illustration du blog sel de nigari la purge douce qui débloque votre transit

Nigari salt: the gentle cleanse that unblocks your digestive system.

Nov 26, 2025Santé naturelle avec Pleine Forme

Nigari salt: the gentle cleanse that unblocks your digestive system

By Marie, dietician and specialist advisor in nutritional supplements at Pleine Forme
15 years of experience dedicated to your digestive well-being

For days now, you've been waking up with that heavy feeling in your abdomen, that bloated stomach that makes you uncomfortable. You've tried prunes, increased your fiber intake, drunk more water... but nothing helps. Your digestion is blocked, and you're looking for a natural solution that REALLY works, without the harsh side effects of chemical laxatives.

Nigari salt might be the solution you're looking for. But beware : if used incorrectly, this powerful marine mineral can turn your day into a digestive nightmare. Too little, and it does nothing. Too much, and you'll be constantly on the toilet.

In my 15 years at Pleine Forme, I've guided hundreds of people toward the safe and effective use of nigari. In this article, I'll reveal exactly how to use it for a gentle and successful cleanse, avoiding the common mistakes that lead to disaster.

🔍 Is gentle purging right for you? Self-assessment

Check the situations that apply to you:

Occasional constipation : Do you only go to the toilet 1-2 times a week?
Feeling of heaviness : Bloated, distended stomach, feeling of "too much"?
Dietary transition : Have you recently changed your diet (travel, holidays)?
Before a rebalancing : Do you want to "cleanse" before a detox cure or a new diet?
Natural research : Do you refuse irritating chemical laxatives?

If you have checked two or more criteria , nigari salt may help you. But first, let's understand what this mineral really is.

What is nigari salt and how does it work?

Nigari salt is a treasure from the sea, a concentrated form of unrefined marine magnesium chloride . Its name, of Japanese origin, means "bitter" (nigai = bitter), a taste characteristic that testifies to its purity and mineral richness.

The CRUCIAL difference with table salt

Table salt (NaCl): 97% sodium chloride
Nigari salt (MgCl₂): 95% magnesium chloride + marine trace elements

Unlike table salt, which retains water and promotes hypertension, nigari is an exceptional source of magnesium , the mineral that 75% of the population is deficient in.

The mechanism: why it works (osmotic effect)

Here's how nigari acts as a gentle purge :

Step 1: Ingestion
You drink the magnesium chloride solution.

Step 2: Water attraction (osmosis)
Unabsorbed magnesium remains in the intestine and attracts water like a magnet. This is the osmotic effect.

Step 3: Softening the stools
The increase in water volume in the intestines softens hard, compact stools.

Step 4: Stimulation of peristalsis
Intestinal distension triggers natural contractions (peristalsis) that propel stool towards the exit.

Result : Gentle evacuation, without painful cramps, usually 2 to 6 hours after taking.

Nigari vs Epsom salt: what's the difference?

Criteria	Nigari salt (MgCl₂)	Epsom salt (MgSO₄)
Composition	Magnesium chloride	Magnesium sulfate
Taste	Very bitter	Bitter + metallic
Action	Gentle, progressive	Powerful, fast
Digestive tolerance	Good	More irritating
For internal use	Recommended	Strict medical advice
Magnesium absorption	Best	Less good

My expert opinion : Nigari is gentler and better tolerated than Epsom salt for digestive use. If you're a beginner, choose nigari.

The benefits of nigari salt for digestion

Beyond its purging role, nigari salt offers notable benefits for your entire digestive system.

Triple digestive action

1. Muscle relaxation
Magnesium is a natural relaxant for smooth muscles, including those in your intestinal walls. The result: fewer spasms, less pain, and smoother digestion.

2. Enzyme stimulation
Magnesium activates more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in digestion. Better digestion = less fermentation = less bloating.

3. Intestinal nervous balance
Magnesium calms the enteric nervous system (the "second brain" of your gut). Less stress = fewer functional digestive problems.

