9 Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits (Research Based)
Discover the benefits of having a Himalayan salt lamp in your house that could transform your health and home ambiance.
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About Himalayan Salt Lamps | Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits | Are the benefits real? | Where to buy | FAQ | How to choose | Conclusion
My wife talked me into Himalayan Rock Salt lamps after a visit to a friend’s house. Although I’ve heard of them before, I never bothered researching.
In this post, I’ll share what I discovered about these unique lamps and how they can benefit your health and well-being.
We’ll explore what research behind their supposed benefits says, such as purifying the air and boosting mood, and whether the claims hold up.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what these lamps can do and whether you should consider adding one to your space.
What Are Himalayan Salt Lamps and How Do They Work?
Himalayan salt lamps are basically big pieces of pink salt with a light inside. These lamps started becoming popular in the ’80s or ’90s when people in Western countries began exploring alternative health practices and natural remedies.
They supposedly clean the air by releasing negative ions that attract pollutants.
Some even say they reduce electromagnetic radiation from electronics, but most of these claims aren’t backed by solid evidence.
What I do know is that they give off a nice, warm glow and look great as decorations.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits
According to my research, Himalayan salt lamps offer several potential benefits that I’d like to share with you.
1. Improves air quality
You know, one of the best things about salt lamps is how they can make the air in your home so much better.
It’s pretty cool – when they get warm, they send out these things called negative ions.
Now, don’t worry about the fancy term, just think of them as little helpers that team up with the not-so-great stuff floating around in the air, like dust and things that might make you sneeze.
By doing this, they actually clean up the air you’re breathing.
Interestingly, this idea of using negative ions to clean the air isn’t entirely new. Back in 2014, a man named Zhou Jiahua invented an indoor air purification lamp that not only lightened up the room but also released those helpful negative ions into the air. Instead of a traditional light source, it had a special generator tucked inside that sent out these ions to purify, sterilize, and even reduce smoke in the air.
So, if you or anyone you know deals with stuffy noses or coughs a lot, having one of these lamps around might just help out.
2. Supports respiratory health
Salt lamps can actually support your respiratory health. When these lamps are heated, they release negative ions into the air. Negative ions help to improve air quality by neutralizing pollutants and allergens.
This can create an environment similar to the fresh air you experience after a thunderstorm or by the ocean. And this type of air, rich in negative ions, is known to contribute to your overall well-being.
Now, here’s something interesting: salt lamps have the ability to attract water molecules from the air. As they do this, they can trap dust, pollen, smoke, and other allergens.
This could be particularly beneficial if you’re someone who suffers from asthma, allergies, or frequent coughs, as it might help alleviate your symptoms.
Additionally, by releasing moisture back into the air, these lamps assist in maintaining an ideal level of humidity. This is important because it prevents the air from becoming too dry, which can be harsh on your respiratory tract.
By keeping the mucous membranes in your respiratory system moist, salt lamps ensure that you can breathe easily and comfortably.
3. Neutralizes EMF
Another interesting benefit is that Himalayan salt lamps can also balance out electromagnetic fields (EMF).
You see, EMF radiation comes from things like our cell phones and computers, and it’s a big worry because it can lead to things like cancer cell growth and loss of melatonin.
Wwhen these salt lamps get warm, and release the negative ions I’ve mentioned earlier, these ions then link up with the positive ions (which are the EMF), and neutralize them.
This doesn’t just clean the air, but it also makes the space around you healthier by cutting down on the EMF waves you’re exposed to.
Caroline Rushforth, a life coach, explains that positive ions, despite their name, have detrimental effects on our health. These ions, prevalent in our modern environment due to sources like WiFi, mobile phones, and air pollution, can weaken the body’s natural magnetic field.
Their impact isn’t limited to physical symptoms like allergies and fatigue; they can also lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Essentially, these positive ions create an imbalance that can disrupt our well-being.
4. Boosts mood, reduces stress
Moving on from how the lamp can neutralize EMF, let’s talk about another great thing it does – it can actually make you feel happier and less stressed.
You see, the negative ions Himalayan salt lamps emit, can help get more blood and oxygen flowing up to your brain. And guess what? That can make you feel a whole lot better pretty much right away.
Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain, told WebMD that negative ions can enhance alertness, reduce drowsiness, and increase mental energy by boosting the oxygen flow to the brain. They may even protect against airborne germs, reducing irritations that make you sneeze or cough.
Whilst not everyone is susceptible to the effects of negative ions, at least one in three of us is, and for these people the lift in mood and energy can be hugely beneficial.
Now, there’s been a lot of research on this—about 80 years’ worth, in fact. What they’ve found is that while negative ions mightn’t make a huge difference when it comes to feeling less anxious or more relaxed, they do seem to help with depression.
5. Enhances sleep quality
You know, sometimes it feels like you’ve tried everything to get a good night’s sleep, but nothing seems to work. If that’s the case, it seems that Himalayan salt lamps can help here too.
Remember earlier that I talked about how negative ions bind on positive ions and neutralize them? Since our homes are filled with positive ions that can mess with our sleep and a salt lamp can help counteract this.
Plus, it gives off a warm, soothing glow that calms the room, helping you relax and get a better night’s sleep.
In fact, a fascinating study published in Procedia Engineering in 2017 studied the effects of negative oxygen ions on sleep quality. Researchers conducted an experiment with 33 participants and found that these ions played a significant role in enhancing sleep.
Participants reported falling asleep more easily, and the physiological data showed reduced sleep onset latency and increased slow-wave sleep duration.
These findings suggest that negative ions, like those potentially emitted by Himalayan salt lamps, can indeed improve sleep quality.
6. Environmentally friendly
Himalayan salt lamps are an eco-friendly way to brighten your space too.
