Photo by Carrie Turner
In our lives, there are many arts to be learned, experienced and appreciated—not least of which is the practice of self-care. The professionals at Asheville Salt Cave offer artisanal products and healthy practices to help everyone craft their own wellness routine as we slip into the coldest and darkest time of the year, when it’s natural to rest and reflect.
“Not only do our bodies and minds go through a biological shift with the fading daylight and dropping temperatures but life also seems to accelerate with school being back in full swing and the holidays just around the corner,” says Gemma Dalton, Asheville Salt Cave’s creative director. “Balancing the surge of engagements and responsibilities with slowing down, staying hydrated, rested and connecting with loved ones is the essence of self-care.”
Photo by Carrie Turner
When it comes to luxuriant skin care, comforting teas and warm, soothing baths, Asheville Salt Cave stocks a range of pampering products, many of them locally crafted. “In autumn, Western North Carolina weather frequently swings from crisp 30s in the morning to sunny 70s by afternoon,” says Dalton. “This temperature yo-yo, paired with shifting humidity, can leave skin feeling stressed and dehydrated.” The Salt Cave carries Afterglow Body Oil and Mountain Mint or Citrus Sunshine Body Butters, products that are hand-crafted in-house in small batches using all-natural botanicals. “Rich in natural plant lipids, these provide the deep moisture barrier needed to keep skin balanced, soft and resilient through seasonal changes,” Dalton adds.
For warm, relaxing baths, there are products that can create the sensation of being in a spa. The Salt Cave carries Solé Oasis and Sweet Solé Bath Drops. “Lovingly made by hand using all natural ingredients like coconut oil, Himalayan salt and essential oils, our bath drops create a deeply hydrating, silky and soothing bath,” says Dalton. “Himalayan salt naturally has a dense mineral composition (84 trace minerals) that mimics natural hot springs, with benefits ranging from deep hydration of the skin to soothing achy muscles and promoting detoxification.”
The Salt Cave team also offers a small line of herbal teas for hydration. “Between the mix of cold air impacting our brain’s thirst signal and indoor heat drying out the air we breathe, herbal teas are a wonderful way to keep hydrated and warm,” Dalton says. “One of my favorite things to do during this season is to add a few splashes of herbal tea to my water bottle. The infusion brings a little interest of flavor to the water that keeps me going back for more.”
Additional products created by Asheville artisans include Faerie Made’s Arnica Balm Muscle Rub, Brew Natural’s Elderberry Syrup and—because nature and art are reliably therapeutic—notecards and photographs framed in old barn wood by artist Jason Hebal.
“Paired with our restorative products, our seasonal practices center around listening to your body’s shifting needs,” Dalton says. “We recommend focusing on deep hydration, supporting your mind and circadian rhythm through relaxing bath rituals, and stepping outdoors to ground, breathe and gather natural Vitamin D. Most importantly, give yourself permission to create and discover a fresh rhythm for your self-care—allowing your rituals to look and feel different than they did in months past.”
The Asheville Salt Cave is located at 16 North Liberty Street, Asheville. To learn more, visit AshevilleSaltCave.com, where you can book the Golden Hour Yoga & Private Salt Cave session on Thursday, October 8, from 6–8 p.m.
