profile Image
    임★선
    소금물에 미네랄이 풍부한 지 이제 알았네요.
     저도 소금물에 담궈서 발을 씻으면 참 좋을 것 같아요.
  • Profile Image
    말해뭐해
    소금이 짜서 건강에 안 좋다고만 생각했는데 소금물을 활용하는 방법이 많네요
    가끔 양치하고 나서 소금물으로 입안을 행궈야 되겠어요 
    
  • Profile Image
    이지혜
    소금의 효능이 생각보다 맞네요. 제가 구내염으로 고생 중인데 소금물 가글을 꾸준히 해봐야 겠어요. 유용한 정보 감사합니다^^
  • Profile Image
    김민정
    소금 적절하게 사용하면 좋지요
    너무 많이는 안되죠