How To Make Sole

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Sole salt infusion for health and wellness
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I’ve written before about how salt is not the villain it is often made out to be. There is some age-old evidence that not only is salt not harmful, but that consuming it daily (in a certain form) can be very beneficial for health.

What is Sole?

Sole (pronounced Solay) is essentially water that has been fully saturated with a natural salt. This isn’t just a small amount of salt dissolved in water, but rather water that has absorbed as much natural salt as it is able and will not absorb any more (26% actually…. thanks high school chemistry). The term Sole comes from the Latin “Sol” meaning Sun.

We’ve been told for years that salt can be harmful, so the idea of drinking salt water may sound counter-intuitive, but it turns out that this concentrated salt solution can have a variety of health-supporting uses. This remedy has been used for centuries in some countries and claims both anecdotal and scientifically supported evidence for the following uses:

  • Helps Hydration– The body naturally repairs and detoxifies during sleep, but in doing so, it uses up a good amount of water. This is why we are often more thirsty in the morning. Consuming a salt solution like Sole helps the body re-hydrate.
  • Helps the Body Detoxify– The minerals in Sole make it useful in the natural detoxification that the body already does. Sole is naturally anti-bacterial and can help remove bad bacteria in the body.
  • Boosts Energy– The minerals and stored energy in Sole help boost energy throughout the day.
  • Improving Digestion– Sole stimulates the digestive system promoting food absorption and regularity naturally.
  • Improving blood sugar– Some people note improvements in blood sugar levels after using Sole.
  • A Natural Anti-histamine– Sole can work as a powerful natural anti-histamine. This action is likely due to its balancing effects on the body, and I have noticed this personally.
  • Helps with Muscle Cramps– When I played sports, we attributed leg cramps or other cramps to lack of potassium and ate more bananas (which are now the only food I won’t eat). Don’t know about the potassium theory, but I know that since using magnesium and Sole regularly, I don’t get leg cramps anymore (even during/after extreme exercise or in late pregnancy).
  • Bone Health– There is a theory that a potential cause of Osteoporosis and other bone disorders is the body utilizing calcium and other minerals from the bones for survival and to neutralize acidity in the blood. Sole is naturally full of minerals and alkalizing, so there is speculation that it is helpful with bone health as well.
  • Healthy Veins– By supporting the correct mineral balance in the body and blood, Sole can help reduce or avoid vein problems like varicose veins.
  • Blood Pressure– Contrary to what we often hear, many people notice a reduction in blood pressure from using Sole.
  • Weight Loss– By improving digestion and nourishing the body on a cellular level, Sole can help promote weight loss.
  • Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails– Sole’s high mineral content makes it great for healthy skin (and acne problems), and for hair and nail growth.

It is interesting to note that the conventional treatment for many of the above problems includes removing excess salt/sodium from the diet. While table salt could certainly have a negative effect and is best avoided, natural salt contains over 84 minerals and is incredibly nourishing for the body.

According to the book Water & Salt: The Essence of Life and this post:

“In a nine-week study undertaken in 2003 at the Inter-University of Graz, Austria examined the effects of Himalayan Crystal Salt on physical and psychological functions of the body. It is the only salt ever to have been the subject of comprehensive double-blind scientific research. The results of the study, presented in the book, Water & Salt – The Essence of Life by Dr. Barbara Hendel, M.D. and biophysicist Peter Ferreira, confirmed significant positive changes in respiratory, circulatory, organ, connective tissue and nervous system functions. Patients also reported increases in quality of sleep, energy and concentration levels, brain activity, weight loss, enhanced consciousness, and noticeable hair and nail growth.”

Even better, Sole is a very inexpensive addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle and it is incredibly easy to make.

Where To Get (Healthy) Salt

As Sole is simply salt and water, the quality of the salt is extremely important. I prefer to use mostly Himalayan salt, with a small amount of Redmond Salt or Celtic Salt added. The following are brands I have used personally and can vouch for, though many local health food stores will carry Himalayan Salt (make sure it is pure… it should be pink).

