During Navratri and other fasting occasions, one question often comes up: why do we use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt? Is it just a religious practice, or does it also have scientific and health benefits? Let’s explore both perspectives.
Religious Significance
In Indian tradition, rock salt is considered the purest and most sacred form of salt. It is naturally obtained from rocks in the Himalayan region and is free from chemical processing. This is why it is also called stone salt or sendha namak.
On the other hand, common salt is produced by evaporating seawater and may contain impurities or additives. For religious rituals like fasting, purity is important for both the body and the mind. Consuming rock salt is believed to help maintain this spiritual and physical purity.
Health Benefits of Rock Salt
Apart from its religious importance, rock salt also offers several health advantages that make it an ideal choice during fasting:
-
Rich in Minerals – Unlike regular salt, which mainly contains sodium, rock salt provides more than 80 essential minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These help replenish nutrients the body may lack during fasting.
-
Boosts Immunity – The natural minerals in rock salt strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections.
-
Easy to Digest – Rock salt is gentle on the digestive system compared to regular salt. This is especially helpful during fasting when digestion tends to slow down, reducing issues like gas and indigestion.
-
Maintains Electrolyte Balance – The potassium and sodium in rock salt help regulate fluid balance in the body, preventing dehydration and weakness.
-
Cooling Effect – According to Ayurveda, rock salt has a natural cooling property that helps control body temperature, which is particularly useful during summer fasts.
Using rock salt during Navratri fasting is not just a matter of tradition—it also supports good health. It enhances the taste of food, provides essential minerals, boosts energy, and helps keep the body balanced and strong.
