Himalayan salt lamps are all the rage right now. Not only are pink blocks of Middle Eastern salt incredibly aesthetic, but they have all sorts of health benefits too! Retailers claim the lamps help you sleep, relieve allergy symptoms and improve your mood. While I hate being the bearer of bad news, turns out those pretty lights aren't all they seem. We explain what are the benefits of a Himalayan salt lampthey are, and what has been exaggerated by the media.
What Are Himalayan Salt Lamps And Where Do They Come From?
If you are familiar with the geography of the world, you were probably intrigued by the fact that Himalayan salt lamps must have come from somewhere in the Himalayan mountains. The salt for these lamps in particular is almost exclusively extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. That's where the salt endsTRUEHimalayan salt lamps exist anyway - there are many fake "Himalayan" salt lamps on the market, these are really cosmetic in nature.
That being said, it is certainly possible to find genuine Himalayan salt lamps on the market. For example,east of the AmazonIt's made from certified Himalayan pink salt! The salt from the Khewra mine is said to be millions of years old. It contains 98% sodium chloride, which is very similar to table salt (100% sodium chloride), and the other 2% is made up of various other minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
Himalayan salt lamps come in a variety of shapes. The most common is the large block of salt, which has a hole to place a lightbulb. Alternatively, you will receive a basket with smaller salt crystals, which is also illuminated from below by a lamp. Remember, if you want to get health benefits from your salt lamp, you must use a heat-producing lamp. LEDs will not do well here; Later we will see why.
What Are the Benefits of Himalayan Salt?
When used as a dietary supplementHimalayan salt has many benefits! You probably know that your body needs a certain amount of salt to function properly. When you choose to use pink salt (instead of iodized salt) for cooking and baking, you reap the added benefits of the other minerals that Himalayan salt contains. These benefits, of course, come from consuming the salt and not turning on a lightbulb. So what are the benefits of a Himalayan salt?the light bulbdo you have special
There are two main ideas about how and why Himalayan salt lamps work. Two facts about salt in general: it is hygroscopic and a natural ionizer. Don't worry if you don't quite understand what those two things mean, just expect a really quick basic chemistry lesson.
Salt lamps draw water to you
if there is somethinghygroscopicIt pulls the water molecules towards itself. There are many natural water molecules in the air, and many of themcontain bacteria and allergens. The theory is that the salt lamp absorbs these particles, preventing them from irritating the allergy sufferer. When you turn on the lamp, it has to heat up (hence the need for a heat-generating lamp) and convert the water molecules into vapor, leaving allergens in the lamp.
Proponents of this theory recommend cleaning the lamp with a cloth every week to eliminate bacteria, fungi, etc. sticking to the salt. It's probably not a bad idea anyway, but unfortunately there isn't much scientific evidence that salt lamps remove allergens from the air by attracting water vapor.
Salt lamps generate negative ions
This is the most widely held theory about the uses and benefits of salt lamps. Another quick chemistry lesson: all molecules (i.e. everything in the world) contain protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and electrons are charged: protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge. TOpurely naturalis a compound that has an odd number of protons and electrons: therefore it carries an overall positive or negative charge.
There are many things that produce ions naturally: waterfalls, lightning, etc. - and it has been suggested that the evaporation process of water when the lightbulb is heated releases negative ions. There is evidence from animal studies that an excess of negative ions increases the production of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood. Human studies have not yielded results confirming a causal relationship, so further research is needed.
The other oft-cited benefits of generating negative ions - that salt lamps aid sleep and improve breathing conditions - have very little scientific support. The practice of halotherapy, dating back thousands of years and suggesting that time in salt caves benefits people with chronic lung problems, may explain the idea that salt lamps can help treat respiratory problems. However, there is no clear evidence that the salt cave treatment has worked, let alone that the benefits are conferred with a comparatively infinitesimal amount of salt in the home.
Light and color therapy with salt lamps
While the presence of a small amount of negative ions may not have a noticeable impact on sleep patterns, there are other salt lamp properties that can. These don't come from any chemistry related to ions or hygroscopic properties, but from a different kind of science: the idea of chromotherapy.
Color therapists postulate that different colors of light have different effects on the body. Up until a few years ago, the idea was that light itselftivThe color was a bit strange! However, by now most people are familiar with blue light, which you are likely to see by reading this article. Cell phones, computers, TVs, and LED lights emit blue light that canDisrupt your circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep and get a good rest.
Being naturally pink or orange, Himalayan salt lamps emit an orange light. If you have a sunset filter on your computer or mobile phone, it changes the color that the screen emits to go through an orange light filter. Also, orange light fights Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you struggle with mild to severe SAD, a Himalayan salt lamp can be a good investment.as we approach the darkest winter months again.
