Himalayan salt lamps have become a common site in many homes today. They’re affordable and pretty but did you know that they also can actually improve the quality of your health? An ancient practice called halotherapy is where large chunks of pink Himalayan salt are placed in a space with the intent to purify and cleanse the air and our bodies. It’s been shown to ease anxiety, skin conditions, congestion, colds, sinus infections, sleep issues, bronchitis and ear infections, just to name a few. Read on to find out about all Himalayan salt lamp benefits!
What is a Himalayan Salt Lamp?
Himalayan salt lamps are made up of salt crystal that comes from the Himalayan mountains that are found in Pakistan, India, Bhutan and Nepal. True Himalayan salt lamps come from the salt caves in the Kwewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. Salt lamps are a orange and pink color and simply a hunk of Himalayan salt with the middle carved out so a light bulb can fit inside.
There are many health claims in regards to using salt rock lamps including improvement in mood, improved air purification, improved respiratory system health, better sleep, allergy and asthma relief and more. These possible benefits are promising but there is very little evidence that prove these claims are true. However, there is much research of the many benefits of pink Himalayan salt and it’s positive effects when inhaled, so in my opinion, salt lamps are still a beneficial device for improving certain aspects of health. And if they don’t physically improve your health, I can confidently say there are no cons of himalayan salt lamps when it comes to your body or your environment.
You should know there are many fake salt lamps sold online and in retail stores. The authentic lamps are very fragile and give off a soft light. The fake lamps are a bright light and do not break easily. You might also want to look for a label that says the lamp is from Pakistan. I recommend THIS company.
The Power of Negative Ions:
First off, you should know that negative ions are a really good thing. Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy. They help energize you and give you a sense of well being. Once negative ions reach the bloodstream, they are said to produce biochemical reactions that increase serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost energy.
An abundance of negative ions can be found in sunlight and around running water such as the ocean, waterfalls and streams. Rain is also a great source of negative ions! Plants during photosynthesis produce negative ions as well!
I just did and negative ions did come up in my research for that post!
According to Healthline:
Negative ions are molecules floating in the air or atmosphere that have been charged with electricity.
Negative ions exist in nature in tons of places, including:
ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun
discharges of electricity in the air after a thunderclap or lightning strike
wherever water collides with itself like a waterfall or the ocean shore (creating the Lenard effect)
produced as part of the normal growth process for many plants
Negative ions may also protect against germs in the air. By attaching to ions with a positive charge which often contain indoor pollution like pet dander and toxins from your paint, furniture and flooring, negative ions render these indoor pollutants powerless.
Positive ions, also known as free radicals, are often created by electronic devices such as computers, TVs, microwaves, and even vacuum cleaners. They are also in abundance right before a storm. They can often make problems like allergies, stress and sleep issues much worse.
Indoor positive ions stress humans out on a molecular level. They bombard humans with high frequencies at a level much higher than in nature.
Positive ions are also emitted from bacteria and allergens, which can increase respiratory issues.
A 2013 study of scientific literature on negative ionization published between 1957 and 2012 found that ionization had no impact on people’s general mental health but did find a notable effect on people with depression.
A 2018 study on ionization also found an effect of negative ionization on many aspects of human health. Researchers looked at 100 years of studies and found evidence that negative ions could regulate sleep, stabilize mood, reduce stress, improve immune function, increase metabolism and kill bacteria, viruses and mold.
Salt lamps produce negative ions. However, there is much controversy about whether a salt lamp produces enough negative ions for beneficial effects.
I posted HERE about negative ions and diffusing essential oils.
Salt Lamps Balance Blue Light
Blue light comes from TV, computer, tablets and phone screens. Blue light can interrupt sleep hormones and your circadian rhythm. If you are experiencing sleep issues, you might want to stop using your devices, turn off LED lightbulbs and the TV once daylight is gone. At this point, lights such as salt lamps should only be used.
Color therapy is an ancient therapeutic technique that uses the different wavelengths of colors to alter mood. It’s shown to have physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. The wavelength of a salt lamp is much slower then that of electronics which is why they have a relaxing effect.
