Asthma has been a constant companion of mine since middle school. While my siblings grew out of it, I seemed to grow into it. Fortunately, my asthma symptoms have never warranted any visits to the ER, but they have held me back from participating in physical activities. I tend to get wheezy and end up coughing non-stop after a tough hike, running, or after exercising. It's really unpleasant to deal with.
In my recent attempts to reclaim my health by using essential oils over the past few months, I have been able to control my flare ups. In fact, I haven't used my asthma inhaler since February! If you're an asthma sufferer like me, you know this is sort of a big deal! I've gone almost 6 months without having to use steroids once since I started.
How did I do it?
Salt inhalation therapy with the help of essential oils!
The Healing Power of Salt
The use of salt inhalation therapy dates back to the ancient Greeks, but the most interesting observation of its benefits comes from Poland. In the 18th century, Polish salt miners were documented as having noticeably better immune systems, lung health, and sinus clarity compared to their families. If the salt miners did happen to come down with a respiratory condition, the symptoms were mild and recovery time was fast. All of this was attributed to inhaling salt on a daily basis.
Ancient Ayurvedic cultures have used and relied on salt therapy for thousands of years to irrigate the nose and throat to help prevent and treat illness and allergies. If you have ever used a Neti Pot, then you know just how cleansing and histamine balancing salt can be.
Today, anyone who has spent a day at the beach can attest to feeling the special healing properties of salt. Your breathing is clear and your hair, skin, and nails feel great. If you can't make it to the ocean, there are special salt lined rooms popping up all around the world. These rooms mimic European salt caves to help treat people with various breathing conditions due to living in densely populated and polluted areas. The salt acts as a detoxifier by pulling out toxins and cleansing the airways.
The Types of Halotherapy
There are many ways to benefit from the healing powers of salt both externally and internally. I'm sure you have used at least one of the methods I list below.
Halotherapy, derived from the Greek word halos, meaning "salt", and is a therapy in which salt is used in various ways to heal and support the body.
Some of the most common forms of salt healing therapy include:
• Neti Pots for nasal irrigation (I love this one
)
• Dry salt inhalers (This one
is my favorite)
• Saline and brine baths- many do this by using Epsom Salts
for sore muscles
• Crenotherapy- the consumption of therapeutic salt water such as salt sole (read about how to make it HERE)
• Colonics (buy your own home enema kit here)
• Gargling
• Salt Lamps
(you can read more about them HERE)
• Salt caves
• Salt rooms
The Benefits of Using a Salt Inhaler
Nowadays you don't have to sit in a salt cave to reap the benefits of salt inhalation therapy. If you suffer from any kind of respiratory ailment, you can now treat it comfortably anytime with the use of a salt inhaler for just 20 minutes a day.
This may seem like a long time, but it's not time consuming at all! They're super easy to use. I like to use my salt inhaler while reading a book, surfing the internet, or while watching a favorite TV show. It's unobtrusive and easy to do while relaxing. In fact, you may find yourself looking forward to using your salt inhaler because it helps clarify the mind and awaken the senses. I love to use it when I need a quick pick me up especially with the help of essential oils.
How do Salt Inhalers Work?
So I talk a lot about inhaling salt in this article, but it's not what you may be thinking! We're not actually inhaling granulated pieces of salt, but microscopic particles of salt, just to clarify.
Salt is known to bring down inflammation, balance your histamine response, and thin/dry up mucus. This is the perfect trifecta of healing for asthma sufferers, people with bronchitis, and even for those with COPD.
As you breathe through the salt inhaler, the moisture from the air picks up tiny particles of Himalayan salt and carries it deep into the lungs without side effects. The salt then goes to work by moistening mucus membranes, thinning mucus, and bringing down inflammation.
How to Use Salt Inhalers
Using a salt inhaler is really simple. Most of the time they are already assembled and ready to use out of the box. The Himalayan salt itself lasts for up to 2 years so you end up saving a lot of money since you will likely need your asthma inhaler less and less. Does anyone know of an asthma inhaler that lasts that long? I think not.
The most important this about using a salt inhaler is to only breathe IN through the mouth. Never breath OUT through the inhaler or the salt inside will lose its therapeutic effects much faster.
I found a nice video demonstration on how to use your salt inhaler below:
The Benefits of Salt Inhalers
1. Reduces allergies
Consistently using a salt inhaler will balance the histamine response in the lungs and sinus cavity by coating and protecting mucus membranes. The salt will diminish inflammation and reduce general irritation caused by allergens, smoke, and pollution.
Check out my seasonal allergy article here.