How to choose a salt lamp
After all of this, if you think a Himalayan salt lamp is right for you, there are a few criteria to keep in mind to ensure you get the most benefit from it. As mentioned above, always look for a lamp that is 100% certified Himalayan Salt. So pay attention to the color. The dimmer the orange bulb, the more benefits you get from the orange light filter. Also, darker salt is generally considered to be higher quality overall.
If you want to take advantage of the potential hygroscopic and ionizing benefits, the larger the lamp, the greater the effect. The typical onion probably weighs around 5-6 pounds (maybe even 10 pounds), but you can get onions that weigh as much as 50 pounds! Keep in mind that these larger bulbs are also much more expensive - it can be cheaper and easier to buy several smaller bulbs.
Also, the rougher the lamp surface, the greater the potential hygroscopic benefit. The more nooks and crannies, the better luck you'll have at attracting and trapping water molecules with your lamp. Also, lamps with rougher finishes look better anyway (at least in my opinion). Finally (as mentioned several times!), be sure to get a lamp that generates heat.
Diploma
Here are my takeaways from all of this: Himalayan Salt LampsAgainThey have advantages, but they aren't everything they claim to be. However, I'm a big believer in the aesthetic value of items and they score well in that category. If you are looking for an air filter or ionizer, the Himalayan salt lamp is probably not your friend. However if you want a nice warm glow for the evenings or something to kick the blues in a gloomy mood this would make a great addition to your decor.
Are you currently a Himalayan Salt Lamp user? What benefits have you found by having it in your home? Is there anything that has stood out to you from experience that is not currently supported by science? Or do you just like her for the looks? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
FAQs
Do salt lamps really clean the air? ›
Salt lamps are not a proven method for air purification, but they can improve mood and make it easier to sleep. Salt lamps have not been adequately tested. But their potential to improve your mood and the comfort of a your home environment can make them beneficial for you and your family.
What is the idea behind the salt lamp? ›According to Mijeno, the idea behind the SALt lamp is the chemical conversion of energy. It utilizes the scientific process behind the Galvanic cell, but instead of electrolytes, the SALt lamp uses saline solution, making it harmless and non-toxic.
Is it OK to sleep with a salt lamp on? ›Yes. If your salt lamp has all the safety checks required of electronic devices, then there's no reason to worry about it being left on all night. Many people find the light calming, in which case it is best to leave it on until you fall asleep.
Where not to put a salt lamp? ›Don't place your salt lamp in damp rooms with high moisture levels such as bathrooms or laundries. In these environments, your salt lamp could collect excessive moisture. Don't place your salt lamp on top of electronic devices like microwaves or speakers, to prevent moisture from leaking into them.
Who should not use Himalayan salt? ›Himalayan Salt might be a good alternative over table salt due to its high potassium and magnesium content[1]. However, it is also high in sodium content, which is not good for people with high blood pressure. So it is advisable to use Himalayan salt with doctor's consultation if you have high blood pressure.
How long do salt lamps last? ›Q: How long do salt lamps last? A: Contrary to popular myth, salt lamps do not erode or melt or expire. They will continue to work for years as long as they are cleaned once in a while (see cleaning your salt lamp). However salt lamps bulbs expire every 1000 hours, 42 days of 24/7 use.
Do salt lamps make a room damp? ›Salt is hygroscopic – meaning it has a natural moisture absorbing nature. Just like how your salt shakers tend to gather little moisture during summer, salt lamp also gathers moisture and becomes damp.
Do salt lamps help with mold? ›They can also help neutralize the positive ions that allergens, mold, and bacteria produce in your home. The neutralization of these ions can leave the air feeling fresh and clean. Furthermore, pink Himalayan salt lamps can reduce the amount of static in the air, so you can avoid those surprising static shocks.
Why shouldn't you turn salt lamps off? ›Salt lamps do not have an expiry or use limit! Turn your lamp off! Your lamp can start crying if it is left off for long times or placed next to an open window or high moisture environment.
What happens when you turn a salt lamp off? ›Salt Lamps absorb moisture from the air, and when they are turned off they can Shed or “cry” if the weather is quite humid or if you live close to the beach or a lake. If you do need to have it turned off for a long period of time, please wrap in a plastic bag or cling wrap to prevent shedding.
Do salt lamps protect you? ›
Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Have Health Benefits? Though the claims sound promising, so far no one has proved that Himalayan salt lamps release negative ions, let alone enough to have any impact on health. Most of the research so far has used negative ions from other sources, not lamps.
