Over the past few years, Himalayan salt lamps have become very popular. More and more people are using them to decorate their homes or offices but not only as decoration but also what they can offer to health.

The Himalayan salt lamp is also known as the salt rock lamp. This product is handcrafted using pure blocks of Himalayan pink salt from underground mines in Pakistan. In general, they are pink salt crystals which are subsequently cut to give it a particular shape and are drilled at the bottom to place a light bulb inside. The lighting originated is amber.

Many people genuinely believe that these lamps offer health benefits by placing them indoors. Many other people do not fully believe in them.

Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Actually Work?

There is a belief that a pink Himalayan salt lamp provides various health benefits when placed inside a home. It is scientifically proven, through multiple studies, that these lamps offer health benefits.

Some scientists assume that this pink salt is made up of the remains of the first sea. When the bulb heats it, it absorbs water molecules from the air and then releases them as water vapor to purify the air.

Many scientific studies have determined that this salt crystal lamp emits negative ions both day and night. These ions stick to positive ions in the air in order to bring balance to the environment and benefit people’s health. Negative ions are used in many treatments to reduce SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and chronic depression. However, there is no evidence that those generated by the lamp have the desired effect.

It should be noted that this theory is not 100% consolidated. So far, it has only been verified that the negative ion production capacity of a Himalayan salt lamp is not high. That does not mean that it is not capable of purifying the air, but nevertheless, there are negative ion generating machines that have more power.

A study claims that negative ions emitted from these Himalayan salt lamps can help decrease depression, although not significantly.

Many people think that pink salt helps remove dust particles through negative ions to prevent them from affecting your health and that of your family. Other people confirm that these lamps can even improve sleep and moods.

These blocks of pure salt do not offer absolutely all the benefits that people suppose since multiple scientific tests have debunked those theories or myths. But likewise, they provide various benefits.

What are the Benefits of a Himalayan Salt Lamp?

It is true that some of the benefits discussed by people are not supported by science and can be considered as myths. However, certain aspects that can positively influence the health and mind of a person at home or in an office.

If we talk about the most apparent benefits, we can highlight the attractive style that these lamps offer thanks to their warm and subdued color. Also, it creates a relaxing environment for the comfort of family members.

Now, if we take into account the benefits that directly and indirectly influence health, we can consider the following:

Air Purification

That is the best-known benefit of Himalayan salt lamps and is one of the reasons why people decide to purchase it. During the process, they help remove dust, cigarette smoke, and pollutants from the air.

The purification is carried out thanks to the hygroscopy. That is, it attracts and absorbs water molecules scattered through the air, just like any unwanted particle contained in them. Then, when the light bulb heats up, those water molecules evaporate into the air while the salt is responsible for retaining dust particles, smoke, and more.

Emission of Negative Ions

The positive ions negatively influence the cilia of our trachea, making them slower. In this way, their defenses will decrease, and they will not be able to keep away the contaminating particles that approach the lungs. These ions are abundant in every home and are generally present, most of all, in electronic devices.

In these cases, the negative ions produced by a pink Himalayan salt lamp take on greater importance. That occurs when the lamp bulb heats up and performs the above-mentioned hygroscopic process.

During hygroscopy, the pink salt absorbs water, airborne particles, and even positive ions. When water vapor is released, it also expels negative ions that fight against the effect of positive ones, benefiting our health.

Sleep Improvement

Positive ions, on many occasions, reduce the supply of oxygen and blood that reaches our brain, causing irregular situations at bedtime.

As we said earlier, Himalayan salt lamps are natural negative ion generators that counteract this problem. It should be noted that a salt crystal lamp does not generate too many negative ions as a generating machine would. However, it helps to keep the air clean and fight positive ions so you can sleep more peacefully.

Allergy Reduction

When the salt carries out the hygroscopic process, it attracts all the particles exposed in the air, such as dust, fungi, smoke, and other contaminants. These particles are eliminated by sticking to the pink salt of the lamp. That will help allergy sufferers or people with asthma.

Neutralization of Electromagnetic Waves

Many people are unaware of the adverse effects of being exposed to high or low-frequency electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic radiation can induce thermal and athermic effects in humans, causing biological changes. Sometimes they cause headaches, insomnia, depression, and more.

Although the electronic devices in our homes do not generate electromagnetic waves at extremely high frequencies, it is good to prevent them. Salt lamps are responsible for neutralizing them. It is recommended that you place these lamps near electronic devices.

Better Mood

All the mentioned benefits are related to the production of negative ions to control or neutralize the positive ions. That is not the exception.

Positive ions affect the circulation of oxygen to the brain and other organs. Therefore, negative ones help to release serotonin (neurotransmitter), known as the hormone of happiness, to improve our mood.

