Black salt (Kala namak) is used extensively in Indian cusine as well as in Ayurvedic medicine. Kala namk has a distinctive taste. It is used in chutneys, raitas, provides the tangy fresh flavor in chaat  and many other snacks. It is often used by people with high blood pressure or on low-salt diets because it does not contain significant amounts of sodium. It is also believed to relieve both heartburn and flatulence.