A Godsend or Hype? – Everything About Salt Lamps

Himalayan salt lamps are beautifully crafted lamps from pure rock salt. They provide a warm and comforting environment with their soothing glow. They add to the beauty of the place wherever they are kept.

Besides this, numerous health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps, which the wellness industry and salt lamp vendors claim, make it look like a Godsend blessing.

But, are Himalayan salt lamps really a godsend wonder or just a hype?

Let’s find out.

What are the Himalayan Salt Lamps? And what is this Hype of Salt Lamps All About?

Himalayan salt lamps are carefully crafted from the real rock salt from the salt mines in the Himalayas. They come in various shapes and sizes with a bulb fixed inside which helps the lamp glow. The lamp also has a base that supports it to stay in place.

It is widely believed that when the lamp glows, it not only emits a soft and warm glowing light but also absorbs toxins and pollutants from the air. Moreover, it is said that they release negative ions to help purify the air.

Recently, Himalayan salt lamps have gained huge popularity.  The claimed benefits of these lamps have made people their fans.

Let us have a look at the claimed benefits of Himalayan salt lamps.

The Supposed Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps that Have Sent Half the World’s Population into a Frenzy

What do salt lamps do?

You must be wondering how salt lamps host a list of environmental and health benefits and how they are beneficial for your home. It is claimed that the Himalayan salt lamp works in two ways:

• They are hygroscopic in nature. Salt lamp manufacturers claim that these lamps absorb moisture from the air. The heat from the light source causes the water to evaporate, leaving the particles as residue on the lamp surface.
• They produce negative ions in the air. The wellness and health industry claims that interaction between heat, salt, and water leads to the production of negative ions.

People who use Himalayan salt lamps claim that these products improve air quality. They believe that rock salt lamps purify the air from toxins, reduce stress, boost sleep, improve mood, and decrease anxiety.

Many people also believe that having a salt lamp in the vicinity of asthma patients improves breathing conditions.

Himalayan salt lamp vendors assert that these lamps help reduce allergens from the air. They are beneficial for seasonal disorders.

Another major claim from rock salt lamps manufacturers is that these lamps help fight electro-smog by releasing negative ions in the air. With the advancement in technology, every household now has numerous electronic devices in their homes. These electronic devices produce positive ions in the air, which are not harmful to human health. Positive ions cause increased stress and anxiety level and also disturb mood and sleep. Thus, negative ions help neutralize the effects of positive ions.

The Himalayan salt lamps are also claimed to kill bacteria and germs, thus purifying the air.

People are, therefore, much impressed by this benefit and are motivated to buy Himalayan salt lamps.

What are the Negative Ions, and What’s the Deal with Them?

Negative ions are produced as a result of a process called ionization. Negative ions are molecules that have an extra electron and are, therefore, negatively charged.

Studies claim that negative ions are present near waterfalls, tides, or in the atmosphere after heavy rain or thunderstorm. They are also present in the salt, forests, and near mountainous areas.

Negative ions are highly beneficial for the body and health. The benefits caused due to negative ions are numerous, and they have been proven scientifically as well.

Some of the benefits of negative ions include:

• Rejuvenate and freshen up cell metabolism.
• Strengthen the immune system and improve digestion.
• Combine with positive ions to neutralize the effect of free radicals.
• Cleanse the blood and body.
• Improve and stimulate sleep in the body.
• Boost the nervous system and reduce stress.

The environment is also highly benefited by the presence of negative ions. Listed are some of the many perks:

• They help eliminate harmful particles like bacteria, viruses, mold spores, pollen, dust, etc.
• Purify the air and environment.
• Cleanse away smoke and pet dander
• Eradicate allergens and pollutants
• Remove positive ions from the atmosphere, making the environment more peaceful and harmonious.

Research on animals like mice conducted in Russia, Germany, and Britain suggests that the presence of negative ions helps reduce stress levels. They also bring improvement in physical states like respiration, body temperature, and heartbeat rate.

Research has also found that the absence of negative ions in the environment led to an accelerated death rate in mice. So, negative ions are seriously a thing to be concerned about and not just a myth.

The Purported Claims of Salt Lamps are No Doubt Mind-Boggling – But What Does the Science Say?

There is very little evidence that supports the alleged benefits of Himalayan salt lamps.