Relief from occasional constipation

Nigari salt is particularly effective in relieving occasional constipation :

✅ Travel : Change of habits, dehydration
✅ Holiday season : Rich food, less fiber
✅ Occasional stress : Exam, important event
✅ Post-antibiotics : Disrupted microbiota
✅ Premenstrual : Hormones slow down transit

How it works:
Thanks to its osmotic laxative effect , it allows for gentle bowel movements without causing painful cramps or irritation . It's a natural solution that works in harmony with your body, promoting a return to regularity without dependence (unlike stimulant laxatives such as senna).

Time to action : 2 to 6 hours (varies depending on the individual)

Improvement of intestinal transit

By stimulating intestinal motility and promoting good stool hydration, the magnesium chloride contained in nigari contributes to an overall improvement in intestinal transit .

Measurable benefits:

Bowel movement frequency: reduced from 2-3 times/week to 1 time/day
Consistency: softer stools, easier to pass
Comfort: less bloating and post-meal stomach aches
Energy: better nutrient absorption = more vitality
Detox: effective elimination of toxins = feeling of lightness

A well-functioning gut is key to better nutrient absorption and efficient elimination, resulting in a feeling of lightness and renewed vitality.

How to use nigari salt for a gentle purge?

Using nigari salt as a laxative or for a gentle purge is simple, but requires adherence to precise dosage and a few precautions to ensure its effectiveness and your safety.

⚠️ Crucial point : Nigari is a powerful natural remedy. "Natural" does NOT mean "risk-free." Strictly adhere to the dosage instructions.

Recommended dosage and precautions

For a gentle, occasional laxative (occasional constipation)

Basic dosage: 20g of nigari salt in 1L of water

Protocol:

Morning : 1 glass (12.5 cl) on an empty stomach
Evening : 1 glass before bed
Duration : 1 to 2 days maximum

Expected effect : Evacuation within 2-6 hours after the first dose.

For a digestive support treatment (chronic sluggish digestion)

Dosage : Same preparation (20g/1L)

Protocol:

1 glass/day (12.5 cl) in the morning on an empty stomach
Duration : 3 weeks maximum
Mandatory break : 1 month between two treatments

Objective : Gradual retraining of bowel function, not addiction.

❌ WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO

Exceeding 20g/litre (risk of severe diarrhea, dehydration)
Drinking several glasses in a row (overdose)
Use daily for more than 3 weeks (addiction)
Double the dose if "it doesn't work fast enough".

Preparation of the nigari solution

Materials needed:

1 liter glass bottle (avoid plastic)
20g of nigari salt flakes (≈ 1 heaped tablespoon)
1L of spring or filtered water (not chlorinated tap water)

Method (3 simple steps):

1. Pour 20g of nigari into the empty bottle
2. Add 1L of water
3. Shake vigorously until completely dissolved (1-2 minutes)

Conservation :
Refrigerate for a maximum of 2 days. After that, prepare a new solution.

Taste tip (nigari is VERY bitter):

Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon to the bottle
Or mix your glass with organic apple juice (50/50)
Or drink it in one gulp and rinse immediately with water.

Important : Never heat nigari (it denatures the magnesium).

Tips for a successful grip

To maximize the benefits of your gentle nigari salt cleanse and avoid any unpleasant side effects:

1. Intensive Hydration

Drink 2 to 3 liters of water throughout the day (in addition to your nigari solution).
Why? Nigari draws water into the intestines. If you don't drink enough, you risk dehydration.

Signs of dehydration:

Dark urine
Dry mouth
Headaches
Intense fatigue

2. Light, high-fiber diet

Prioritize:

✅ Fresh fruit (apples, pears, kiwis, prunes)
✅ Cooked vegetables (zucchini, carrots, spinach)
✅ Whole grains (oats, brown rice)
✅ Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)

Avoid:

❌ Red meats, deli meats
❌ Excessive dairy products
❌ Processed, fried foods
❌ Pastries, refined sugars

3. Strategic Timing

Choose a day off or weekend for your purge.
The laxative effect can occur suddenly, and you will want to be near a comfortable toilet.

