evidence: Over time, eating too much sodium can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, liver damage, kidney disease, and obesity. Summary Himalayan salt, also called pink Himalayan sea salt, is a type of salt mined in salt hills in Pakistan. It contains sodium chloride and about 84 trace elements to give it its pink color. Himalayan salt can be used in cooking or as salt lamps and bath salts. Himalayan salt contains minerals with known health benefits. Unfortunately, the amount of these minerals is low and unlikely to produce any positive effects. There is currently not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Himalayan salt for health purposes. Himalayan salt is mostly made up of sodium chloride. Sodium is necessary for our health and is responsible for fluid balance, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Too much sodium in the diet is linked with health risks such as heart disease and stroke. Talk with your healthcare provider if you want to incorporate Himalayan salt into your diet. 14 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.