Sole salt infusion for health and wellness
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4.42 from 31 votes

Sole Recipe

Sole is water that has been saturated with the minerals in natural salt, making it good for digestive health, mental health, skin, hair, nails and more.
Prep Time5 minutes
Resting Time12 hours
Author: Katie Wells

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Fill the glass jar about ¼ of the way with Himalayan salt, Celtic salt, or Real Salt, or a mixture of the three.
  • Add filtered water to fill the jar, leaving about an inch at the top.
  • Put on the plastic lid and shake the jar gently.
  • Leave on the counter overnight to let the salt dissolve.
  • The next day, if there is still some salt on the bottom of the jar, the water has absorbed its maximum amount of salt and the sole is ready to use.
  • If all of the salt is absorbed, add more salt and continue doing so each day until some remains on the bottom. This means that the water is fully saturated with salt.

Notes

To use: Mix 1 teaspoon of the sole into a glass of water and consume every morning on an empty stomach. Do not use any metal utensils to measure or stir.
I am not a doctor and don’t play one on the internet. As with any health advice, consult a qualified practitioner before adding any new supplements, especially if pregnant, nursing, or if you have a medical condition.

How to Use Sole

Make the mixture as above and store at room temp. It will last indefinitely as salt is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. More water and salt can be added as needed to keep up the amount in the jar.

To drink, add 1 tsp to a glass of water each morning before eating or drinking anything else. Do not add more, especially starting off! If this causes a detox reaction or headache, work up slowly.

Have you ever made Sole? How did you like it? Share below!

Sole is water that has been saturated with the minerals in natural salt, making it good for digestive health, mental health, skin, hair, nails and more.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

673 responses to “How To Make Sole”

  1. Linda Benegas Avatar
    Linda Benegas

    I used a metal spoon twice in the sole. Oops, today I used plastic and could actually taste the salt solution in the water. Is the sole still good? I couldn’t taste the salt at all w/the metal spoon. Ty.

  2. Tinna Avatar

    Hi Katie!

    Thank you so much for your very informative blog. I love reading your health tips!

    My question is… i normally take a cup of bone broth first thing in the morning. Could I take the Sole solution in that with a squidge of lemon?

  3. Erin Avatar

    I take a probiotic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Would it be okay to drink the sole and take the probiotic at the same time? Thanks for all you do, your website is so informative. 🙂

  4. Cutler Avatar

    Re: I’ve just started (4th day today) the teaspoon of Sole to a glass of water. But expected to feel more energy by now.

  5. Linda Avatar

    Hi… I was wondering if you had anyone comment on their experiences with using sole while dealing with hypothyroidism. Have you seen/heard of any positive effects? Improvements? Thanks!

  6. Tricia Avatar

    What size jar do you use to mix the Water and salt in when you make the Sole? Also, how much water do you mix the one teaspoon of Sole to drink?

  7. Mayuri Avatar

    Hi! I take thyroxine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach as prescribed. Should I take the sole after or before this? And how long of a gap would I need to leave? After reading ur article, would love to try this as soon as possible! 🙂 Thanks!!

    1. Lisa Hart Avatar
      Lisa Hart

      Hi mayuri, I’m on thyroxine too and take 75mg every morning. How did you get on with the sole salt drink, has it helped? I get terrible leg cramps and my hair is so thin. Thankyou

  8. Shirley Avatar

    I started using sole this past week. I’d been putting 1 tsp of salt directly in 12 oz of water, but it gave me horrible diarrhea. The sole has taken care of that problem, thank goodness.

    My question comes because I occasionally forget to take it on an empty stomach. Is it better to still drink it than not at all? Are the benefits just not as complete?

    I also drink several glasses throughout the day instead of just one in the morning. Dan Eades, M.D., author of Protein Power, mentions that he adds mineral salt to his water, since he uses a reverse osmosis filter and it removes all of the minerals, and he drinks the recommended 8 glasses of water a day.

    I already have low BP, so I was a bit worried that it can help lower it further, but I haven’t noticed any adverse effects.

    The thing I’m most excited about, though, is that it seems to have helped with my weight loss plateau. I saw a 2 lb drop this morning after weeks of nothing.

