Did you ever notice how your hair, skin, and lungs feel great after spending the day by the ocean? That’s because the salt in seawater and sea air has plenty of benefits.

In fact, in the 18th century, it was discovered that Polish salt miners had noticeably better immune systems, lung health, and sinus clarity compared to their families. When these men experienced an infection or illness, their symptoms were mild and they recovered very quickly. That’s because inhaling salt daily improves your respiratory function and immune response.
It’s true: Ancient Ayurvedic medicine has relied on salt therapy for thousands of years. Practitioners even used Neti pot-type tools to irrigate their sinuses.
But you don’t have to live by the ocean to experience these benefits. All you need is a Himalayan salt inhaler.
What is Himalayan Salt?
As it’s same suggests, Himalayan salt comes from the salt mines of Punjab region of Pakistan, about 300km from the Himalayas.
The salt mainly consists of sodium chloride, but it also contains up to 84 different trace minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium (1).
Although sodium has a bad reputation, it works to:
- Contract and relax muscles
- Maintain proper fluid balance and prevent dehydration
- Send nervous system impulses
- Prevent low blood pressure
Himalayan salt can be used for cooking, bath soaks, body scrubs, and Himalayan salt lamps.
6 Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Here’s why you should keep a Himalayan salt inhaler on hand.
1. Promotes Immunity
Breathing in salt prevents bacterial infection in your airway and reverses it. It also works against fungi and other pathogens by promoting phagocyte (white blood cell) activity to kill pathogens. Plus, it promotes the relaxation of the central nervous system to improve immunity and overall health (2).
2. Soothes Inflammation
Studies have found that inhaling salt diminishes the edema of the bronchial mucosa to decrease inflammation. It can actually prevent (or at least decrease) the frequency of the respiratory tract inflammations, including inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, but also acute chronic upper airways inflammations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sinus infection (3). It even works against inflammation and irritation caused by exposure to second-hand smoke, allergens, and air pollution.
3. Clears Mucus Buildup
Microscopic salt molecules inhaled when you’re around salt contain negatively charged ions. These ions travel through the sinuses and into the respiratory tract, where they thin out mucus and destroy bacteria by forming ionic bonds with contaminants (4). The bacteria and mucus and then expelled from the body naturally, safely relieving congestion.
4. Detoxifies
The air in any large city is full of chemical pollutants, like smog, smoke, dust, airborne chemicals, and allergens. This causes plenty of stress to your lungs and respiratory tract. Air pollution can make you more susceptible to asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory illness (5). Help your lungs along by using a Himalayan salt inhaler regularly and fill your home with air-purifying plants.
5. Improves sleep
Sleeping when you have an infection, allergies, or respiratory inflammation can be a nightmare of coughing, shallow breathing, and snoring. Using a Himalayan salt inhaler prevents and treats these illnesses to help you get some well-needed rest.
6. Clears Your Mind
By clearing your lungs, using a Himalayan salt inhaler boosts oxygen intake, promoting better mental clarity and focus. To increase alertness, add 1-10 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus or myrtle essential oil to the salt and inhale away!
If you can, take some salt baths too, since Himalayan salt improves chronic dermatological disease, such as psoriasis, pyoderma and atopic dermatitis (6).
How to Use a Himalayan Salt Inhaler
You can find a ceramic Himalayan salt inhaler at most natural health food stores and online. Many come with a satchel of salt, which is all you need. Whatever you do, do not use a plastic inhaler.
Here’s how to use it:
- Two or three days before use, rinse out your inhaler with warm tap water and let it dry out completely. Do not use soap.
- Make sure your inhaler is dry and place large pieces of salt in your ceramic inhaler according to the package directions.
- Place the inhaler mouthpiece in your mouth and breathe normally, inhaling from your mouth and exhaling through the nose. Make sure to take deep breaths for 15-20 minutes daily.
- To clean, remove the salt and wash the outside of the mouthpiece with warm salt water. Do not put in the dishwasher.
- Keep it in a dry, clean place. Replace the salt every two years or so, as needed.
Watch this video for more information:
There you have it: use a Himalayan salt inhaler daily and you’ll have clear lungs and improved immunity. It’s a cheap, easy, and safe solution, plus, the whole family can use it. All you need to do is clean it between uses.