Fleur de sel, as its also known, is a semi-precious salt produced primarily in France and Germany. It’s high mineral content, however, and maintains a somewhat pungent taste in the mouth–sometimes described as “bitter.” It has a very soft, almost delicate, texture. It is also a semi-precious salt that attracts feather dust, which can clog your sinuses and make you too congested to speak. And yet, the salt does have some medicinal qualities–in fact, for certain disorders, it is prescribed by alternative medical practitioners.
Fleur de sel, or fleur de sel rose, as it is also known, is a flower of salt with a light luscious scent. As a natural salt, it contains trace minerals that benefit the body, especially as a counter balance to the regular, highly processed table salt that we are all used to. It’s a very easy to take in–some people like to put a tiny pinch in a glass of water. Some people like to add a few drops to a dish of soup or salad. Others use fleur de sel in their cooking, or as a garnish to their dishes.
Another reason that people buy fleur de sel salt is because it maintains the moisture content of the skin. The salt helps eliminate dryness, itchiness, and irritation. The flower of salt has a characteristic smell that reminds some of licorice. This is because the salt contains trace amounts of iodine that are similar to licorice. Iodine has long been used in helping to alleviate the symptoms of thyroid problems, as well as other respiratory illnesses. You can buy fleur de sel salts at almost any health food store, or by shopping online.
As far as how much to use, the rule of thumb is to take about a teaspoon a day, once your body feels itchy or starts to feel dry. If you have eczema, or any kind of skin condition that causes dryness, you should increase your daily fleur de sel consumption. For most people, however, this is an unnecessary addition to their diet. If you do need more than a teaspoon a day, look for a brand that includes more than just the flower of salt, as you will want to increase your moisture content as well.
Other benefits of fleur de sel are related to maintaining your immune system. As the salts absorb moisture from your body and release it into the air, you breathe easier. The salt also kills bacteria and fungus that can be found in the air, as well as in your digestive tract. In some studies, fleur de sel has even been shown to help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, which is something to consider if you are taking medications or have risk factors for either of those issues.
There are many other positive benefits of fleur de sel on the body, which means that you can use fleur de sel in any part of the body that needs moisture. You can also use fleur de sel in the bath and shower, as well as on your body. No matter where you choose to use fleur de sel, make sure that you read the instructions carefully, as there are some herbs and plants that can cause serious reactions if they are taken in excess or are not diluted properly.