Research suggests that high-intensity negative ions can be beneficial for human health and the environment. But the fact that Himalayan salt lamps produce these negative ions is not backed by any research.

A professor at Caltech used quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer to find if the claim that “Himalayan salt lamps produce negative ions” is true.

Sadly, the experiment concluded with “no ions observed.” The light source placed inside the lamp does heat up the rock, but the heat is just not enough to cause ionization.

Negative ions may be obtained from Himalayan salt, but not using a single incandescent light source.

One more research found out what (if any) negative ions are produced from these salt lamps, the quantity is extremely low. It has no comparison to that produced by an artificial air ionizer.

Do Salt Lamps Actually Do Anything?

Himalayan salt lamps may not do wonders for human health, but they still are useful.

Some of the benefits of these salt lamps are:

Decorative purpose:

Salt crystal lamps look highly sophisticated and elegant. They add beauty to any space where they are placed. Salt lamps are available in different shapes and sizes. And some manufacturers are producing them with a modern and classy touch to blend in with the modern home décor.

Soothing Nightlight:

Himalayan salt lamps can serve as beautiful nightlights, providing the right amount of cozy and warm light to put you to sleep.

Mood Booster:

The calmness provided by the dim and pinkish glow of salt lamps will create a pleasant environment. It can make you feel relaxed and improve your mood.

Environmentally Friendly:

Since Himalayan salt lamps are crafted from pure rock salt, they have no risk to the environment.

Having Seen the Salt Lamps for What They Really are, Would I still Buy one for Myself?

Yes, there should be no second thought about purchasing this amazing home décor product.

It may not provide you with the claimed health benefits, but it certainly will oomph up and freshen up your space. Unlike other artificial lamps, Himalayan salt lamps are environmentally friendly and have no harm to your health, at least.

You never know, they actually may provide you with some of the health benefits in the long run.

Different Types of Himalayan Salt Lamps

Different types of Himalayan salt lamps are available depending on the color, shape, and functionality of the lamp.

Based on color, mainly six different shades of Himalayan salt lamps are available: white, orange, pink, grey, black, and red.

Considering the shape and function, the following are the types of salt lamps available.

Natural Salt Lamps:

These lamps have a natural shape just like the Himalayan mountain. They make excellent decor for large rooms such as the living room.

Carved Salt Lamps:

The Himalayan salt lamp that has been beautifully carved out and polished to appear fancier. They come in various shapes, such as cubical, round, pyramid, and more.

Metal Basket Lamps:

These lamps have small chunks of salt that have been placed amidst the light source in an elegant metal basket. When lit, the lamp looks like a fire bowl.

USB Salt Lamps:

These lamps come with ultimate functionality because they have a USB cable attached to help it work. You can plug the cable into various electronic devices to help the lamp lit.

Salt Candle Holder:

They are more like a candle than a lamp. These lamps don’t have a bulb, instead, you can place a candle inside them to use as a night-light or candle lamp.

Is It Okay to Leave a Salt Lamp on All the Time?

The short answer: Yes!

The maximum benefits from a salt lamp can be obtained by turning on the lamp for long hours. In humid countries, the problem of sweating of Himalayan salt lamps occurs. Sweating or weeping causes the surrounding space to be dirty and wet. This issue can be avoided by keeping the lamp on 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

The vendors of salt lamps recommend keeping the lamp on for at least 16 hours a day to keep the moisture intact. Moreover, turning on the lamp for such a long period is not a big deal because the bulb uses low power. So, it will not have much impact on the electricity bill.

Where are Himalayan Salt Lamps Used?

Salt lamps can be used in almost any space, big or small. You can place a Himalayan salt lamp in every other room of your house or just in your bedroom, it is entirely up to your liking.

Bedrooms and living rooms

Living room and bedrooms are usually the most used rooms, so placing a Himalayan salt lamp there is an ideal choice.

Nowadays, modern clinics and recovery rooms have Himalayan salt lamps to add to the hygienic environment. Moreover, they can help boost the mood of the patient and the staff as well. A salt lamp is a good choice for asthma patients.

On Offices table

Office spaces are usually have a stressed environment. Having numerous electronic devices in the same place can cause the atmosphere to be contaminated with lots of impurities. Himalayan salt lamps can prove highly effective in offices to improve the quality of air and boost the environment.

