Medicinal Uses of Sea Salt

According to the Mayo Clinic, the chemical makeup of sea salt is the same as table salt, with differences existing in taste, texture and processing. Nevertheless, medicinal uses for salt--which are mainly topical applications--generally call for less processed sea salt. Many of these are traditional remedies, and their effects will vary. For serious health conditions, talk with your doctor about the effect of sea salt remedies.

Oral Health

Sea salt can be used for gargling and to clean the mouth and teeth. To make a gargling solution, mix 1/2 tsp. of sea salt into a glass of warm water. This can help with a sore throat. You can make a toothpaste with one part sea salt and two parts baking soda that helps whiten teeth. Mix equal parts sea salt and baking soda to make a mouthwash.

Eye Treatments

A diluted solution of 1/2 tsp. of sea salt to a pint of water can be used to wash and relieve tired eyes. Use the same solution with hot water to dab around eyes to reduce puffiness.

Skin Irritation

Sea salt can be applied to some bug bites and rashes for relief. For bee stings, wet the area and apply salt for pain relief. For mosquito, chigger and other bug bites, soak the bite area in salty water, then apply a mixture of salt and lard to the bite. You can speed recovery from poison ivy by soaking the affected area in hot, salty water.

Soaking and Stress Relief

Bathing in salt solutions is known to have a relaxing effect that soothes aching muscles. Add a handful of sea salt to a hot bath to relieve fatigue, or several tablespoons to hot water in a basin to sooth tired feet. You can also exfoliate skin by using salt as a rub after bathing.