2. Clears the Lungs
I used to wake up wheezy every day from asthma flare ups. Now that I use my salt inhaler on a daily basis (most often before bed), I wake up clear and have good lung capacity. The reason for this is because salt is so anti-inflammatory. Since asthma is an inflammatory disease, it makes perfect sense that salt inhalation would improve asthma symptoms.
3. Reduces Mucus
Allergy and asthma sufferers rejoice! Salt is really good at thinning and drying up mucus. What's more, salt also moisturizes membranes. This is the perfect combination for all respiratory conditions like dry cough, bronchitis, asthma, smokers cough, cold and flu, COPD, pneumonia, sore throats, sinus infections, hay fever, and other allergies. Anyone with these ailments can find some measure of relief by using salt inhalation therapy.
4. Better sleep
For the longest time I had trouble sleeping because my hay fever would keep me up at night. I couldn't stop sneezing and has to constantly blow my nose at bed time. I tried cleaning my bedroom and washing all of my linens to no avail. Using a salt inhaler was the only thing that worked because it balanced out my histamine response and I was finally able to sleep.
5. Clarifies the mind
If you add 1-10 drops of an essential oil with an affinity for the respiratory system, you will notice a wonderfully awakening effect. Often when I feel drowsy or worn out, I reach for my salt inhaler and add a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or myrtle essential oil.
Essential oils help carry the salt even deeper into the lungs and sinuses with the added benefits of the essential oil you choose.
Peppermint will help reduce coughing and cut through mucus and clear the senses. It's a powerful decongestant.
Eucalyptus will eradicate bacteria and viruses as well as help you expectorate.
Myrtle helps soothe chronic coughs and sore throats.
Have you ever used salt inhalation therapy? Have you included essential oils to enhance its effect?
For more on the amazing health benefits of himalayan salt, check out the articles below:
How to Make Sole- Because Salt is Good for You
The Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps
How to Use Himalayan Salt
Sue Butlin says
I just added 5 drops pepper into and 5 drops eucalyptus to my salt inhaler and found it very potent!
Ann says
I have read that the salt inhalers could cause bronchoconstriction in some people. How would that affect you?
Jonathan says
This was a really great article on the salt inhaler. It provided me with more information about it. Thank you for doing this research. I have seasonal allergies that induce asthma. I just got my inhaler yesterday & started using it & can't wait for the results.
Sylvia says
I have ordered one on line and will receive it tomorrow.i went off spiriva 2 months ago because of the horrible side effects.i am on all natural diet and vitamins and apple cider vinegar and honey for my copd.i feel great and breathing is good.i am excited to start on the salt pipe and things can only get even better.i also walk 2-3 km. A day with little to no problems.i also use euclyptus oil and will infuse it in salt pipe.
Patricia Hole says
I have just found out about this amazing article. One of my swimming buddies has been using it for a week and recommended it to me as I have had some breathing problems. My son suffers badly with sinus problems at certain times of the year, his wife is not allowed to put flowers in the house or use perfume. She does have lots of EO,s though which are lovely. Do you think the salt pipe would help both of us. Thank you for this article. I have never commented before.
Tash says
Hi, Patricia!
The salt inhalers are wonderful for allergies and general respiratory problems. I often use it for my asthma and it does help with that 🙂 You can also get salt nasal inhalers on amazon that work really well for sinuses! They're small and can fit very easily in your son's pocket or your purse though I haven't tried using them for oral use.
Brenda says
I have a bad cold and my chest hurt so bad! So I got my salt inhaler out and used it for a few minutes. It soothed the pain in my lungs immediately! It also loosened the congestion! Very happy! I've had it for a year, a gift, and never used it. I only thought of it because my chest hurt so bad.
Tash says
So happy it worked so well for you Brenda!
Lucretia Kenney says
My daughter has what's called a stridor cough which is caused by scarring in the lower lungs as a result from her bout with pneumonia and RSV as a small baby a lot of people think she has whooping cough it makes it so hard for her to get over any cold. The symptoms are equal to the symptoms of asthma, but my concern is it's effects on the scar tissues in her lungs?
Tash says
Hi Lucretia!
Sorry I can't be of more help but it seems like the treatment of scar tissue in the lungs is currently quite limited 🙁 I suppose the best you can do for now is to help keep her immunity strong so that she doesn't colds as easily. If she is old enough, perhaps she can use a Himalayan salt inhaler with a few drops of age-appropriate essential oils to help keep her lungs as clear as possible which may at least calm the severity of her coughing. I recommend reading this article to see which essential oils are safe for her to use.
Rod says
U say 20 min dailly, all at once or 10 min twice daily?? Can overdose if too long at a time? Also, how often do the essential oils have to be applied, before every use?
Tash says
Hi Rod!
