Benefits

Salt therapy is a natural and drug-free method that can significantly enhance a horse’s well-being by supporting respiratory health, skin conditions, and overall immune function. The microscopic salt particles reach deep into the respiratory system, helping to break down mucus, clear airways, and promote lung efficiency. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt also aid in skin health and immune support.

Respiratory Health & Performance

Salt therapy is commonly used to support horses with:

  • Chronic respiratory conditions such as equine asthma, RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and IAD (Inflammatory Airway Disease).

  • Seasonal allergic reactions to environmental allergens.

  • Acute infections such as sinus infections, and lower airway disease.

By:

  • Loosening thick, trapped mucus in the airways, allowing it to be cleared more easily.

  • Increasing the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) movement in the respiratory tract, improving natural airway clearance.

  • Acting as an effective decongestant and anti-inflammatory, reducing airway spasms and improving breathing efficiency.

  • Killing harmful bacteria in the respiratory system, reducing the risk of infections.

  • Enhancing lung function and oxygen capacity, leading to improved cardiovascular performance, stamina, and reduced recovery time.

Skin & Coat Health

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of salt therapy aid in managing skin conditions by:

  • Reducing bacterial and fungal infections.

  • Balancing the skin’s natural pH and promoting healing.

  • Supporting the body’s natural ability to repair damaged skin.

Common conditions where salt therapy can be beneficial include:

  • Sweet itch (summer eczema)

  • Ringworm

  • Mud fever

  • Skin allergies and irritations

  • Rain scald

  • Cracked heels

  • Fungal and non-fungal dermatitis

Immune System & General Well-being

Salt therapy helps strengthen the immune system and can support overall health by:

  • Reducing inflammation and swelling within tissues.

  • Enhancing recovery from illness, infections, and exertion.

  • Supporting metabolic function and circulation.

  • Helping to combat mineral depletion, especially in hard-working horses.

This makes it an excellent complementary therapy for horses in competition, those recovering from illness, or those exposed to high levels of dust, allergens, or environmental pollutants.

The science behind it

Equine studies:

  • Condor, Laura & Sorin Marian, Marza & Ardelean, Alina & Dragomir, Madalina & Papuc, Ionel & Martonos, Cristian & Cristian, Purdoiu & Tataru, Mariana & Codea, R & Lăcătuş, Radu. (2022). THE EFFECT OF DRY SALINE AEROSOL THERAPY ON ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS PARAMETERS IN HORSES WITH MILD EQUINE ASTHMA.

  • Immunology of the Equine Lung, DW Horohov, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

  • Kabir A, Lamichhane B, Habib T, Adams A, El-Sheikh Ali H, Slovis NM, Troedsson MHT, Helmy YA. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond—A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics. 2024; 13(8):713. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13080713

Human studies:

  • Chervinskaya AV, Zilber NA Halotherapy for treatment of respiratory diseases. J Aerosol Med 1995 Fall:8(3):221-232

  • Horvath T Speleotherapy a special kind of climatotherapy, its role in respiratory rehabilitation, int Rehabil Med 1986;8(2):90-92

  • Karokoca V, Demir G, Kisacik G et al Speleotherapy in asthma and allergic diseases Clinical and Experimental Allergy 1995:25: 666-67

  • Abdullaev AA, Gadzhiev KM. Elubova AA (The efficacy of Speleotherapy in salt mines in children with bronchial asthma based on the data from immediate and late observations Voor Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult 1993 Sep- Oct;(5)25-8

  • Simonka-luM, Chonka-la V, Pop (L. Effect of the microclimate of salt mines on T-and Blymphocytes function in bronchial asthma patients Vrach Delo 1989, 3, 57-9

  • Mahap J. Bohoc S, Weigl, E. Values of selected immunological parameters before and after Speleotherapy Acto Univ Palacki Olomuc Foc Med 1991;131:197-211

  • P.P. Gorbenko, Adamova IV, Sinitsyna TM. Bronchial hyperreactivity to the inhalation of hypoand hypersomolar aerosols and its correction by Halotherapy. Ministry of Public Health of theRussian Federation, Russian Pneumological Scientific Society Pulmonology, 1993;3(2).

  • E.N. Semochkin, V.P. Silvestrov, V.N. Surovikov. Halotherapy: Complex treatment in out-patients with breathing (respiratory tract) pathologies. Kremlin Medicine. Clinical Herald 1999;3.

  • G.A. Norvaisa, D.Noreikiene.Halotherapy in management of endogenial bronchial asthma.Center of Halotherapy, Pulmonology Department, Hospital Red Cross, Klaipeda, Lithuania.Annual meeting, Interasthma, Palanga, Lithuania, May 28-30, 1999.