Hippocrates (460BC), recognised for his work in medicine, often used salt for medicinal purposes. He often discussed the benefits of inhalation of steam from salt-water. This discovery is now used today to provide relief from respiratory symptoms. The main recommended uses were for skin diseases, dropsy, infections, callosities, ear-ache, mycosis, digestive upsets, and sciatica. A physician to the Roman Emperor (129-200 AD) used various forms of salt (sea salt, rock salt, salt foam) in formulas to protect against various concerns, including; infectious wounds, skin diseases, digestive troubles and callosities.

Around 980 AD, a well-known Arab doctor and scientist Avicenna highlighted the strong presence of iodine and iron in coastal sea salt.

Doctor and Alchemist Paracelsus (1493-1541 A.D), once quoted: “The human being must have salt, he cannot be without salt. Where there is no salt, nothing will remain, but everything will tend to rot.” He understood the power of salt, and recommended it for numerous uses, including; intestinal worms, itching, constipation and various others.

During war time it was widely known that personnel often struggled with salt deficiency. Unfortunately this deficiency led to inadequate wound healing and also a lower resistance to fighting against diseases. Due to this reason, during the French Retreat many of Napoleon’s troops died when travelling through the harsh terrain from Moscow.

There were salt production plants across North America during the war that played a vital role in integrating salt into soldier’s diet, dye for clothing and also preserving meat. Today, salt is still considered a form of natural healing and is used regularly in salt water baths to allow the body to soak in this powerful element.