Do salt lamps affect blood pressure? ›Some might wonder if breathing in salt during a Halotherapy session might cause their blood pressure to rise in an unnatural way. It's a good questions and one that has a very simple answer. No, The Salt Suite® salt rooms will not cause your blood pressure to rise.
Do salt lamps lower blood pressure? ›“There are no studies to support that salt lamps emit negative ions, though. There is also no support for the purported health benefits of salt lamps, such as soothing allergies and lowering blood pressure.” Bottom line: Himalayan sea salt lamps have no health benefits.
Will a salt lamp attract bugs? ›A: My salt lamp attracts roaches. They are drawn to the warmth and light and seem to breed underneath it. I have a roach trap outside it to catch them coming or going. If you don't have roaches this won't be a pro… see more.
What is the difference between white and pink Himalayan salt lamps? ›So what's the difference in the colors? The deepness of the salt's color largely depends on the amount of iron oxide running through it. White Himalayan salt (the rarest variety) is the freest from impurities, while added minerals give pink Himalayan salt its rosy glow.
Does Himalayan salt remove toxins? ›Regularly soaking in Himalayan salt can be a great way to remove toxins from our bodies. This is due to the process of “osmosis”, where our bodies absorb the salt minerals while simultaneously releasing toxins. A Himalayan salt soak can also help to reduce inflammation and balance our skin's PH levels.
Does Himalayan salt spike blood pressure? ›Thus, Himalayan salt doesn't raise blood pressure like normal table salt because of the content of sodium in it which is one third of the normal table salt. Himalayan pink salt also contains certain beneficial minerals which the normal table salt doesn't.
Does Himalayan salt affect BP? ›Dietary Benefits Of Pink Himalayan Salt
Controls high blood pressure as it is lower in sodium than table salt. Contrary to regular salt, pink Himalayan salt does not dehydrate you. In fact it aids with hydration as it helps maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure in your body.
Salt Lamp Leaking:
Himalayan salt is hygroscopic in nature which means it attracts moisture from the environment. Along with the moisture, all the impurities also get trapped inside the lamp. It is the moisture absorbed from the environment that causes the salt lamp to leak. Nothing to worry about.
The bottom line about Himalayan salt lamps
There's little evidence to back up the claims about improved air quality, increased respiratory health and better mood and sleep. So if you're looking for these health benefits, you might want to hold off on purchasing a salt lamp for every room of your house.
Do salt lamps use a lot of electricity? ›
Salt lamp's don't use a lot of power so don't worry about pushing up the power bill by keeping it on. However If you live in a humid environment, just this alone won't be enough to stop the lamp from getting wet. So here's a list of troubleshooting things you can do to keep your lamp dry: Use higher wattage bulbs.
How do you maintain a salt lamp? ›Purists insist that a salt lamp should never be washed, as its natural effect is one of self-cleansing. With its antibiotic properties, it does not need washing. However; if it gets too dusty, they suggest a slightly damp microfibre cloth to gently wipe away debris.
Do salt lamps have to be on to absorb water? ›3) Keep your lamp turned on 24/7
Salt is Hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture. Salt Lamps absorb humidity moisture from the air, and when they are turned off they can shed, melt, leak or “cry” especially if the weather is quite humid or if you live close to the beach or a lake.
A: One of the most common questions we get asked is whether salt lamps are safe to leave on all day and night. The answer is a definite yes, not only is it safe but it's the recommended action for maximum health benefits.
Do salt lamps help with mucus? ›Salt lamps are also believed to help your airways by attracting toxins to their surface. It's thought by breathing in micro salt particles, it'll help to break down mucus, which can be a big help in the winter months.
Should I put my salt lamp on a plate? ›Place your Himalayan Salt Lamp on a plate (ceramic, marble or glass), or a protective mat *Salt Lamp MUST ALWAYS be on this plate/mat to protect furniture. Plug the power cord into the power source and turn it on.
Why is my salt lamp growing white stuff? ›This white powder forms in the presence of excess humidity in the room, such as that from a bathroom, as the salt crystals in your lamp quickly dissolve. Salt naturally attracts moisture from the air and the white powder comes from the interaction of the salt crystals and water molecules.
What brand salt lamps are recalled? ›This recall involves Lumière brand Rock Salt Lamps in three styles: Basket of Rocks, Carnival of Lights and Rock of Gibraltar. The lamps are pink in color and are mounted on a wooden base or in a black metal basket.
Do salt lamps dehumidify? ›Did you know Rock Salt and Salt Lamps can be used as natural dehumidifiers? They can also help purify the air and they're great because they can be completely energy free or can be used with a heating element like a lamp.
