I’ve often seen Himalayan Salt Lamps in spas and I have always thought they were pretty. But, I really wasn’t sure what they were for… They certainly are nice to look at and emit such a warm, soothing glow. Then I discovered that they actually do serve a purpose beyond looks. They are actually supposed to be good for your health! And, while I am by no means do everything right 🙂 I am always on the look out for things I can do to improve my health and environment!

So, for a while I have been meaning to buy a salt lamp, but just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Much to my surprise my friend Courtney gifted me with one for my birthday in December! Had she been reading my mind?!?

Are there any health benefits to having a Himalayan Salt Lamp in your home? 

Many people believe so, but of course there are always naysayers.

First, a little info on how the Himalayan Salt Lamps works:

Water vapor is always circulating in the air of any room of your house. This water vapor carries with it allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and even bacteria and viruses. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules from the surrounding air. A large block of rock salt, like a Himalayan salt lamp, is especially attractive to water vapor and its pollutants. Once attracted to the salt lamp, these microscopic compounds remain on the salt and not floating in the air where you can breathe them in. As Himalayan salt lamps slowly become saturated with water vapor they attract from the air around them, the heat, from the lamp inside or beneath, dries them, thus continuing the hygroscopic effect for as long as the light is on. This heat also re-releases water vapor back into the air emitting negative ions. Importantly, any airborne contaminants attracted to the salt lamp remain trapped there and will not become airborne again.

Reported health benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps include:

• Improving breathing problems and reducing allergies and respiratory ailments.
• Less colds and flu (due to less airborne viruses).
• Neutralzing electromagnetic radiation from devices like computers, TVs, appliances, and smart phones.
• Improved ability to concentrate and work for longer periods around electrical equipment like computers.
• Increased relaxation and calmness.
• Fewer headaches and migraines.
• Easier to get to sleep at night.
• A better overall sense of wellbeing.

Now, as I said, there are those who do not believe in the power of HSLs. Mostly because they believe that you would need a huge salt lamp in your environment to reap any benefits at all. They believe that the ones typically sold for home use just aren’t large enough to make a difference.

The trouble is, it’s very difficult to know how many negative ions are given off by your Himalayan salt lamp, unless you take it into a lab for testing.

There are many variables – trace elements within the salt, the thickness of the walls, use of a candle or light bulb as the source of heat, etc.

Should you decide to add a salt lamp to your home you should place it in an area that you are frequently in. The bedroom nightstand, the family room, or a desk that you sit at often to work are great places! That way you can breathe in the fresh air that they generate directly and frequently. Not only will it help clean the air and expose you to some negative ions, it may also help counteract electromagnetic radiation and provides a gentle, soothing pink glow.

I’ve decided that a salt lamp in my home is better than no salt lamp at all. Will I reap benefits? Who knows! Nonetheless, it is a beautiful addition to my home! Thank you Courtney for a beautiful gift!

So, what do you think? Beneficial or not? Do you already have one in your home?