Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black salt, also known as kala namak, has been used in traditional South Asian and Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments, including respiratory issues such as congestion. The traditional rationale is that black salt's mineral content and supposed expectorant properties help thin mucus and promote its expulsion, thereby relieving congestion. It is often included in home remedies, such as mixing with warm water or adding to herbal preparations, aimed at easing symptoms of colds and coughs.

However, there is very limited scientific research specifically investigating the efficacy of black salt for treating congestion. Most of the evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than controlled clinical trials. Its use is sometimes conflated with salt inhalation (such as in salt caves or with saline nasal irrigation), but black salt itself is not recognized in modern medicine as an established treatment for respiratory congestion. Therefore, while black salt does have a place in traditional medicine for this purpose, robust scientific validation is lacking. The rating reflects the presence of traditional use but a lack of strong scientific support.

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