If you’ve heard about Himalayan salt lamps, then you’ve probably heard they’re very beneficial and they’re the best negative ion generators you can have at home. Most people know how these lamps look like, but they are ignorant of these lamps’ benefits and how they work. If you’re one of those people, then that ends today!
What Are Himalayan Salt Lamps?
True Himalayan lamps are made of solid rocks of ancient crystal salts and they are hand-chiseled, which makes them beautiful and unique. Rock salt lamps are known for their soft pink-orange color, which is due to the high concentrations of trace minerals in the salt.
These salt lamps contain around 84 trace minerals, which are all minerals our bodies need. This is why they can be so beneficial for our overall health.
The inside of Himalayan lamps is hollowed out, which is where the light bulb goes and it’s essential for the benefits of these lamps. In other words, Himalayan salt lamps don’t work without light as they need the heat.
Click here to check out a selection of Himalayan salt lamps.
These lamps come in a kind of fire bowl as well, made of glowing crystal salt blocks and radiate a subtle amber-pink glow in the spaces you place them in. The ambiance these lamps can create is truly lovely and it contributes to your mental health in many different ways.
What does say science about Himalayan Salt Lamps?
The benefits of salt lamps for negative air ionization were discovered by accident in a 1998 study on seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The study showed that high-intensity negative ion treatments can reduce chronic depression and SAD. Many of other studies have showed similar results about Himalayan salt lamps.
In the studies, negative air ionization is created with a machine that adds an electron to oxygen molecules to create a negative ion. Negative ions are also created in nature by crashing ocean waves, radiation, and even sunlight. These ions are believed to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, but researchers are still looking into their exact influence on the body.
How Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Work?
Whether you’re aware of it or not, there’s water vapor constantly circulating in every room of your house. This water vapor carries a bunch of allergens, including pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, smoke particles, and even viruses or bacteria. This is where Himalayan salt lamps come in.
Salt is hygroscopic, which means it works as a magnet for water molecules in the air. By having rock salt lamps at home, you’ll make sure you’re breathing clean air. Why? Because once the lamp attracts the water molecules and all the pollutants that come with it, the heat from the light will dry them for as long as the light is on.
Another important thing the best Himalayan salt lamps do is that they release water vapor back into the air, but all the contaminants remain trapped and they never let out into the air again.
If you have one of these lamps at home, it’s recommended that you turn them off for an hour every couple of weeks. This way, the lamp will cool, and you’ll have to rub it with a damp cloth so you can clean it. This will allow it to continue working effectively.
Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Really Work as Negative Ion Generators?
The most common question about these lamps is whether or not rock salt lamps actually produce negative ions. And the answer is they do produce negative ions, but not that many. However, their benefits are real nonetheless. This kind of lamp produces negative ions because the moisture evaporates on the heated rock salt.
But, the range is limited and the output of negative ions is small, which is why negative ionizers remain more effective. It’s important to note, however, that Himalayan salt lamps have a cumulative effect if you leave them on continuously. Plus, if you have more than one, the cumulative effect could be greater.
Adding these lamps to any room of your home is easy because they’re just so beautiful! You can integrate them into any space and they will look great. You can get them in many different sizes, which means you’ll find stunning options out there.
What Are the Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps?
1. They generate negative ions.
As discussed above, these lamps generate negative ions. This is important because they counter positive ions around us that affect our state negatively. Negative ions can act as antidepressants in people with seasonal affective disorder. However, they’re necessary and more effective when present in large amounts, and in that respect, Himalayan lamps only go so far. They generate some negative ions, but not enough to be competition for negative ions generators. That said, it won’t hurt to have them around the house!
2. They increase oxygen flow to the brain.
Negative ions are known to increase oxygen flow into our brains, which energizes us, helps us combat lethargy and makes us more alert and responsive. Negative ions do this because they increase respiratory function, meaning more oxygen is available. It’s important to note that not many pieces of research are available to support this claim and that the subject is yet to be explored by scientists. There’s still a lot to be discovered!
3. They protect us from airborne toxins.
Most air filters out there include an ionization component to remove pollutants from the air we breathe. Air-filters ionize the air, attract the dust, and create other ions which are pushed out while the harmful particles are trapped. Himalayan salt lamps do this to a certain degree. They shouldn’t replace an air filtration system, especially if you’re particularly allergic or if you live with people who are. But they will definitely contribute!
Final Words
Truth be told, there’s a lot to be discovered about the benefits of Himalayan salt lamps. As it stands, it’s safe to say their benefits are limited, but they do exist. The growing popularity of these lamps is due to how beautiful they are and how hyped up their benefits can be.
However, you need to be aware of what they do and what they don’t do as well. Their benefits are limited but they’re cumulative, so it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a few Himalayan lamps around the house, especially because they’re so unique and attractive.
They’re not a replacement for more effective equipment which deals with negative ions production or air purification. So, if you need this equipment to support your health, don’t substitute with Himalayan lamps. You can definitely make them a part of your household, though, and you’ll have fun discovering all the designs and using them for unique home decoration!