These lamps are made from rock salt found in Pakistan, which means fewer synthetic materials are needed. You might be worried about mining, but the good news is that getting this salt is less invasive, often done by hand to minimize environmental impact.
By using an energy-efficient LED bulb with your lamp, you’ll consume less power, which is great for the planet.
And when the lamp’s life eventually comes to an end, it can break down naturally without leaving any nasty residues behind.
7. Reduces static electricity
Although not the most important benefit – it still is one.
Now, it mightn’t be something you immediately think of as healthy, but trust me, having less static around can make life a bit smoother. I mean, who likes their hair standing up or having dust stick to everything like glue?
The negative ions (again), are like the opposite of what causes static cling, so they balance things out.
With one of these lamps around, you’re less likely to get zapped when you touch something metal or have your clothes sticking to you like they’ve got a mind of their own.
8. Combats seasonal affective disorder
You know, there’s this thing called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short. It’s basically a type of depression that hits during specific times of the year, usually when the days are shorter and sunlight is harder to come by.
Himalayan salt lamps might just help you combat SAD in a few different ways.
First off, the light they give off is this soft, warm glow that’s a lot like the sunshine you’d see in the springtime. And let me tell you, that can work wonders when you’re feeling down in the dumps during those gloomy winter months.
Plus, these lamps are thought to release what’re called negative ions. Some studies out there suggest that these ions might actually have properties that can boost your mood.
Dr. Judy from the Psychological Healing Center highlights this too, noting that the soft orange hues of the lamps are soothing and can increase focus, while the negative ions boost mood and mental energy. Interestingly, 33% of people have increased sensitivity to these negative ions, experiencing even more mood-boosting benefits.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the relaxing ambiance that a salt lamp can create. You see, when you’ve got this gentle light coming from the lamp, it can really help dial down the stress levels.
And that’s key because stress often makes the symptoms of SAD even worse.
9. Attractive home d̩cor РCreates relaxing ambiance
You know, while many people talk about the health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps, I think it’s also important to mention how great they look in your home.
These lamps give off a warm, gentle light that instantly makes any room feel cozy and welcoming. The soft, pinkish color of the salt crystals is easy on the eyes and goes well with all sorts of decorating styles.
Plus, Himalayan salt lamps are eco-friendly and non-toxic, so you can feel good about using them to create a peaceful and healthy space for you and your loved ones.
Are Himalayan salt lamp benefits real?
When it comes to the purported benefits of Himalayan salt lamps, opinions and experiences can vary widely. Indeed, many people swear by the improvements these lamps bring into their lives, while others remain skeptical.
Take Lauryn Bosstick from The Skinny Confidential, for example. Lauryn shared a personal experience about battling Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) while she was in London.
She tried various remedies, including a happy light and supplements, but it was a salt lamp in a spa in Gstaad, Switzerland, that made a notable difference.
She recounted how sitting in front of this huge salt lamp for just 20 minutes made her feel 99% better, lifting her mood and alleviating her lethargy almost instantly.
Lauryn was so impressed that she even integrated salt lamps into her daily routine back home, citing their calming glow and mood-boosting effects.
Similarly, Rheana Murray highlighted the growing popularity of Himalayan salt lamps, especially among bohemian-loving crowds and those looking for alternative health solutions. While these lamps are marketed with a range of benefits—from improving air quality to easing symptoms of asthma and depression—experts advise a cautious approach.
Dr. Svetlana Kogan, a specialist in holistic and integrative medicine, noted that while the aesthetic appeal and calming glow of the lamps are undeniable, the scientific backing for their health benefits is limited.
Dr. Julie Kuriakose, an allergist, echoed this sentiment, saying that she has never recommended a salt lamp to a patient due to the lack of robust evidence.
On one hand, the lamps’ negative ions are said to neutralize positive ions from electronic devices, potentially improving air quality and reducing EMF exposure.
On the other hand, experts caution that the benefits might not be as miraculous as advertised. While there is some theoretical basis for the lamps’ ability to thin out mucus and improve respiratory health, concrete scientific studies are sparse.
Where to buy Himalayan salt lamp?
If you’re curious about Himalayan salt lamps and thinking about getting one for your home, you’re probably wondering where to find a good one.
Well, I’ve looked into it and found three great options on Amazon that have excellent reviews and are the real deal.
First, there’s The Body Source Himalayan Salt Lamp, which goes for $45. People love it not just for how it looks but also for how it makes them feel.
Then there’s the d’aplomb 100% Authentic Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp, priced at $40. This one’s special because it’s shaped like a crescent moon, which can make your space feel really calm and peaceful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people in forums usually ask about Himalayan salt lamps.
How to choose an authentic salt lamp
When you’re looking to buy a real Himalayan salt lamp, there are two things you should keep an eye out for.
- These lamps are made from pink salt that’s mined in the Himalayas, usually from the oldest mines in Pakistan. To make sure you’re getting the real deal, check for a sticker that tells you where it’s from.
- Authentic lamps are a bit more delicate and don’t give off as much light as the fake ones. If your lamp is super bright or has a slick, tough surface, it mightn’t be the real thing.
But hey, if you like the lamp you have, there’s no need to go out and get a new one.
Just keep these tips in mind next time you’re shopping for a Himalayan salt lamp, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the good stuff that comes with having an authentic one.
Bottom Line
Himalayan salt lamps offer a unique blend of benefits, from purifying the air to enhancing your mood. By releasing negative ions, they can potentially improve respiratory health and reduce stress.
Their soft, warm glow creates a calming atmosphere, promoting better sleep and minimizing static electricity. When choosing a lamp, guarantee it’s authentic to maximize these benefits.
While more research is needed, incorporating a Himalayan salt lamp into your space can be a step toward a healthier, more serene environment.
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