Is Crystal Salt an Antifungal?

Crystal salt, or pure salt that has not been refined, has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Crystal salt can be used in the treatment of fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot.

Background

Salt, also called sodium chloride, is the most common non-metallic mineral in the world, according to the Salt Institute. All salt has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, meaning it can be used to kill bacteria and fungi.

History

Charaka, known as the father of Ayurvedic (traditional native Indian) medicine, documented the healing properties of crystal salt as early as 2000 B.C., according to the Sundaram website.

Benefits

Crystal salt, such as natural Himalayan crystal salt, contains minerals that have been refined out of standard table salt, according to the National Skin Care Institute. Crystal salt contains between 84 and 92 of the minerals required by the human body, and is recommended over other salts for use in holistic treatments, according to the website.

Identification

Pure, unprocessed crystal salt is light pink in color, according to The Marco Eagle. The salt crystals are large, but are easily broken down when dried.

Remedies

The Ringworm Treatment Resource Center suggests dampening skin infected with ringworm fungus and applying moistened salt directly to the skin for 30 minutes. Health 911 recommends soaking skin infected with athlete's foot in a solution of 1 pint warm water and 2 tsp. salt for 10-15 minutes to kill fungi.