Best moments:

Saturday morning (effect within the day)
Or Friday evening if you work from home on Saturday

Avoid : Before an important appointment, a trip, a meeting.

4. Listen to your body

Too strong an effect? (watery diarrhea, cramps)
→ Reduce the solution to 1/2 a glass instead of a whole glass
→ Space out the doses (every other day)

No effect after 6 hours?
→ Wait 24 hours before resuming (sometimes the effect is delayed)
→ NEVER double the dose

💡 Expert advice from Marie

Tip #1: The "tolerance test" rule

"NEVER do a purge on a workday if it's your first time. I've seen too many people call me back in a panic because they were stuck in a meeting with urgent cramps. ALWAYS test it on a Saturday morning at home. Every body reacts differently."

Tip #2: The "it works too well" trap

"Some people feel so relieved after their first cleanse that they repeat it every week. MISTAKE. Your bowel needs to work on its own. Nigari is a temporary tool, not a permanent crutch. Maximum 3 weeks of treatment, then a 1-month break. Otherwise, you create a dependency."

Tip #3: Hydration is NON-NEGOTIABLE

"Nigari without water = disaster. I strongly emphasize: 2-3L of water MINIMUM on the day of your purge. Set alarms on your phone every hour if necessary. Dehydration is the number 1 side effect of poorly managed purges."

Contraindications and precautions to take

Although nigari salt is a natural solution, its oral use is not without contraindications and requires special vigilance.

⚠️ IMPORTANT : It is imperative to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially if you have a medical history.

❌ ABSOLUTE contraindications

NEVER use nigari if you have:

Kidney failure
The kidneys eliminate excess magnesium. If they malfunction, there is a risk of dangerous accumulation (hypermagnesemia).

Heart failure
Magnesium can disrupt heart rhythm in frail individuals.

Uncontrolled hypertension
Especially if you are on a strict salt-free diet.

Hemophilia or clotting disorders
Magnesium slightly thins the blood.

Severe anemia
Chloride can interfere with iron absorption.

Suspected intestinal obstruction
Acute abdominal pain, total absence of bowel movements and gas = medical emergency, not a purge!

Children under 12 years old
Immature digestive system, inappropriate dosage.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Risk of uterine contractions (magnesium) and passage into breast milk. ALWAYS seek medical advice.

⚠️ SPECIAL Precautions

Diabetes
Magnesium can influence blood sugar levels. Close monitoring is recommended.

Taking medication
Magnesium chloride can interact with:

Tetracyclines (antibiotics): reduces their absorption → space out by 3 hours
Levothyroxine (thyroid): same → space out by 4 hours
Bisphosphonates (osteoporosis): reduces absorption
Diuretics : risk of electrolyte imbalance

Always take nigari 2-4 hours apart from any other medication.

🚨 Signs of overdose (hypermagnesemia)

Stop IMMEDIATELY and consult a doctor if:

Severe nausea, repeated vomiting
Abundant and watery diarrhea (> 6 bowel movements/day)
Extreme fatigue, significant muscle weakness
Heart rhythm disturbances (palpitations, slowing of the heart rate)
Mental confusion, abnormal drowsiness
Breathing difficulties

These symptoms are RARE at recommended doses, but require immediate action.

📊 Summary table: dosage according to objective

Objective	Dosage	Frequency	Maximum duration	Precautions
Occasional constipation	20g/1L → 1 glass twice a day	Morning + evening	1-2 days	Hydration ++, rest
Sluggish transit cure	20g/1L → 1 glass/day	1x/day morning on an empty stomach	3 weeks	Break 1 month later
Pre-rebalancing detox	20g/1L → 1 glass twice a day	Morning + evening	3 days	Light food
Preventive maintenance	20g/1L → 1/2 glass/day	1x/day	2 weeks	Treatment 1-2 times/year max

NEVER exceed 20g/litre or drink more than 2 glasses/day.

