There’s something incredibly calming about the warm glow of a campfire, and a Himalayan salt lamp brings that same feeling into your home. I’ve mentioned before how I use them to keep the air fresh and enjoy their soothing red light. These lamps have become really popular, and there’s been a lot of buzz about their benefits. Let’s explore the scientifically proven benefits, the anecdotal ones, and why everyone seems to be talking about them!
Now, if you’re just looking for a good quality salt lamp for your space and aren’t too worried about the scientific details, I’ve got one on my desk that I absolutely love.
Salt lamps, also known as Himalayan Pink Salt (HPS) lamps, are essentially big chunks of pure Himalayan salt with a small bulb inside. They can either be solid pieces or decorative baskets filled with salt crystals. When lit, they give off a lovely warm glow and might even help improve indoor air quality.
These lamps are made from pure, food-grade Himalayan salt, sourced from the western part of the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. After being mined, the salt is either carved into lamps or ground into powder for recipes. While table salt is mainly just sodium chloride, Himalayan salt also contains trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc, which give the lamps their unique color, ranging from light pink to deep orange/pink.
With their growing popularity, many claims have been made about the benefits of these beautiful lamps. So, are these benefits real?
Our bodies need salt for hydration, maintaining electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, and proper nervous system function, but these benefits come from consuming salt. We don’t eat our salt lamps, so their benefits come from a different property of salt—it’s hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules from the air. The idea is that salt lamps draw in moisture from the air, which might contain allergens, pollutants, and bacteria. When the lamp is heated, the water vapor evaporates, leaving these particles stuck to the lamp. That’s why it’s recommended to wipe your salt lamp with a cloth a few times a week.
There are also claims that Himalayan salt lamps generate negative ions, which can have a positive impact on the air. Let’s break it down:
At any given time, air contains both positive and negative ions. Remember from school that ions are atoms or molecules with an unequal number of electrons and protons, giving them a net charge. Negative ions occur more often in nature and are produced by things like lightning storms, sunlight, waterfalls, and ocean waves, making these environments feel refreshing.
Negative ions are said to increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, leading to better alertness and mental energy. They can also reduce airborne germs, decreasing irritation when you breathe. Some people are even more sensitive to negative ions, feeling an instant lift in their mood.
While places like waterfalls and beaches can have high concentrations of negative ions, city environments often have much lower levels. Salt lamps might not produce lots of negative ions, but they do create small amounts, especially with regular use. Electronic devices, which emit positive ions, might contribute to issues like allergies and stress. Negative ions can balance these out, and salt lamps add a warm, calming light many people appreciate.
I keep salt lamps around my house, especially near electronics. Although they’re not my primary source of negative ions, they contribute positively to the environment. Larger ion generators would be more effective if that’s your main goal.
The hygroscopic nature of salt draws moisture (and the particles it carries) from the air to the lamp’s surface. When this moisture evaporates, a small number of negative ions can be formed. While not well-researched, salt lamps likely help improve air quality in this way.
Salt lamps may not be ultimate ion generators but offer benefits like color therapy. Avoiding blue light in the evening is essential, as it can disrupt sleep. Salt lamps give off a warm, campfire-like glow, making them perfect for nighttime. I often wear orange-tinted glasses at night to dodge blue light from screens.
Aside from their soothing glow, salt lamps might enhance mood and energy levels, especially for those dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They lure air pollutants and may counteract the effects of electronics. For those seeking the benefits of negative ions, spending time outside is key.
My brother-in-law noticed that a Himalayan salt inhaler relieved his asthma and allergy symptoms. While studies are lacking, many allergy sufferers find having salt lamps around brings some relief.
Though machines that generate negative ions are available, simply enjoying the outdoors and having salt lamps in your home can be cost-effective and beneficial.
We’ve placed salt lamps throughout our home, enjoying their ambiance, particularly in winter when it’s hard to get outside. They’re economical, long-lasting, and worth considering when picking lamps for your space.
Himalayan salt lamps aren’t a cure-all and don’t replace quality air filters. They don’t produce vast amounts of negative ions like nature does, so a hike or swim offers more. But as a beautiful light source with potential air-cleaning properties, they can be a great choice if you’re looking for a natural lighting solution. Enjoy them for their aesthetics and possible wellness perks!
If you’ve ever used a Himalayan salt lamp or a different air filter, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