Spas, salons and meditation rooms

Spas and salons are other great places where Himalayan salt lamps can be used. These lamps will help make the environment look cozier and healthier.

Playroom for kids or daycare centers

Daycare centers and playroom for kids can have benefits by placing Himalayan salt lamps. The lamps will help purify the air from allergens and pollutants. And make the environment healthier and safer for the kids.

Moreover, they can be used in any space to enhance its ambiance and improve the quality of air.

Do Salt Lamps Work Without the Light On?

The hygroscopic nature of the lamp requires light for the lamp to operate. A humid environment can cause sweating of the Himalayan salt lamp. The warmth of the light absorbs the sweat and keeps the lamp working.

Moreover, negative ions (if any are generated) cannot be produced without turning on the lamp. Production of negative ions requires the lamp to be heated up.

Price Range of the Himalayan Salt Lamps

Himalayan salt lamps are varyingly priced depending on their color, shape, and weight.

White and red colored lamps are unique. So, they are a bit expensive compared to the standard pinkish Himalayan salt lamp.

Himalayan salt lamps are available for a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. The prices also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

A more beautiful, carved, and polished salt lamp with a robust and elegant base and dimmer will be priced high.

A simple cut Himalayan salt lamp with a standard incandescent light source will be priced lower.

How to Tell if Salt Lamp is Real or Fake

With increasing popularity of Himalayan Salt Lamp has become a high demand product.  Because it has believed that these natural chunks offer several health and environment benefits.

It has become the reason for the emergence of fake salt lamps by some manufacturers.

Here are a few things to look out if your salt lamp is real or not.

• Scrap off with a butter knife to see if it is scraped. Real salt can easily show signs of wear and tear.
• Real salt lamps absorb moisture and start sweating when exposed to moisture. If your salt lamp is moisture resistant then it is most probably a fake lamp.
• If you are buying it from Amazon, the easiest way to find out is to check user reviews of the product.
• If your lamp is way too bright then most likely you sealed a fake deal.

Where to Get the Real Himalayan Salt Lamps From?

The real and only source of Himalayan salt lamps is the Khewra salt mine in Pakistan.

So, before purchasing the salt lamp make sure it has a made in Pakistan mention. However, some of the salt lamps may show the country of manufacturing. In case, ask the manufacturer where the salt is coming from.

In short, always buy the Himalayan salt lamp from a reliable source, be it a physical store or an online shop.

To ensure authenticity, I recommend buying from Fab Glass and Mirror. I personally have bought salt lamps from them and they are working perfectly.

Salt Lamp Maintenance Tips and Safety Precautions

Salt lamps are highly durable and keeping them in working conditions is easy. Some precautions to be followed for salt lamp maintenance are as follows:

• Install the bulb and cable carefully before using the lamp.
• If the lamp has excessive sweat, wipe it with a dry cloth. Be sure that the cloth is not too wet. Otherwise, it will increase the leaking of the lamp.
• The lamp should be placed in a dry place.
• Try keeping the lamp on a mat or a dish so that the sweating of the lamp does not make the whole surface dirty.
• Keep out of the reach of children. They may lick the surface and ingest excessive salt or dust from the surface. This can be hazardous for their health.
• Keep the lamp away from pets like dogs and cats also because they can get addicted to salt lamp licking. Excessive salt can damage their brains and impair their senses.
• Don’t place the lamp in extremely humid areas such as a bathroom.
• Make sure to place the lamp on a smooth surface to avoid any damage from falling off.
• Try keeping the lamp on 24 hours a day. It will keep the lamp from frequent sweating.
• Before operating the lamp, make sure that the bulb is fixed correctly to avoid short circuits.
• The power cable should also be checked thoroughly to avoid any mishap.
• If the lamp is extremely overheated, turn it off.
• In case of any damage, do not operate the lamp until the damage is fixed.

Wrapping It Up

All things considered; it can be said that Himalayan salt lamps are certainly something worth purchasing. They may not have the claimed health benefits, but they provide positive energy, spark up the space where they are placed, and provide a calm and soothing ambiance.

So, what are you waiting for, go grab your own Himalayan salt lamp and soak in its warm and relaxing glow!