Where can I buy quality nigari salt?

To guarantee the effectiveness and purity of your gentle purge, it is essential to choose nigari salt of impeccable quality .

The 5 NON-NEGOTIABLE quality criteria

1. Unrefined marine magnesium chloride
No synthetic or industrial magnesium chloride.

2. Certified purity
Minimum 95% MgCl₂. Check the label.

3. No additives
No anti-caking agents, preservatives, or chemical treatments.

4. Heavy metal and radioactivity tests
Essential for a marine product (ocean pollution). Demand the analyses.

5. Organic certification or quality label
Organic farming, Nature & Progrès, or equivalent.

Where to buy it?

✅ Recommended points of sale:

Organic stores
Specialized pharmacies and parapharmacies
Specialty shops like Pleine Forme (rigorously selected)
Specialized online sites (check certifications)

❌ To be avoided:

Traditional supermarkets (often unavailable or of questionable quality)
Non-specialized sites without guarantees

Trusted Brands

Celnat : A pioneer in organic farming in France, rigorous quality controls, heavy metal testing

View the Nigari Celnat 100g product View the Nigari Celnat 1kg product

Indicative price

50-100g : €3-5
250-500g : €5-8
1kg : €8-12

Nigari is a very accessible natural solution. A 500g pack will provide several purges (20g per liter = 25 liters of solution!).

Your 4-step action plan

Step 1: Check for contraindications

Review the list of contraindications. If in doubt, consult your doctor BEFORE purchasing.

Step 2: Buy quality nigari

Opt for organic or Pleine Forme stores. Check for organic certification and heavy metal analyses.

Step 3: Choose your moment

Relaxing weekend : Ideal for the first cleanse
Friday evening : If working remotely on Saturday
Never : Before an important event, trip, or busy day

Step 4: Purge Protocol

Evening watch:

Prepare your solution (20g/1L)
Light shopping (fruits, vegetables)
Go to bed early

D-Day:

7am : 1 glass of solution on an empty stomach
7:30 am : Large glass of water
Light breakfast (fruit, oatmeal)
Throughout the day : Drink 2-3 liters of water, eat light meals
8pm : 2nd glass of solution (if severe constipation)

The following day :

Evaluate results
If insufficient: 1 glass in the morning (max 2 days)
If effective: Stop, gradually resume normal eating habits

FAQ: Your essential questions

How long before it takes effect?
2 to 6 hours on average. Sometimes up to 12 hours depending on your metabolism. Be patient.

Can I use nigari every month for my chronic constipation?
No. Maximum 3 weeks of treatment with a 1-month break. Chronic constipation requires a comprehensive approach (diet, hydration, physical activity, probiotics). Nigari is only a temporary aid.

Does nigari help with weight loss?
No, that's a myth. You'll lose water weight and stool, but not fat. Do NOT use it as a "weight loss solution".

Can I take my usual magnesium at the same time?
No, there is a risk of overdose. Stop taking your magnesium supplements during the nigari treatment.

In summary: the keys to a successful gentle purge

✅ Precise dosage : 20g/1L, no more, no less
✅ Massive hydration : 2-3L of water on the day of the purge
✅ Strategic timing : Weekend rest, never a workday
✅ Light diet : Fiber, fruits, vegetables
✅ Limited duration : 1-2 days for constipation, max 3 weeks for treatment
✅ Check for contraindications : Consult a doctor if in doubt
✅ Impeccable quality : Organic, certified, tested nigari

Nigari salt is a powerful and accessible natural solution for restoring regular bowel movements. Used judiciously and respecting the recommended dosages, it can transform your digestive comfort without the side effects of chemical laxatives.

At Pleine Forme, we're here to support you on your journey to digestive well-being. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice and premium quality nigari.

Article written by Marie, a registered dietitian and specialist in dietary supplements.
Last updated: October 2025

Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only. Nigari salt is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience chronic constipation, severe abdominal pain, or any other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

Discover the benefits and applications of Nigari with our first article!