Do Himalayan salt lamps work?
Himalayan salt lamps work by emitting negative ions and these negative ions are scientifically proven to reduce depression, help us fall asleep quickly, and help our cells to fight cancer.
Himalayan salt lamps have been used for thousands of years to purify the air, treat ailments, and improve moods and sleep cycles. But how exactly do these pink rocks work? Why are they so popular now? What are the health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about these intriguing little lamps and the healing properties they possess.
How do Himalayan salt lamps work?
Himalayan salt lamps work by emitting negative ions. Salt is hygroscopic meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. With moisture, tiny dust particles, allergens, and other microscopic particles come to the salt. These particles are positively charged. The heat from the bulb evaporates water back into the room as negative ions and dust particles remain in the salt.
You can clean the lamp from time to time to remove these pollutants from Himalayan salt.
Himalayan salt lamps benefits
1. They clean the Air
One of the main benefits of the Himalayan salt lamp is that it purifies the air and removes dust, smoke, and any type of dirt.
2. Reduces allergy and asthma symptoms
As a consequence of the elimination of dust particles and purification of the air, the symptoms of allergic or asthmatic people will be greatly reduced thanks to Himalayan salt lamps.
3. Protects the lungs and better filters the air
Electronic devices are the main source of positive ions, which are quite harmful to people’s health since they can cause the cilia (microscopic hairs) that line the trachea to become dysfunctional.
The function of the Himalayan lamp is to absorb positive ions and expel negative ions, responsible for increasing ciliary activity and helping smooth functioning of the respiratory system.
4. Neutralizes electronic vibrations
Although the electromagnetic radiation emitted by devices is invisible to the eye, there are long-term consequences.
Excessive exposure to these radiations can lead to chronic fatigue, so placing a Himalayan salt lamp near them can counteract electromagnetic radiation.
5. Increases energy
Doing activities that we are passionate about increases the concentrations of negative ions, which increases the flow of oxygen to the brain and makes us feel better.
Having a Himalayan salt lamp will naturally bring our body and mind into harmony and make us feel much more energetic.
6. Improves sleep
One of the main effects that we can suffer as a result of overexposure to positive ions is the difficulty of falling asleep, due to the reduction of blood and oxygen that reaches the brain.
Himalayan salt lamps will charge the room with natural negative ions and will help fall asleep faster and improves your sleep quality.
7. Improves mood and concentration
Negative ions emitted by Himalayan salt lamps increase the release of serotonin, which is the hormone that makes us feel happy.
8. Treat seasonal affective disorder
In addition to boosting mood and energy levels, one of the benefits of the Himalayan salt lamp is that it provides soft, natural sunlight-like light that can alleviate the consequences of shortening days nearing winter.
9. Fights against cancer
Negative ions are scientifically proven to enhance the activity of natural cells found in our body that fights cancer. Therefore negative ions can significantly reduce the incidence of cancer in humans.
Side effects of Himalayan salt lamps
- Salt is toxic to pets specially cats. If they lick salt they can get salt toxicity.
- Himalayan salt lamps start leaking water if switched off or kept in a room with high humidity. Here’s how to fix a leaking salt lamp.
- Leaking water can cause corrosion of the base of the lamp and furniture underneath the lamp.
- Salt lamps can overheat and can cause electrical hazards.
- Salt lamps are heavy and might cause accidents specially when children are playing with them.
How to clean a Himalayan salt lamp
Himalayan salt lamps can accumulate dust, and microscopic particles when cleaning the air.
Follow these steps to clean your lamp.
- Turn off and unplug the Himalayan salt lamp and wait for it to cool down completely.
- Gently wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth. Make that the cloth is not very wet, but slightly damp to prevent drops from falling on the surface.
- Dry the salt lamp with a cloth. It is preferable to use a microfiber cloth that does not release lint or threads that can stick to the lamp.
- Keep the lamp in a place with good ventilation until it’s completely dry.
- Connect the lamp to the electric circuit and turn it on.
How to identify a fake Himalayan salt lamp
- The brightness of the lamp can reveal its authenticity of it. The brightness provided by authentic salt is dim and warm. If your lamp emits enough brightness to properly illuminate the entire room, it is probably a fake.
- Another factor is the uniformity of salt crystals. Himalayan salt gets its characteristic pink color due to the presence of impurities and they are not uniform.
- One of the typical characteristics of Himalayan lamps is that due to their hygroscopic nature, they attract moisture from the air and if kept in a high humid room like a kitchen or bathroom, they will start leaking water.
- Authentic salt lamps are characterized by their fragility, any blow or strong friction and their external structure will be affected.
- Authentic Himalayan salt is mined only from the Khewra salt mine in Pakistan and carries a certificate of origin.
Where to buy Himalayan salt lamps?
You can buy Himalayan salt lamps on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay. They can range from $10 to $60 depending on their size and shape. There are even smaller options if you don’t have much space for your lamp. If you want to buy in bulk, you can find them at wholesale prices as well!
White Salt lamps are the most expensive as they are very rare.
Salt lamps are an attractive addition to any home not only because of their warm glow, but also offer health benefits that can improve your everyday life.