Salt Lamps Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation
Not only do electronics emit blue light, they also emit electromagnetic radiation. Everything from your cell phone to your microwave can leave traces of this radiation. It’s like an indoor electrosmog.
Constant exposure to electromagnetic radiation can lead to fatigue and stress and even weaken your immune system! Researchers have found that constant exposure to even low-level forms of this radiation can lead to a wide variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
As we discussed earlier, salt lamps release negative ions. Negative ions can help counteract and neutralize this type of radiation.
Salt Lamps are Hygroscopic
Hygroscopic means that an object attracts water to it’s surface. Mold, bacteria and allergens are carried inside water vapor or water molecules. Salt lamps attract these water molecules removing them from the air. This means that you should periodically clean the surface of your lamp with a damp cloth.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits:
Pink Himalayan salt lamps have many positive effects. They are a great addition to your living space.
- Improve energy levels
- Reduce stress levels
- Alleviate allergy symptoms
- Neutralize cigarette smoke
- Improve S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder)
- Improve indoor air quality
- Reduce static electricity in the air
- Improve concentration and mood
- Neutralize electromagnetic frequency (EMFs)
The Science Behind Himalayan Salt Lamps:
Because salt is hydroscopic, it absorbs the moisture from the surrounding environment. The light bulb inside the lamp heats up this absorbed moisture, causing it to evaporate. The evaporation process is what releases the negative ions into the surrounding air. The negative ions then bind to the positive ions and neutralize them.
Related Post: The Benefits of a Skincare Fridge
How Big Should a Salt Lamp Be?
The salt lamp’s size will determine how much area it can cover. Here is a break down to help you figure out what size salt lamp you need. It is estimated that every 1 pound of salt covers a 15 square foot area in your home.
- 5-7 lbs – 10×10 room
- 9-11 lbs – 12×12 room
- 13-17 lbs – 14×14 room
- 30-40 lbs – 20×20 room
Where’s the Proof for Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps:
While there are quite a lot of studies and clinical trials on the benefits of Himalayan salt, there are little to no studies on actual Himalayan salt lamps.
The problem is that while salt lamps do emit negative ions, they don’t emit a lot. It’s hard to say if it’s enough to make substantial changes in one’s health. I have come across many people singing their salt lamp’s praises. I think the amount of negative ion emitions is enough for me to want one in every room because negative ions, even a small amount are better than none!
Bottom line-if you are looking for the proof, there is very little to no scientific studies or scientific evidence that salt lamps have substantial health benefits.
Why Himalayan Salt Is So Good for You:
Pink Himalayan salt has a ton of health benefits that are better experienced by ingesting the salt. Himalayan salt is naturally rich in rion, calcium, magnesium, copper and calcium.
Pure Himalayan salt contains 84 trace elements. It is the highest grade of natural salt. It’s unrefined and uncontaminated by pollutants or chemicals unlike table salt.
There are so many benefits when ingesting pink Himalayan salt. Lower blood pressure, better sleep, better digestion, less water retention, better blood sugar levels, balanced pH, increased bone strength, better mineral absorption, nervous system support and improved circulation are just a few benefits you can experience when throwing out the table salt and using pink Himalayan salt.
Don’t forget the vast benefits of salt baths! Adding pink Himalayan salt to your bath can be a game changer. Reduction in cellulite, less puffiness and water retention, absorption of vital minerals and a deep relaxation are a few reasons to dive into a salt bath!
In my research, I happened upon a Himalayan Salt Inhaler. Apparently pink Himalayan salt can be very helpful to people suffering from allergies. I’m in the midst of springtime allergies so I’ve ordered it. I’ll keep you posted on the results. If I find relief, you can bet you’ll get a full post!
In conclusion, there are valid Himalayan salt lamp benefits. While negative ions do get released, it is much more effective to go outside and rely on nature for your negative ions. However, a Himalayan lamp, indoor plants and diffusing might end up being a very effective way to increase negative ions in your home when used all together. I find salt lamps beautiful and quite relaxing with their warm glow and am very intrigued by color therapy and how the wavelength of a color can be beneficial!
Do you own a pink Himalayan salt lamp? If so, have you noticed any benefits?
xx, Jenni
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