Salt is one of the most basic yet essential substances in human life. In Tibb-e-Nabawi and classical Islamic medicine, salt is recognized as a necessary mineral that supports digestion, preserves food, and maintains internal balance when used correctly and in moderation.
Islam teaches us that even the simplest provisions from Allah carry wisdom when used with care.
Salt in Islamic & Classical Medical Tradition
Salt was widely used during the time of the Prophet ļ·ŗ for:
Seasoning food
Preserving food
Supporting digestion
Classical Muslim physicians discussed salt as a corrective substanceāsmall amounts aid digestion, while excess causes harm. This perfectly aligns with the Sunnah principle of moderation.
Temperament (Mizaj) of Salt
According to Unani medicine:
Temperament: Hot & Dry
Effect: Drying, cleansing, stimulating
Best for: Excess moisture, weak digestion
Harmful when: Overused or consumed excessively
This explains why salt sharpens appetite and digestion but dries the body if abused.
Health Benefits of Salt (When Used Correctly)
š§ 1. Improves Digestion
Small amounts of salt:
Stimulate digestive juices
Improve appetite
Help proper absorption of food
This is why food without salt often feels heavy or incomplete.
š¦ 2. Acts as a Natural Preservative
Salt:
Prevents food spoilage
Inhibits harmful bacteria
Preserves nourishment
This quality made salt extremely valuable in early societies.
š©ø 3. Supports Fluid Balance
Salt helps maintain:
Electrolyte balance
Proper nerve and muscle function
Healthy circulation
However, this benefit exists only in moderation.
š§¼ 4. Cleansing & Drying Properties
Traditionally, salt was also used:
For cleaning wounds (external use)
For mouth rinses
For skin cleansing
Its drying nature helps reduce excess moisture and impurities.
Types of Salt in Traditional Use
Natural rock salt ā preferred in traditional medicine
Sea salt ā rich in trace minerals
Refined salt ā less preferred due to processing
Classical scholars favored natural, unrefined salts over highly processed ones.
Best Way to Use Salt
ā Use small quantities
ā Prefer natural or rock salt
ā Avoid excessive salty foods
ā Balance salt intake with fluids
ā Do not overuse daily
Islamic medicine teaches that salt should support food, not overpower it.
Who Should Be Careful?
Salt intake should be limited by:
People with high blood pressure
Those with excessive heat or dryness
Individuals prone to thirst or dehydration
Again, balance is the key Sunnah principle.
Spiritual & Lifestyle Reflection
Salt teaches a profound lesson:
Even necessities can become harmful when taken beyond limits.
Islam reminds us that moderation preserves health, gratitude preserves blessings, and excess removes benefit.
Conclusion
Salt is a necessary, beneficial, and powerful mineral when used wisely. In Tibb-e-Nabawi, it is not praised for excess nor rejected entirelyāit is respected for its role in balance. When consumed in moderation and in natural form, salt supports digestion, preservation, and overall health.