There is a lot of information on the Internet that salt compresses provide relief from joint pain. They also often mention the antibacterial properties of salt, which was used in ancient times for disinfection.
Table salt, or sodium chloride, really can kill microorganisms. And joint pain can indeed be caused, though not always, by bacterial or viral infections. But these two facts are in no way related.
Can a salt compress cure joints.
Unlike the intestinal walls, which are designed to absorb substances that enter the body, the skin has the opposite function – it serves as a barrier, preventing anything from getting inside the body.
To overcome this defence, the substance needs to cross several layers of the epidermis, and only molecules with lipophilic properties – those that bind to fats – can do this. In sodium chloride (and magnesium chloride) these elements are present in ionised form and cannot penetrate the barrier. So even two hours of soaking in a bath with sea salt does not increase the amount of sodium or magnesium in the blood.
And since the elements cannot penetrate through the skin into the tissues – or do so only in small amounts – the therapeutic effect of salt compresses is unlikely.
This may be why we have not been able to find any good quality studies on this kind of joint treatment. That said, a compress can indeed provide relief, and here’s why.
