What is a Himalayan salt lamp? Himalayan sea salt is understood to be composed of dried remnants of the original, primal sea dating back to planet Earth’s creation. They are called salt lamps or salt rock lamps, and they are actually made from pink Himalayan salt and are able to light one’s surroundings — but they are really not bought for their moderate lighting abilities. There are indeed major claims that a Himalayan salt lamp does much more than provide one with a pretty glow. Himalayan salt lamp benefits are supposed to include decreasing air pollution, negative ions and electrologist caused by electronic devices in addition to symptom reduction for people suffering from asthma, allergies and other illnesses.
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What Is a Himalayan Salt Lamp? Does It Work?
Real Himalayan salt lamps are actually solid blocks of Himalayan salt that have been indeed hand-carved. Deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan, which are located on the western edge of the Himalayan Mountains, are the only source of true Himalayan pink salt. The color of Himalayan salt lamps does range from a light pink to a pinkish orange with the hue a result of the mineral concentration. Within the hollowed-out center of this block of salt is a light bulb that does emit both lights as well as heat. A salt lamp is not a lamp at all if it does not have the light and heat source within it. It just turns out to be a block of salt.
Salt is hygroscopic, which does mean it attracts water molecules to itself. Being the big hunk of salt that it is, a Himalayan salt lamp is believed to work by attracting the water molecules. This water vapor can also carry indoor air pollutants such as mold, bacteria, and allergens. Once the water vapor does come in contact with the salt lamp, the pollutants are believed to remain trapped in the salt. Since the lamp is heated, the salt dries out and is also able to continue the cycle of attracting water vapor as well as pollutants, releasing the water vapor back into the air but holding on to the health-hazardous pollutants.
Just observing the glow of a Himalayan salt lamp can be calming, which is also therapeutic. A real Himalayan salt lamp may indeed provide some health benefits.
Salt (in general) has the following health properties:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Loosens excessive mucus and speeds up mucociliary transport
- Removes pathogens (ie., airborne pollen)
- Reduces IgE level (immune system oversensitivity)
Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits
1. Air Purification
A Himalayan salt lamp by its salty nature is able to indeed easily attract water vapor to it. With this water vapor often come indoor air pollutants, that include allergens, mold as well as bacteria. When the water hits the heated lamp, the salt traps the pollutants but releases the water vapor. This cycle does repeat while the lamp is on and warm. By removing pollutants from the air, the salt lamp does leave one with cleaner and healthier air.
2. Reduction in Electromagnetic Radiation and Airborne Infections
Many things around us of late do release electromagnetic radiation in the form of unhealthy positive ions — items such as one’s cell phone, computer and television and more. This electromagnetic radiation (EM), aka electrosmog, may be invisible but is also believed to cause some serious long-term effects. Constant exposure to EM radiation is known primarily to cause fatigue, increase stress and also weakens the immune system.
Toxic effects of electromagnetic fields are many “chronic exposure to even low-level radiation (like that from cell phones) can cause a variety of cancers, impair immunity, and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, heart disease, and many other ailments.
It is good to increase exposure to negative ions by spending more time in nature, especially around water. Himalayan salt lamps are said to emit negative ions in small amounts and cancel out positive ones. By neutralizing electromagnetic radiation, they may also help reduce the negative health effects of harmful electrosmog. By balancing positive and negative ions one may be able to reduce airborne infections.
3. Eases Asthma and Allergy Symptoms
Himalayan salt is now used in inhalers to bring relief to asthma and allergy sufferers. Salt therapy is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), patients. COPD is indeed a debilitating and degenerative lung disease characterized by the restriction of airflow in and out of the lungs.
4. Mood Booster and Sleep Promoter
Himalayan salt lamp reduces anxiety symptoms. It is calming and makes one happy in a room. It gives off negative ions such as a waterfall (but in much smaller amounts). Since Himalayan salt lamps release negative ions into the air, and can also help reduce anxiety and also encourage a relaxing atmosphere for sleep. One can have them in their bedrooms.
They increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, that helps alleviate depression, relieves stress and boost daytime energy.
How to Tell a Real vs. Fake Himalayan Salt Lamp
One needs to choose the proper Himalayan salt lamp. How can one tell a real lamp?
Fake signs :
Poor Return Policy
Real Himalayan salt lamps are made of salt so it is not surprising that they are fragile objects. A good manufacturer is aware of this and has return policies that are flexible since there could be some damage in transit. In case a salt lamp’s maker is extremely strict (like a “NO RETURNS” policy), then it does make one wonder if it is a scam operation. Some do not go for returns as they are giving fake ones.
Highly Durable
Himalayan salt lamps are rather fragile. One should not drop it or bang it into other solid objects because the salt crystal can get damaged very easily. This is actually a rare time when durability is not desirable. If your salt lamp is unaffected by a collision, it could likely be an imposter.
Very Bright Light
If one is looking for is a bright light source, a salt lamp is not the way out. On account of its high content of numerous minerals, a Himalayan salt lamp gives off light in an irregular and muffled manner. A true salt lamp does not, of course, provide light to completely illuminate a room. If it does, then it is most likely not the real deal.
Inexpensive White Crystal
Himalayan salt lamps usually give off a warm pinkish or orange hue. There is no white Himalayan salt lamp, but it is extremely rare and a lot pricier than the colored ones. So if one comes across a white salt crystal lamp that is not substantially more expensive than the pink/orange versions, one needs to stay clear as it may be an imposter.
No Mention of Pakistan
Deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan, are the only source of true Himalayan pink salt.
Moisture-Resistant
Salt is an absorber of water. If one’s salt lamp has no problem being near a moisture source (like a shower), this is a good sign that it is not a fake. A true salt lamp is prone to some sweating when it is exposed to moisture.
Not Experiencing Any Benefits
If one is sure that one has bought the appropriately sized salt lamp for the space one is using it for and one has not been exposed to it on a regular basis and one does not see any positive effects whatsoever, then you may not have a real Himalayan salt lamp.