Reviews on halotherapy, salt rooms, and salt aerosols

This classic publication discusses halotherapy for various respiratory diseases. Described effects include improved bronchial mucus properties, easier mucus clearance, reduced swelling of the respiratory mucosa, support of cilia, bacteriostatic effects of salt aerosol, and support of immune cells in the lungs. The publication also emphasizes the importance of fine particles (~2-5 µm) and a low, controlled concentration in the treatment room.

No direct abstract available via the provided Google Scholar link. The reference concerns halotherapy in a controlled microclimate. The core is that professional halotherapy depends on dry salt aerosol, correct dispersion, humidity, temperature, air quality, and treatment duration. The action is linked to better mucus clearance, calmer airways, and support for the natural cleansing of the respiratory tract.

No direct abstract available via the provided Google Scholar link. Literature describes the origin of salt therapy and speleotherapy in natural caves and salt mines. The unique microclimate of salt mines, with clean air, fine salt particles, stable humidity, and few triggers, was historically used for respiratory complaints. Modern halotherapy attempts to mimic this principle in a controlled manner in a professional salt room.

This review discusses the Inula plant group and the substances found therein. The authors examined traditional use, chemical composition, and possible medicinal action. Various Inula species are traditionally used for respiratory complaints, mucus, inflammation, skin problems, and microbial diseases. Laboratory and animal research primarily describe anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucus-related effects, but strong clinical evidence is limited.

This review provides a broad overview of nasal rinses in clinical practice. Salt rinses are discussed for nasal congestion, sinusitis, allergic nasal complaints, mucus, crusting, and irritation of the nose and sinuses. The review describes nasal rinsing as simple, safe, and easily applicable. Rinsing with salt solution can help remove mucus, allergens, crusts, and irritating substances from the nose.

This review assessed the available research on halotherapy for COPD. The authors looked at effects on breathing, lung function, symptoms, and quality of life. In the studies discussed, improvements were described in lung function and respiratory measurements such as FEV1, FVC, and PEF. Quality of life and symptom perception also improved in some studies. The authors noted that the quality of evidence varied.

Researchers investigated salt aerosols and the microclimate in the Targu Ocna salt mine. They measured, among other things, the amount of salt particles, the size of the particles, temperature, humidity, air pressure, CO2, and oxygen. The study shows that particle size is important for where salt ends up: larger particles mainly stay in the nose and throat, while smaller particles can penetrate deeper into the airways.

The study discusses treatment rooms in which natural sylvinite and potassium salts from the Western Urals have been used. Researchers looked at microclimate, air quality, salt particles, and possible applications for skin complaints, respiratory complaints, and recovery. The publication describes that potassium salt environments combine various factors: salt aerosols, microclimate, air ions, and mineral properties. Applications are linked among others to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.