From Huter der Irminsul (Guardian of the Irminsul)
I’m a classic migraine sufferer. For many years, my first instinct was to reach for pharmaceutical medication. That was the obvious thing to do, because migraines can rob you of your entire day and make every little thing a burden.
However, some time ago I came across an interesting approach: a large glass of water with a heaping pinch of Himalayan salt. To be honest, I was skeptical at first.
Nevertheless, I tried it – and was surprised. In my case, it actually helped. What particularly astonished me was that after taking medication, I often felt a slight pressure in my head that sometimes lingered for several days. With the salt water, this feeling disappeared much faster.
Of course, I can only speak from my own experience, and what helps one person won’t necessarily work for everyone. Migraines are a complex issue with many contributing factors.
Nevertheless, this experience reminded me that not every answer has to come from the pharmacy. Sometimes the simplest things are closer than we think. Water and salt are among humankind’s oldest companions. Our ancestors already knew their value—not as miracle cures, but as fundamental elements of life.
In Norse-Germanic tradition, we repeatedly encounter the idea that the forces of nature are more than mere resources. Springs, rivers, and the sea were considered places of special power. Water symbolized life, renewal, and healing. Salt, in turn, was so valuable for centuries that in some places it almost held the status of currency.
Perhaps therein lies a small reminder for our modern times: Not everything that helps has to be complicated. Sometimes, a path that works for you can be found somewhere between high-tech medicine and ancient wisdom.
Sometimes we look for solutions in the most complicated ways and overlook what has been right in front of us for centuries. Our ancestors trusted the forces of nature not out of superstition, but out of experience. Water, salt, herbs, and observing their own bodies were part of everyday life for a long time.
For me, this simple glass of water with a pinch of salt was worth more than many a pill. I can’t say whether it helps everyone. But it showed me that the simplest ways can sometimes be the most effective.
As the old Norsemen said: Not all strength comes from the sword—some springs from the source.
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