You can use it either once a day for 20 minutes OR twice a day for 10 minutes each time 🙂 Whatever works best for you! I haven't heard of anyone overdosing from using a salt inhaler, I'd just use it a few times a day. SHould be no problem at all. As for the essential oils, I just add new oil when I feel like the potency has gone down. You will be able to tell when this happens 🙂
Michele says
Do you add the essential oils right in the inhaler with the salt?
Tash says
Yep! 🙂
Cheryl Arend says
Have you heard of this helping/hurting lung cancer?
Tash says
Hi Cheryl!
That's a tough one! I would highly recommend consulting your physician first before using it as I'm not sure what the implications are concerning lung cancer 🙁 Best of luck!
Keri says
will this help if you are recovering from pneumonia?
Tash says
Absolutely! It will definitely help with the mucus and general recovery 🙂
steve says
Wonder if Celtic Salt can be used instead of Himalayan?
Tash says
Hi Steve!
I don't think so only because the grain of the salt is too small. if you use it in a salt inhaler, you may end up inhaling larger pieces of salt which wouldn't be very pleasant. I would go with himalayan rock salt 🙂
L MUllen says
Yes I believe Celtic...salt (which is excellent) would be just fine. You are suppose to shake the salt in the inhaler anyway so small particles are distributed into your bronchiole tubes and lungs.
Wanda says
Does inhaling sometimes cause a sore throat?
Tash says
Hi Wanda!
i haven't heard of this happening but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Are you using large crystal himalayan salt? How often are you using the inhaler and for how long? 🙂
Pat Barclay says
Just told a neighbour about your website--she has asthma and was grateful.
Tash says
Wonderful! You should direct her to my post on asthma if possible : Natural Remedies for Asthma 🙂
Charlotte says
I have no sinus issues but i do have an allergy to dairy. If I give it up completely for 6 weeks, the mucus goes away and the improvement in my hearing is phenomenal. So now I'm wondering if using a salt inhaler would help with the dairy allergy.
Thanks, I hope!
Tash says
Hi Charlotte!
I have dairy allergies too and really the only thing that helps is not eating it 😉
Mary says
Can you use both coarse and fine himalayan salt in the inhaler?
Tash says
Hi Mary!
I recommend coarse only because you can't inhale it on accident! Fine salt might get through the filter holes and into your lungs and would probably be quite uncomfortable 😉
Zarina hussain says
Since I ve high blood pressure is it safe to use salt inhaler
Tash says
Hi Zarina!
According to my research, the amount of salt actually absorbed is so low that it should not affect blood pressure in any way.
parekh says
hi Tash
nice post and very help full thumbs up
Tash says
Glad you found it helpful parekh! 🙂
ANGEL says
DON'T HAVE ASTHMA,DON'T ANY respiratory conditions, BUT I ACQUIRED ONE AND HAVE NOTICED SOME POSITIVE EFFECTS.....FOR SOME REASON FEEL A CALMING EFFECT,
VERY EASY BREATHING, MORE ALERT MIND, AND JUST FEEL BEST....FREE OF SOMETHING?
ANGEL XOXO
Sohail Ahmed says
Himalayan Crystal Salt is the most beneficial, cleanest salt available on the planet. It was formed about 230 million years ago where the energy of sun has dried up the original, primal sea. This crystal salt is absolutely pristine and natural, identical in composition to the ancient primal ocean. Himalayan salt is most commonly found as coarse grains, fine grains, or large blocks in Pink Dark pink and in white colors. Himalayan Pink Salt is used by holistic chefs, spas, health professionals, and individuals for its range of nutritional and therapeutic properties. Pink salt may be used in the same manner as table salt for culinary dishes and baking, but it is purer and higher in mineral content.
Karen says
Can a salt inhaler or something similar / say a salt lamp be effective for 3 year old?
Tash says
Hi Karen!
Absolutely! 🙂
Rae Dean Bible says
I have a small pocket refillable inhaler. Can you please tell me how much Himalayan salt to add and how essential oil should I add to the wick. I have peppermint, tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus essential oil. Fine or course salt.
Thanks
Rae Dean Bible
Tash says
Hi Rae!
I would use a coarse himalayan salt to keep it from falling out of the pocket inhaler. Using fine salt would be very messy and might actually cause injury if you tried to use the inhaler. The key is inhaling the salt's microscopic particles and that is best done by using a nice coarse salt. For clear breathing I would recommend peppermint and eucalyptus 🙂 Hope this helps!
Charity j says
I recently bought one of these inhalers, I've heard it's ok to use essential oils in them. I wanna know is turmeric ok to blend with spearmint and peppermint in a dropper bottle? I know your not to exceed like 5 drops turmeric, but was wondering because of all the health benefits it has! Thanks.
