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. Karen Avatar

    I took my first dose of Sole today and it barely tasted salty. Have you run into that before?

  2. Brooke Avatar

    I think the wide mouth jar is just for convenience of adding salt. I use an EcoWater bottle and use the cap as a general measure of 1 tsp.

  3. elizabeth Avatar
    elizabeth

    what size jar are we talking about? when i see the picture, it looks like a 1/2 pint, but when i see “wide mouth lid” i think 2pint jar… please help. caa’t wait to try this! Thanks Wellness Mama!

  4. Mary Avatar

    Hi I took 3 tsp of sole water yesterday, that was before I found out that I should only take 1 tsp on an empty stomach. Well about 45 minutes after drinking the sole water I had terrible diarrhea all day yesterday & today. So I did not take any today. So my question is can taking to much sole cause a person to have diarrhea? Hopefully the diarrhea will be gone tomorrow. It is a little bit better than it was yesterday. Thanks for any answers you may have.

      1. Mary Avatar

        Thank you for letting me know this. Do you know why some people have this problem & not everyone? Also how long would you suggest that I wait to start taking it again? Thanks

    1. Kitty Avatar

      Oh dear, this is day 2 of diarrhea and my second (?) week of himalayan salt. I’ve just added a morning dose the past few days.

      One person says making sole helped with the diarrhea. Why? Why does having it sit, help?
      I don’t drink cold things and don’t wish to make up a batch of something, any more than I will make several pots of coffee.

      Please help me understand? Or, maybe I should go back to just bedtime salt.

      Please help!!

      1. Sally Oh Avatar

        Just like magnesium and vitamin C, salt needs to be taken to “bowel tolerance.” Cut back to the dose that makes you comfortable (bowel tolerance), then work your way up to the dose that works for you.

        Remember that epsom salt is what we use to clean out our bowels before doing a liver cleanse or a colonoscopy. It makes ya go! There’s nothing wrong with the sole, it’s your body’s ability to use the amount.

        Not a doctor, just old and been around the block 🙂

        1. Kitty Avatar

          Thanks for the input and good information. The salt at bedtime has resulted in my sleeping through the night.

          However, I guess I wasn’t clear that my question was, does mixing it beforehand, thus making it sole, do something magical so that it is better tolerated?

          I put the Himalayan salt in a cup, add water and stir ’til dissolved, then drink it. I did try mixing both nighttime and morning doses, letting the morning dose sit overnight but that didn’t change things. This morning, I just drank a few teaspoonsful I estimate.

          I can’t believe how this has helped me sleep and, um, (TMI sorry) concentrate urine at night.

          1. Sally Oh Avatar

            There is no such thing as “TMI” on the mommy blogs, lol. Re. the mix, I’ve read on several sites that letting the salt and the water stand overnight changes them: “salt is no longer salt and water is no longer water”… I don’t know what it is then, not a scientist. So maybe it’s different… I suspect it is but again, that’s just gut talking! I have a jar all mixed up and took a teaspoon this morning. Doesn’t taste too salty so I’m looking forward to any results!

  5. Libby Jones Avatar
    Libby Jones

    Man, oh, man. Just wanted to bless you for your patience with all this. Thanks for the information.

  6. Susan Avatar

    I have just started on the Himalayan salt sole as I have heard that it is beneficial for type 2 diabetics. I know that the majority of folk have the drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, but is it just as beneficial to take the sole later in the day after eating?

  7. Dianne Avatar
    Dianne

    My sister does this every morning and shared a glass with me when we were together. She adds the juice of 1/2 a lemon to the sole…it is delicious but just wondering if you agree or if you recommend this. I have heard that lemon water is also good for you in the morning.

      1. Dianne Avatar
        Dianne

        Thank you I appreciate your reply … to clarify… I understand that Sole with lemon is fine …does it make a difference if you drink it cold or hot?

  8. Marija Avatar
    Marija

    Can this be made with bottled water? I live in a country (island) where we do not drink tap water and are forced to buy bottled. Thanks

  9. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    I have hypothyroidism hashimotos. as well as alopecia universalis. Is this okay for me to consume?

  10. Mary Avatar

    I was told to watch my salt intake due to having 1 kidney, would sole raise my sodium intake?