Good Energy Transmission

Feng Shui specialists recommend these products as they work as harmonizers of the environment to clean the bad vibes and energies contained in the home. In addition, they have an additional effect that works to relax tensions and create a pleasant environment.

Other benefits offered by these lamps are their function as an ecological light source, the reduction of static electricity in the air, or treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

What Does a Salt Lamp Do?

A salt rock lamp has become a good investment for most homes. Its beautiful structure and craftsmanship give your home an elegant look.

The bottom of this beautiful pink salt crystal is perforated to insert a light bulb inside. Turning it on provides subdued lighting with a pink and amber color. This simple look offers a relaxing environment, whether you are resting, reading, or sleeping.

One of its functions is to ionize the air. That means they use the hygroscopic cycle to attract positive particles and ions into the air and stick them to the pink salt. From there, they begin to generate negative ions that provide a great balance to the environment of a home or office.

As we explained in the previous point. Salt lamps are known for their health benefits, thanks to the negative ions generated. So, apart from providing an attractive and elegant design, what do salt lamps do? They are responsible for:

• Improve sleep quality.
• Provide positive energy in the home.
• Purify the air.
• Benefit the body’s circulatory, nervous, and respiratory systems.
• Reduce allergies.
• Avoid stress.
• Decrease depression.
• Improve concentration.

If you can, buy more than one Himalayan salt lamp so that the positive effects are even more significant.

Can You Leave a Himalayan Salt Lamp on All Night?

With all the benefits these lamps offer, the answer is a resounding yes. You should not worry about leaving it on as it is very safe. You just need to make sure that your Himalaya salt lamp has a UL-certified switch to prevent any fire. Anyway, don’t worry too much as these lamps use low voltage light bulbs so they won’t overheat.

These products are not advanced technology, so they do not overexert themselves. So it doesn’t matter if you leave them on overnight. It is recommended to leave the bulb on so that you can take better advantage of the benefits that these lamps provide for most of the time.

You do not have to worry about the electricity bill in your house either since you can configure it to dim the light and reduce electricity consumption. Dimming the lighting will give a better feeling like a night light.

Another essential aspect you can consider to keep the light on all night is that its lighting can relax you when you are in bed. The dim light from this salt lamp will help calm you when you’re stressed, allowing you to fall asleep peacefully.

It is also true that many people do not like to sleep when they have light in their room, regardless of whether it is dim. In those cases, you could turn it off when you go to sleep, although you may get used to it due to its warm amber glow. If the lamp is placed in a child’s room, then with more reason, you should leave it on as they tend to be scared of the dark.

Can You Put Essential Oils Directly on a Himalayan Salt Lamp?

The great variety of uses and benefits that Himalayan salt lamps give us is incredible. Placing essential oils in these lamps is another of the most curious aspects of these objects.

You can pour the oil into a salt lamp directly. The heat will diffuse it throughout the room by acting as a salty air diffuser.

These oils will give a fresh aroma when lighting the lamp. However, you should be aware that the oil will not dissolve in the salt due to specific properties. Today, there are special Himalayan salt lamps for aromatherapy, which come with a glass or metal container where you should pour the oil drops.

You have already seen how these wonderful blocks of pink salt can be used to illuminate a place and give an aromatic aroma depending on the essential oil of your preference.

Recommended Oils

There is a wide variety of essential oils that can be poured into a salt lamp to provide a different aroma and benefit.

• Basil: It works as an antidepressant and also helps to calm migraines and mental fatigue. This aroma is perfect for falling asleep.
• Musk: This oil acts as a harmonizer and purifier.
• Bergamot: It is a good option against anxiety, tension, and depression. Also, it is characterized by raising the mood of a person and, besides, it can function as an insect repellent.
• Cinnamon: Its aroma relieves nervous tension and tiredness.
• Coconut: This essential oil works well against sadness and depression.
• Eucalyptus: It offers breathing benefits and also works as an insect repeller.
• Incense: This oil has a scent that drives away bad emotions and vibrates and attracts good energy.
• Lemon: Apart from an insect repellent, it also refreshes rooms and stimulates the mind.
• Tangerine: This essential oil has multiple benefits since it acts as an antidepressant, antispasmodic, sedative, and controls nervous tension.
• Rosemary: It stimulates the mind and relieves tiredness. Also, it is a good moth repellent.
• Sage: This scent helps calm anxiety and decrease fatigue and tension. It is an excellent option to fall asleep.
• Thyme: It acts as a powerful antiseptic.

Where is the Best Place to Put a Salt Lamp?

A salt lamp does not always have to be in a specific place. There are many places where you can place them so that they provide all their benefits. However, there are certain places where you can take better advantage of the properties of the lamps than in others.

