Need A More Natural Fix For Colds? Try A Salt Cave

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It's the season of sniffling, especially if you have kids in your home.

But if you don't want to reach for the over-the-counter medications just yet, a Minneapolis business claims it has an alternative solution.

The Salt Cave now has a new space for kids to get natural relief from colds and flus with a unique ingredient shipped all the way from Pakistan. The warm, cozy space itself just looks inviting. But the salt cave offers more than relaxation.

Its owner says the 12,000 pounds of Himalayan rock salts can do wonders for your health.

"You breathe in the salt, little particles of pharm grade salt, and it pulls moisture from inside sinus and lungs and when it draws moisture toward congestion, that helps it drain and break it up and provides relief," said Scott Werkin.

Also known as "halotherapy," salt therapy has been used in naturally occurring salt mines in eastern Europe since the 19th century. The dry particles of salt have been known to reduce the symptoms of colds, allergies, the flu, asthma and skin disorders.

Minnesota's only cave opened in south Minneapolis two years ago. But this year, it expanded to include a second therapeutic cave to give kids their own space to play.

"Kids could come and play and have a therapy, there are books and toys it's not an invasive therapy for kids," Werkin said.

Sara Beth Olson started bringing her 2-year-old daughter, Beatrix, there after she noticed improvements in her own health.

"I started coming just for myself and it improved my skin so much and the other benefit, the respiratory and allergies, it's so helpful and once I heard he did kids sessions too I thought I'd give it a try and both have the benefits of salt therapy," she said.

Now little Beatrix is sniffling less, which allows mom to breathe a little easier too.

"It's really important to me to be as natural as possible," Olson said. "She's really healthy but she does get the occasional sniffles, cold and the salt therapy really helps thin that out and makes it easier to breathe."

The Salt Cave is not approved by the FDA. Each session at the Salt Cave is 45 minutes for $30. Adults can bring up to two kids for that price, or cheaper with the purchase of a package.