Sodium chloride, used for a variety of purposes, is a powerful antibacterial substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria by reducing the amount of water present. Halotherapy, or salt therapy, uses microparticles of sodium chloride that work their way into the body. These salt particles can be smaller than one micron, which is one thousandth of a millimeter. In a salt room, the inhaled microparticles travel throughout the sinuses into the respiratory system, absorbing allergens, toxins and foreign substances, as well as ridding the body of harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation.

The negative ions in salt stimulate airway linings, improving mucous clearance and improving immune response to pathogens. Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions generally lack sodium chloride in their airway linings, and salt therapy helps resolve this deficiency. It alleviates symptoms, helps prevent them from reoccurring and reduces dependence on nasal sprays and inhalers.

With antiviral and antifungal properties as well, salt therapy is considered therapeutic in its ability to shorten the duration of an illness, reduce symptoms and possibly help prevent it. Using halotherapy on a regular basis may work to keep an individual healthier by cleansing the respiratory system and killing some of the germs that may have not yet found their way into the bloodstream.

According to PubMed, the properties of halotherapy can be used in the treatment of lung infection, throat infection or pharyngitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking-related breathing problems, respiratory allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cold or cough, pneumonia, sinusitis, rhinitis and tonsillitis.

Since 2015, researchers at the University of Alberta have been developing a virus-killing salt coating designed to improve the effectiveness of surgical masks often used to prevent the spread of pathogens like influenza or the new coronavirus. The sodium chloride coating applied to the surface of the mask kills virus particles that can otherwise survive for up to a week.

When virus-carrying water droplets sit on the surface, the salt dissolves and water starts to evaporate. During the evaporation process, the salt crystals begin to grow and the very sharp edge of the crystal destroys the virus. Based on results of testing on three different influenza viruses, this product might be manufactured in the next 12 to 18 months.

Salt Therapy Grotto is located in Cambridge Square Plaza, 3443 Pine Ridge Rd., Ste. 102, in Naples. For more information, call 239-598-0990 or visit SaltTherapyGrotto.com.