Check out the pros and cons of Himalayan Salt Lamps before buying one.
What are the pros and cons of Himalayan Salt lamps? And are there any benefits of using a salt lamp? What should you look out for before buying one? Where should you place one?
If you are considering purchasing a Himalayan salt lamp you will want to check out the pros and cons before buying one?
What is a Himalayan Salt lamp?
A Himalayan salt lamp is a lamp made from a large chunk of pink Himalayan salt. The salt is hollowed out to fit a light bulb inside, and when the lamp is lit, it gives off a warm, reddish-pink glow. Himalayan salt lamps are said to have a number of health benefits, including:
- Purifying the air
- Improving respiratory health
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving sleep
- Boosting mood
- Reducing allergy symptoms
However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Some people also find the calming glow of a Himalayan salt lamp to be simply relaxing and aesthetically pleasing.
Himalayan salt lamps are generally safe to use, but there are a few potential hazards to be aware of. The salt may begin to melt and absorb moisture from the air over time, allowing salty water to flow from the bulb. This can be a safety hazard if the lamp is set down on a wooden surface or close to any electrical devices. Himalayan lamps can also be dangerous to pets, especially cats, who may be tempted to lick the salt.
If you are considering buying a Himalayan salt lamp, it is important to do your research to make sure you are getting a genuine product. There are many fake Himalayan salt lamps on the market, which are made from ordinary salt and do not have the same health benefits.
Here are some tips for choosing a genuine Himalayan salt lamp:
- Look for a lamp that is made from pink Himalayan salt. The salt should be a deep pink color, with no visible white or gray spots.
- The lamp should be heavy. A genuine Himalayan salt lamp will be very heavy, due to the density of the salt.
- The lamp should be sold by a reputable dealer. Do some research to make sure the dealer you are buying from is selling genuine Himalayan salt lamps.
If you are looking for a decorative lamp that may also have some health benefits, a Himalayan salt lamp may be a good option for you. However, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards and to do your research before buying one.
Where does the rock salt come from?
The Himalayan Salt Lamp gets its name from the region in which the salt is mined – the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. Did you know that the Himalayan mountains are the only true source of the pink-colored salt rock slabs?
This is due to the total iron content in the rock salt which provides the depth of color of the lamp. The darker the pink color of the lamp the more iron it contains. But the lamps can range from a light pink to a pinkish orange hue, with the salt crystals containing 84+ natural minerals.
How does it work?
The way Himalayan salt lamps work is still not fully understood, but there are two main theories:
- The negative ion theory: Himalayan salt is a natural ionizer, meaning it releases negative ions into the air. Negative ions are said to have a number of health benefits, including improving respiratory health, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep. When the lamp is lit, the heat from the bulb causes the salt to release negative ions into the air.
- The hygroscopic theory: Himalayan salt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules from the air. When the salt absorbs water, it releases negative ions into the air. The negative ions are said to help to purify the air by attracting pollutants and allergens.
There is some scientific evidence to support the negative ion theory. For example, one study found that exposure to negative ions can improve mood and reduce stress. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the hygroscopic theory.
It is possible that both theories are correct, and that the negative ions released by Himalayan salt lamps work in combination with the hygroscopic properties of the salt to purify the air and improve health.
Here are some of the potential health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps:
- Improved respiratory health: Negative ions are said to help to open up the airways and improve breathing. This can be beneficial for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Negative ions are said to have a calming effect on the mind and body. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Improved sleep: Negative ions are said to promote sleep by helping to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Boosted mood: Negative ions are said to have a mood-boosting effect. This can help to improve overall mood and well-being.
- Reduced allergy symptoms: Negative ions are said to help to reduce allergy symptoms by attracting and neutralizing allergens.
However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support all of these claims. More research is needed to determine the true health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps.
If you are considering using a Himalayan salt lamp for health reasons, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you to determine if a Himalayan salt lamp is right for you and can advise you on how to use it safely.
Is a salt lamp good for you?
Unfortunately there is no scientific evidence, or clinical and medical research, to indicate that a salt lamp is good for you. However, studies regarding the impact that negative and positive ions have on our environment would indicate they are beneficial. And as most of us know any improvement in air quality can be beneficial to human health.
What are the benefits (pros) of a Himalayan Salt Lamp
- Helps boost your energy levels
- Purifies the air
- Aids sleep and may help with snoring issues
- Reduces stress
- Lowers electromagnetic radiation
- Creates a serene and calming environment
What are the negatives (cons) of a Himalayan Salt Lamp
- Needs a continuous power supply
- Requires cleaning to stop buildup of mold and bacteria
- Can get very dusty
- They can break easily
- Build up of water droplets – salt is corrosive so where you place your lamp is important
- Cheap counterfeits available
- Siting of the lamp is extremely important if you have children
- Beware of pets being able to lick the salt lamp
How to clean and care for your Himalayan salt lamp
If you feel you would like to clean your salt lamp you should only give it a quick pat down with a damp cloth. Do not use an overly wet cloth as this will remove the salt crystals.
Some people ask why is my salt lamp leaking? They have reported that their salt lamp looks as though it is weeping, or leaking. This is only caused as water droplets from the air are attracted to the surface of the lamp as it warms up. This gives the appearance that the salt lamp tis leaking. This is perfectly normal. Any excess water can easily be removed by patting the salt lamp lightly with a lint-free dry cloth.
If you wish to replace the salt lamp bulb please refer to your manufacturers instructions.
Summary – pros and cons of Himalayan Salt Lamps
We hope you have found this article useful if you are thinking of purchasing a Himalayan Salt lamp? Whether you want to use it as an air purifier, an aid to help you sleep, or simply as a decorative item a Himalayan Salt lamp can add something to your home or working environment. Remember to keep an open mind when looking at the benefits of a Himalayan Salt lamp. Also, consider the negatives and any warnings about Himalayan salt lamps. Then buy, try and make your own mind up.
More ideas
If you want to learn more about salt then check out our other articles.