How long does the salt last on a salt lamp? ›Eventually those bulbs do go out and will have to be replaced so when you ask yourself “can I leave my Himalayan salt lamp on all night?”, just know that a salt lamp that is on 24 hours a day, seven days a week will usually last for roughly 1000 hours, which is approximately 42 days.
Does salt therapy really work? ›
Studies have found that halotherapy can have benefits for respiratory conditions, skin problems, and allergies. Salt is a natural and safe ingredient. It does not have any notable side effects.
Do salt lamps make you happier? ›Himalayan salt lamps boost our mood and energy levels
Exposure to negative ions is thought to increase our energy levels, improve concentration and boost our overall mood. Placing a Himalayan salt lamp in every room may help you feel more alert and rejuvenated.
The foot detox lamp improves circulation, eases foot aches, minimizes odors, and reduces inflammation. Takes approximately 15 minutes to heat up for use. The Detox Lamp has a 9” Diameter. 100% Himalayan Salt from Pakistan.
Which salt to use when you have high blood pressure? ›Try to avoid table salt specifically in raw form. Better to go for Himalayan salt or rock salt instead of it. That cutting down on sodium in your diet is the best way to maintain your BP? Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can improve blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg.
Do salt lamps melt in winter? ›No. HSL does not melt. It is not ice. Over the years, we found out that many people have the misconception that their Himalayan Salt Lamp (HSL) is melting when moisture occurs.
Can I put my salt lamp next to my TV? ›Taking your salt lamp to work
By the same token it's also a great idea to place it next to your TV or any other electronic devices, especially those that are on all the time. As long as you don't place it next to very loud speakers, as that can shake an damage the bulb filament.
It means you can place one to two small lamps in the smaller room; however, a larger room requires three to four small salt lamps placed at different corners. Choose the right size of a Himalayan salt lamp according to the area and place where you want to put the lamp to enjoy its glow and maximum benefits.
What is the disadvantage of salt water lamp? ›The salt water lamp does have some drawbacks, the chemical reaction that produces the electricity erodes the anode which means it will need to be replaced after a certain number of hours. And you do need a supply of sea water or salt and water, although these are usually easy to find in most places.
Are Himalayan salt lamps good for lungs? ›Showing Your Lungs Some Love With a Salt Lamp
While it's unlikely that Himalayan salt lamps offer significant benefits, there's no harm in adorning your desk or bedside table with one. “The only real danger is thinking you can use something like a salt lamp as a substitution for any asthma medication you use,” says Dr.
Salt lamps work by emitting negative ions. The salt crystals, combined with the light source from the bulb, produce negative ions, which act as neutralizers to the positive ions. This results in a cleansing effect on the air in a room and can cancel out those health problems.
How long do Himalayan salt lamps last? ›
Eventually those bulbs do go out and will have to be replaced so when you ask yourself “can I leave my Himalayan salt lamp on all night?”, just know that a salt lamp that is on 24 hours a day, seven days a week will usually last for roughly 1000 hours, which is approximately 42 days.
Do cockroaches like salt lamps? ›They are drawn to the warmth and light and seem to breed underneath it.
Is pink Himalayan salt good for heart patients? ›Those with kidney, heart, or liver issues, or people on a sodium-restricted diet, should monitor their sodium intake and limit their use of all salt, including pink Himalayan salt. Even people in good health should monitor sodium intake.
Does Himalayan salt draw out toxins? ›Regularly soaking in Himalayan salt can be a great way to remove toxins from our bodies. This is due to the process of “osmosis”, where our bodies absorb the salt minerals while simultaneously releasing toxins. A Himalayan salt soak can also help to reduce inflammation and balance our skin's PH levels.
Is Himalayan salt good for sinuses? ›The basic point to take home is that Himalayan salt nasal irrigation is great for flushing out those stuffy winter noses, leaving behind clear nasal passages.
Does Himalayan salt clear mucus? ›Clears Mucus
When salt particles are inhaled through a himalayan salt inhaler, they make their way on the linings of the airway and draw water into it. This thins the mucus and helps the body clear it so that you can breathe easier.
So when a salt lamp is placed in a room it is attracting moisture out of the air, with that moisture comes dust, dirt, dander, pollen, mold, bacteria and anything else that could be in your air.
Why is my salt lamp leaving salt? ›Salt Lamp Leaking:
Himalayan salt is hygroscopic in nature which means it attracts moisture from the environment. Along with the moisture, all the impurities also get trapped inside the lamp. It is the moisture absorbed from the environment that causes the salt lamp to leak. Nothing to worry about.