Tash says
Hi Charity!
I have never used turmeric essential oil (sounds awesome) but I do know that you don't need much 🙂 I would do one drop of each oil, maybe 1 or two more drops of the peppermint for extra clarity.
Haley says
Can you please explain how to "add the essential oil"? I have a salt inhaler but have no idea how i'd add the oil!
Thanks! <3
Tash says
Hi Haley!
There should be a rubber stopper in the bottom of the salt inhaler. Just take it out while holding the salt inhaler upside down and add your essential oils straight into the salt that way 🙂 Hope this helps!
marielittle2014 Sonja L. says
I've never heard of a salt inhaler before so I'm interested in trying it....I would use either eucalyptus or peppermint EO if I won....
marielittle2014 Sonja L. says
Awesome giveaway!!
Katmary says
I've been diagnosed with adult onset asthma for a month now. I started having bad allergies as a teen that worsened, and the last year, it seemed every time I left the house, I would. get "sick" with severe "allergy" symptoms, plus chest pain. I spent most of the year in bed trying to sleep and likely making things worse, aside of when I dared to leave the house. I'm so glad I subscribed to your blog (didn't know you had asthma either!) on my homepage and saw this article, it will be a huge help whether i win or not as I'm currently using two inhalers daily. Thank you for sharing such great articles on ways to NOT use medications as my asthma's not well-controlled and I hate to use my "emergency" inhaler every day, so reading what is helping someone else who understands is awesome.
Katie Meyers says
I have had to use an inhaler before.. and still have one. Maybe this would help my chronic sinusitis?!! So cool!
Pam Powers says
I had never heard of a salt inhaler. I have a salt lamp for my bedroom, but the inhaler would be something the whole family could use. I would use peppermint EO.
Carina Capps says
RC has helped keep me asthma symptom free, but I'd love to try a salt inhaler.
Solomon says
Winning would be great! But asthma has plagued me and my love for physical activity. I have tried many things and essential oils work well but I still need to use my inhaler. If this works for me then I will gladly pay the asking price, and pass it on to my sister and mother and 2 nephews who also suffer from respitory issues!
Traci Milan says
I wish I'd heard about this when my son was a baby-to think of how many er visits we might have avoided.
Elizabeth Lamontagne says
I would love to win the salt inhaler to have another great tool in my arsenal to battling my Hashimoto's disease. Would use with peppermint or lavender oil!
Susanne says
I have like a million Himalayan Salt lamps and have never heard of using a Himalayan Salt lamp. I don't have asthma but with the coming cold and flu season, I am thinking I am going to purchase one of these. It really looks like it is just great for overall lung health and better functioning. Thanks.
How We Flourish says
I hadn't heard of this before, but I'm definitely intrigued! I don't have respiratory issues, but I bet this could still be very helpful at times. I'd use eucalyptus or R.C. essential oil.
Ariana {And Here We Are...} says
We lived in a really small German town for several months, and they had a halotherapy room! I always wanted to visit, but just wasn't sure what to do when I went, so I was shy about it. I did, however, buy lots of their beautiful salt products! Just walking into the shop was incredibly soothing.
Dawn St Louis says
I have never hear of salt inhalers but have used salt water for sinus issues. I would love to be able to try one.. Thank you for the article
Terri Dye says
My daughter, now at the age of 26, has suffered with asthma issues most of her adult life. I am SO VERY thankful for coming across this post, thank you for giving us all this information and this fabulous opportunity!
Deidre says
This would be something for my young Niece to try. She is on a nebulizer now and seems to get a lot of infections. I would really like to help her.
Faith says
I'd love to win and use this for my son. Not sure which EO to use, but will research that.
Kim Sorensen says
We have all kinds of allergies here, living in coastel GA is rough on the respitory system.
Kim Sorensen says
I can't wait to try R C
Stephanie says
Hadn't heard about this before. Informative article.
Bonnie says
I had never heard of this before, but I'm going to try it. Thanks for the video!
marcia says
I have a 17month old granddaughter that caught RSV at 8 days old, apnead & spent 2months at Cooks Childrens in Ft Worth. she is doing good so far but drs are very cautious with the upcoming flu/respiratory season until she turns 2 in March. would love to receive this for her use as well as her big sister (who had RSV also) & daddy that has asthma...has been rough on my daughter's family!
thanks for the opportunity,
marcia
Megan says
awesome!
Kristin Edwards says
This looks incredible! I've done the neti pot and have a salt rock lamp in my home but this would just take it to a whole new level. AMAZING - PICK ME 🙂
Renee says
I read recently that the salt inhaler is a much healthier alternative to prescription steroid inhalers which can be particularly hard on many systems in the body. I'd probably start with Eucalyptus.