  11. Peggy Avatar

    Ok, not sure if this question has been answered but how do you incorporate sole, and bentonite clay? I have started the sole, and have been reading up on the benefits of the clay for detoxing. I have recently been diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes(no known cause, going through testing) and trying to treat naturally. I would appreciate any help. Thanks

  12. Lindsey Avatar

    Hello. Should a person drink Sole daily and eat kelp for iodine? I do not want to consume to much iodine in my body, but have heard the wonderful benefits of both Sole and kelp. I found a kelp powder out of Canada to add to my smoothies, but it still does concern me about the traces of arsenic in kelp. If a person just drank Sole daily, would this provide enough iodine in the diet?

    Thanks.

  13. Lindsey Avatar

    Is it safe to drink SOLE with hypothyrodism? Also, when do you drink it since medication is supposed to be taken first thing in the morning.

  14. Dettrea Avatar

    Hello Katie, love this blog. I started Sole a month ago on the advice of a retired nurse turned /naturalist. I wasn’t sure of the benefits, but have noticed more and better stools! Wish I’d known about this for my oldest daughter who suffers from constipation since birth. I’m on a path of losing weight and getting off the drugs for hbp, diabetes and anxiety! Whew! I said it!

  15. jenna Avatar

    Hi! I’m really hoping you are up to date on comments ’cause I have some questions! I’m about to embark on a detox and I’ve read several books about it and ALL of them say to use Sole! I have been looking EVERYWHERE for himalayan rock crystals to make it with: I can’t find it anywhere. Are you just using regular salt ie small little chunks of the salts you recommended, and not big crystal chunks of it? Do you know if there are any benefits to using crystals instead of smaller bits of salt? Thanks a lot for this post, I am excited to try it!!

  16. Kimberly Avatar
    Kimberly

    My fingers consistently look swollen while I use sole. Is that common? Also, I haven’t noticed feeling any different. I’m wondering if the antidepressants I take are countering the beneficial effects. Have any thoughts?

  17. Lindsey Avatar

    Thank you for the information about the drink. I have hypothyrodism and have been told by my doctor to take my medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I was then advised to wait four hours to take any vitamins. How can I take sole then in the morning too? I really want to get off of my medication if at all possible but I have to do it tactfully.

      1. Lindsey Avatar

        Thank you. I am looking at a natural medicine alternative: WP is my first choice since is only contains two ingredients and no gluten. Anyone have any advice with this medication compared to Armour or Nature Throid?

        1. Jen Avatar

          I take Nature Throid and do well on it. WP is Nature Throid with less fillers and if I wasn’t doing so well on the Nature Throid I would probably switch but fillers don’t seem to bother me. If you are sensitive to fillers than WP is best, but any type of Natural Dessicated Thyroid is better than the synthetic in my opinion. I think I was lucky – I took Levo for 2 months and had horrible reactions so switched right away. I have friends who are not doing too well on synthetics but their doctors won’t let them switch. I am going to try the sole too and see how I do. Good luck to you!

    1. becky Avatar

      Lindsey,
      Have you asked your Dr if you can take your medication at bedtime on empty stomach? i have hypothryoidism and that is what i do. So the last time i eat is around 6:30-7pm and take my pill at 10:30ish . I am one month into being on medication, but am in the same boat as you and want to get off it as soon as i can, even most people tell me that I willbe on it for life. I do my oil pulling fist thing in the morning, then drink the water sole and move on with my day.

      1. Lindsey Avatar

        I have always been advised to take it in the morning by my doctor. So I plan to take medication at 5am, then at 8am I can do oil pulling and Sole drink. It will be three hours after meds so considered safe since it won’t interfere with the hormones from what my doctor stated. I recently requested to be changed from synthetic drugs to WP (natural thyroid). I am hoping this is one step closer to getting off of the meds. My chiropractor with Maximized Living feels I have great potential to get off of the meds, or reduce my dose at least.

  18. Cel Avatar

    My first experience with Celtic Grey was about 6 years ago when I did the Master Cleanse – and that’s EXACTLY what the “salt water flush” did! But now I am using the 1 tsp. of sole for only a few days and I notice – even on the very first day – that within a half hour I am running for the bathroom. Not making me very comfortable about continuing to use it. I have been on the sole for 4 days and do not notice any benefits yet. How long does that normally take and will the dashes to the bathroom stop? May turn out this is simply not for me.

  19. Becky Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    i read thru all commemts and didnt see the answer to this question.
    I oil pull first thing in morning. What order do you do oil pulling and water sole?
    Thank you…

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