The Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps

Let’s start out explaining what a salt lamp is. A Himalayan Salt lamp is a hand-carved solid block of natural salt crystal from the Himalayan Mountains with a light bulb inside to generate light and heat. When unlit, the lamp appears in its natural pink color. When lit, the salt crystal emits a warm amber glow. There are many variations to the style of salt lamp, whether it is a solid chunk on a wooden base, or a metal basket filled with small salt rocks.

What is a salt lamp supposed to do? There is a long list of supposed benefits from Himalayan Salt Lamps. They have been said to clean and purify air, reduce allergies/asthma, raise energy levels, boost blood flow, sharpen concentration, reduce stress, improve sleep, even balance electromagnetic radiation. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. Bacteria and allergens are carried by water vapor in the air. When lit, salt lamps emit negative ions. Negative ions bond to positive ions to neutralize them. Why would this be a good thing?

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz MD, “Irritating elements in the environment such as dust, microbes, and pet dander have a positive charge. Common household and workplace objects like cell phones, air conditioners, and computers constantly emit positive ions.” High levels of positive ions can lead to many conditions such as, allergies, asthma, stress & irritability, poor concentration, and fatigue. According to a WebMD article, “Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy. They also may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation.”

Although, Himalayan salt lamp benefits aren’t completely substantiated scientifically, they are based on credible science. Evidence supports that salt lamps do emit small amounts of negative ions along with the warm soothing glow that many find relaxing. To be most effective, salt lamps should be placed where you spend most of your time because of their short range. The soothing amber light and release of negative ions from a salt lamp placed near a bed makes a good sleeping aid and night light. Since we seem to be encompassed by positive ions in everything from our TVs to our computers, placing an attractive salt lamp on a desk or a coffee table seems like a “no brainer”. Many owners of Himalayan salt lamps have reported a general sense of comfort and well-being from using their salt lamps.