Some of the spaces where you can place your salt crystal lamp are:

The Rooms of the House

Your room is the place where you may want to place your salt lamp since it is the space where you can relax and rest. You can put it on the nightstand next to your bed. It will not bother you because the light is very dim. You will get fresh air throughout the room, and you will be able to sleep comfortably.

Similarly, your child’s room is also an important place to consider. Children, especially at a young age, tend to be afraid of the dark and, therefore, always want to sleep with the light on. A salt lamp is an excellent option for your child to fall asleep quickly without fear. Besides, they are beneficial to control your child’s allergies, in case he or she is allergic.

Living Room

Placing a pink Himalayan salt lamp in the living room is a great idea as it is the place where you spend the most time with your family. It will not only provide a warm environment but will also help reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation created by electronic devices.

Office

An office or workspace is the second place where you surely spend more time. A salt lamp will purify the air and give you benefits to avoid the stress that your work can generate. Similarly, in these types of places, the use of computers and other electronic devices is widespread. In addition, your mood will rise, and you will have the necessary energy to carry out your tasks effectively and efficiently.

Massage Rooms or Spa

People go to these places to relax, release tension, and get rid of stress. These spaces are ideal for placing your salt rock lamp. You can put it in the lobby or in the rooms where the treatments are carried out.

Restaurants and Hotels

A Himalayan salt lamp will offer a cozy atmosphere and a relaxing aroma in the waiting areas of a hotel or restaurant. Plus, it provides elegant decor and perfect lighting while people wait for their turn.

How Do I Know if My Himalayan Salt Lamp is Real?

There is a wide market for these lamps, and, normally, there are scammers who want to deceive you by selling you something not genuine. If you don’t know well about these blocks of pure salt, then you may be scammed. Therefore, below you will see a series of aspects that you must observe to determine the authenticity of the lamp.

Origin

Before buying a Himalayan salt lamp, be sure to read at the bottom of it or its package to determine that the place of origin is Pakistan.

If that lamp indicates another origin, then it is not authentic. The most recommended thing is that you buy your lamp from recognized companies since there are sellers with little credibility who can ensure that their products come from Pakistan.

Luminosity

These lamps generally emit dim, warm lights. If your pink Himalayan salt lamp has powerful lighting, then it is most likely fake. Also, another aspect that betrays a fake lamp is the uniform light through it.

Color Shades

The pink salt crystals have colors ranging from pink to orange or amber. If your lamp has these colors but also has white stripes, then perhaps that rock is false.

Resistance

Real Himalayan salt lamps are generally hard but fragile. However, a fake pink salt rock is much more durable.

Price

Apart from the shades mentioned above (pink, orange, or amber), there is also the white salt lamp that originated from a type of salt from white saline crystals. It is very rare, and its price is very high.

Regardless of color, all salt lamps are expensive (especially white ones). If someone offers you one of these products at affordable prices, then you should be suspicious.

How Do You Take Care of a Salt Lamp?

A pink salt lamp is a beautiful object which you will want to take great care of so that it has the longest possible life.

With the following tips, you can keep your lamp in good condition for a long time.

• It is recommended that you leave the lamp on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That will prevent it from starting to sweat.
• You should clean your Himalayan salt lamp periodically with a damp cloth. Before that, turn off and unplug the lamp. Make sure it is not too wet because it could dissolve the salt. Then dry it with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Place your salt lamp in places with low humidity to prevent it from melting. That occurs due to the hygroscopic properties of the salt.
• Use a suitable bulb for your lamp. The most recommended is one between 10 W and 15 W.

In summary, you can prevent your lamp from accumulating humidity by keeping it on every day for as many hours as possible.

Do Salt Lamps Really Help With Anxiety?

Anxiety is a problem that many people present in stressful situations either when taking a test, speaking in public, or presenting themselves in an important interview. An anxiety attack can affect your overall health and quality of life.

Himalayan salt lamps are a natural remedy to reduce anxiety. The dim light from these lamps helps to relax. Quite the contrary occurs when you are exposed to lighting with high intensity, which can stress you out and make you very anxious.

The positive ions produced by the technological artifacts around us can cause paralyzing anxiety and apprehension in us. Salt rock lamps counteract these effects by generating negative ions that fight against positive ones.

These negative ions provide you with many health benefits, give you more energy, and increase the flow of oxygen and blood to your brain.

With a salt lamp, you will be free of anxiety, and you will be able to fall asleep without worries.

Conclusion

Himalayan salt lamps will not only give your home or office an attractive design, but you can also be in a place where you will be healthy. You will not have to worry about polluting particles in the air or the negative effects of electromagnetic waves from technological devices. Your health will be comforted thanks to the properties of Pakistan’s pink salt.

In addition to that, you can also check out our Incense Holders, Meditation Cushions, and Tibetan Singing Bowls collections.