History of Salt & Humanity

Salt is essential to life, as vital as water and oxygen. Every living organism depends on it. Throughout history, salt has been treasured like gold and shaped civilizations. So why is salt getting a bad wrap? In this article we explore the long history of the relationship between salt and humans.

The earliest records of salt date back about 5,000 years to China, with writings on its types and extraction. Around 3,500 years ago, Egyptians depicted salt production. Salt ranks among humanity’s first major commodities.

History of Salt As Currency & Power

Salt bars served as money in Ethiopia for over 1,000 years. Governments funded themselves through salt taxes, the first known tax came from Chinese emperor Hsia Yu around 2,200 BC. Roman soldiers received “salarium” (salt money), giving us the word “salary.” Wars and revolutions centered on controlling salt supplies.

History of Salt in Religion and Culture

Salt held deep meaning in ancient faiths. In Judaism, it symbolized God’s covenant. The Bible mentions salt 32 times, including “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and when God gave the kingdom of Israel through a covenant of salt (2 Chronicles 13:5). In Islam and Judaism, it offers protection from evil. Christianity links it to preservation and longevity.

Healing Uses Through Time

Hippocrates (450 BC) prescribed salt remedies for infections, congestion, and spleen issues. Paracelsus (1493–1541) stated humans cannot live without salt. Without it, decay sets in. Before refrigeration, salt preserved food, enabling trade and survival. Societies relied on it to store meat, fish, and butter.

Salt in Modern Conflicts

During the American Civil War, the Union targeted Southern salt works to disrupt food preservation for troops. Limited salt weakened the Confederacy significantly. Post-war westward expansion followed salt sources, needed for mining and settlement. Cities like Cincinnati and Detroit grew around salt access. In the 1930s, Gandhi protested Britain’s salt tax in India.

Salt Today

Modern uses include manufacturing paper, soap, dyes, and road de-icing. Salt mines store nuclear waste. In medicine, normal saline IV solutions are critical in emergencies. Food preservation still relies on salt.

Summary

Salt has influenced health, trade, war, and society for millennia. So why has salt all of a sudden become "bad for you"? We constantly hear that salt causes high blood pressure and other health concerns. In the next article, continue reading more about the truth of Salt and High Blood Pressure.

Disclaimer: The content presented on this website serves educational and informational purposes and is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor for any inquiries concerning medical conditions. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information obtained from this website.