Black Salt

Sanskrit: सौवर्चल लवण • Botanical: Unaqua Sodium Chloride (with iron sulphide)

Black salt (Kala Namak) with characteristic sulphurous smell. Used extensively in Indian cuisine (chaat masala). Excellent digestive aid. Contains iron compounds giving it the black color and distinctive taste.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Lavana
Quality (Guna)
Laghu, Tikshna
Potency (Virya)
Ushna
Also Known As
Sanskrit: सौवर्चल, रुचक
Hindi: काला नमक, सांचर नमक

What is Black Salt (Kala Namak / काला नमक)?

Black salt (Kala Namak) with characteristic sulphurous smell. Used extensively in Indian cuisine (chaat masala). Excellent digestive aid. Contains iron compounds giving it the black color and distinctive taste.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Vatanulomana (normalizes Vata)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.