DIY Herbal Salt Blends

a quick herbal prep packed with flavor

A staple in my herbal kitchen, I wanted to share this Herbal Salt Blend we made in the spring webinar.

We can't live without salt. Not only is it essential to flavor our meals, but also to our body's ability to function.

Salt is actually an edible crystal. Salt made from rivers and oceans is a living salt, not to be compared to iodized table salt, which is actually stripped of all nutrients and dehydrating to the body.

The story of ocean and river salt is something magical and poetic. It is a mirror of the earth reflecting back to our own bodies.

Sea salt is made when the chloride and sodium of the water or wave makes its journey to the shore. It reacts with the charge of magnesium and potassium of the earth and in that moment, forms the edible crystal we know as salt. 

Our own cells and organs contain similar electrical charges in order for our bodies to function.

Being more conscious about salt has been incredibly transformative in learning how to stay hydrated, especially in a drier climate like Sonoma County.

Instead of guzzling down tons of water, I’m much more hydrated from less water and find I’m less likely to deplete my system of valuable electrolytes.

This coupled with adding raw essential fatty acids (more on this to come!) like hemp, flax and olive oil drizzled over my food, has made a big difference in my overall hydration picture. 

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are an essential part of how our cells function. When a salt is added to water, it has an ionic charge and is able to conduct energy that supports our cells to communicate. Electrolytes are crucial to how our kidneys function and how well they assimilate water for hydration. 

We need electrolytes to: 

• Regulate nerve and muscles function

• Regulate acidity levels in the body

• Regulate fluid levels and hydration

How to get electrolytes

We can get electrolytes by adding salt in our water and on our food. Salts will vary and come from a different region in the world which has its own unique qualities. Here are a few examples of electrolyte salts in minerals: 

Magnesium | Helps our bodies reduce stress, reduce excess fluid retention, slows aging in the skin + calms the nervous system. 

Calcium | Helps our bodies by increasing circulations, reduces fluid retention along with strengthening the bones and nails. 

Potassium | Energizes the bodes and helps balance moisture levels in the skin along with being an important mineral to replenish after intense workouts or exercise. 

Bromide | Helps to ease stiffness and helps relax the muscles. 

Sodium | Helps balance lymphatic fluid which is important for immune system function. 

Chloride | An important part of regulating intercellular pressure which uses fluid to flow in and out of cells. 

Types of Salt

The energetics of salt can be seen in their color. For example, cooling salts are lighter in color and warming salts are darker.

Atlantic Grey Salt | Great everyday salt for cooking + adding to water. It is slightly wet to the touch + hydrating in nature which makes it beneficial to the kidneys. The grey color indicates its high magnesium content. 

Cyprus Flake Salt | Finishing salt that has a unique crystalline pyramid shape and nice crunch. Its pearly white color signifies richness in potassium. 

Kala Namak | This ancient black sulfur salt is one of the most medicinal and should be used only in small amounts and when needed. This is not a daily salt, but rather it is medicine. It’s heating and cleansing in nature helping to reduce excess kapha (cold & damp) in the body. Helps to remove plaque and heavy metals in the intestines. It also can be used externally as a skin soak to relieve topical fungal infections. 

How to use

I like to add ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt into a 16-ounce glass of water in the morning, to drink slowly. It's very important not to chug, as lots of salt at once (for those new to the practice) can create nausea. Start with less and overtime you can work your way up as you get used to this ritual.

Then I add a teaspoon or two in my glass or ceramic water bottle, to sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Try adding salt to your water to taste. It should taste slightly saline, but not like ocean water. Everyone is different, so your salt amount will also be.

Some things to note

It is best to add salt to water without using a metal spoon or leaving metal in the glass. Metal can de-ionize electrolytes so its best to add salt to food after cooking if using metal pans. webinar

Combining herbs and salt

Another way to enjoy the benefits of salt on your food is by infusing your favorite herbs right in. Fresh or dried, this is a great way to add tons of flavor to simple dishes. One of my favorites is rosemary salt sprinkled over roasted potatoes.

There’s lots of room to play and experiment here, especially since you have the ingredients on hand and they’re inexpensive.

Herbs, edible flowers, and spices all make lovely combinations with salt to use on all sorts of meal. Here’s a simple guide to follow below.

Herbal Salt Blend

Ingredients

½ cup sea salt

1-2 tablespoons dried herbs

Examples: rosemary, thyme, lavender, oregano, tulsi, rose, or basil

1. Pulse the dried herbs in a blender until finely ground.

2. Add the salt and pulse a few times or simply mix together in a small mixing bowl.

3. Store in a small jar and label.

4. Use within a year.

Enjoy! xx - Sarah Kate