    1. Mark Avatar

      Hi,
      Once someone has built up a tolerance by slowly increasing the amount of sole consumed each day do they need to be concerned about taking too much? I’m wondering if there are any guidelines on recommended amounts to take, and what would amount would be considered too much to take.
      Thanks,
      Mark

    2. Mark Avatar

      Hi,
      Once someone has built up a tolerance by slowly increasing the amount of sole consumed each day do they need to be concerned about taking too much? I’m wondering if there are any guidelines on recommended amounts to take, and what amount would be considered too much to take.
      Thanks,
      Mark

  9. Christy McKenna Avatar
    Christy McKenna

    Would you recommend taking a daily dose of ACV along with the Sole (kill two birds with one stone)?

  10. vishnu Avatar

    Hi,
    Is this safe for someone having rheumatoid arthritis.

    Thanks for your response.

      1. Hugh Linden Avatar
        Hugh Linden

        Hi Katie I am on steroids for a lung problem will drinking sole help me

    1. Norma Avatar

      Two people posted above thst said sole increased their RA symptoms. I have RA and have had no symptoms since i started salt to my water. As u may have noticed when it comes to RA, everyone is dufferent.

  11. Grace Avatar

    One of the benefits of sole is to detox and rid your body of heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and amalgam. Do you know if these metals are eliminated solely through urine? Is there a danger of eliminating through breast milk while breastfeeding?

    1. Jacq Avatar

      Hi Grace,
      Did you find the answer to this? I’m breastfeeding a three month old…

  12. Sarah Avatar

    I have the same question as above. .I have been having a tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar each morning (then coffee :/). Can the sole go in the same glass add the acv? And if not its it better to have some first, then acv next? Thanks

  13. Rex Avatar

    I started sole about three days ago and am noticing the positive effects already. Just wondering two things:
    1. I was lightly shaking the jar to disperse mineral sediment. Should I not do that, just consuming the dissolved minerals in the clear solution when the sediment settles?
    2. I tried it with natural, non-flavored/non-sweetened sparkling mineral water with a little lemon squeezed in and it is easier to drink. Any concerns on using mineral water?
    Thanks! And I really appreciate your website and the passion you put into it.

  14. Rachel Avatar

    I’ve been drinking salt sole for a few days now and noticed that I feel a bit nauseous midday. It feels like a good detox kind of stomach thing. But, I wonder why drinking salt sole is detoxing. Do you know what it is doing and why there’s a cleansing/detox effect?
    Also, I’ve used about two one inch chunks of himalayan salt and they seem to dissolve pretty fast. Does this mean I have too much water in the jar?
    Thanks for posting about this great drink!

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      You will want to add enough salt that some is still left after 24 hours. Salt is very detoxifying and it can also speed up metabolism and digestion so it is pretty normal to have some nausea at the beginning.

  15. Melissa Hettick Avatar
    Melissa Hettick

    Hi Katy!
    is it counterproductive to have my one cup of coffee in the morning after drinking sole?

    1. Tania Avatar

      You won’t need coffee in the morning after drinking Sole, since the solution increses energy that lasts 24 hours in your body.

      1. Sally Avatar

        Hi Katie – do you mean you wouldnt give it to a baby this young or kids in general. Asking coz i thought i remembered you saying 1/2 measure to children in an earlier reply and after a quick look i can’t find it. Instinct tells me that you wouldnt give a 4 month old this but my feeling is that from 2ish it would be fine?

  16. Flossie Avatar

    I am just about to start drinking Sole. I only drink 1 cup of coffee strong and black in the morning after hot water. Can you advise can I still have coffee or does this destroy the effects. Also could I make my drink up the night before and drink upon wakening. Thank you

  17. Annabelle Avatar
    Annabelle

    I have a question, I made my sole with grey sea salt from France. The next morning a layer of superfine powder remained on the bottom of the jar. I’ve mixed it numerous times but it won’t dissolve. Is this normal? The brand of sea salt is Maison Orphee and I used boiled water. Thank you.

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