ELI5 Salt - how it became the chosen condiment globally?

How did salt become the chosen condiment all over the world? Why does it work as a preservative? Why is there so much salt in the ocean? Is sea salt really different to regular salt? Why does putting salt on a wound make it sting so much? Why are smelling salts used to wake up the unconscious? What happens when you drink sea water?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: yellowslimjim, fox-mcleod, fendersocialclub, drjoefo, rorzay, chel_of_the_sea, quinelder, mmk1600, federa_assistant_85, alee_ir, puoaper, wyissofly and sablemint

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