Used as an important preservative of food in the ancient world; it was considered essential for life.

Lot's wife became a pillar of salt, Gen. 19: 26. Ye are the salt of the earth, Matt. 5: 13 (Luke 14: 34; 3 Ne. 12: 13). The Lord's covenant people are accounted as the salt of the earth, D&C 101: 39-40. If the Saints are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, D&C 103: 9-10.