Himalayan salt lamps capture your eye easily: The beautiful fiery color and soft glow are a calming complement to any room. But there are other salt lamp benefits, beyond appearance alone, that make them healthy fixtures in a home. If you’ve been wondering, “what do salt lamps actually do?”, this article will answer your biggest questions.

What is a Himalayan Salt Lamp?

Himalayan salt lamps are chunks of colorful rock salt that have had a light bulb placed in the middle of them. With the light source, they give off a soft, reddish-orange glow that looks great in just about any location.

The rock salt in pure Himalayan salt lamps come from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan and contain the mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt. This salt is believed to be millions of years old, and it contains trace minerals that aren’t present in regular table salt.

Some people use salt lamps simply for the pretty glow, which can be soothing and pleasing to look at. But many use them for the various other reported benefits.

What Do Salt Lamps Do for Your Health and Home?

Salt lamps are known as “natural ionizers” because, in theory, they can emit beneficial ions into the air. (Ions are compounds that have an unbalanced number of protons or electrons, so they carry a net electrical charge.)

When the atmosphere is altered by natural occurrences like storms, waterfalls, or heat and radioactivity, these negative ions are naturally produced. Commercial air ionizers can also do this artificially.

Salt crystals also naturally absorb water molecules from the air. The belief is that the heat from Himalayan salt lamps keeps the crystals dry, in turn releasing healthy negative ions into the air of user’s room or home [1].

These negative ions have been said to provide different benefits. Here are the top answers for “what do salt lamps do?”

Combat Electromagnetic Radiation

Our modern world is regularly exposed to electromagnetic radiation from our TVs, computers and smartphones, and other appliances in the home. The long-term effects of this radiation exposure is a cause of concern, especially over time [2].

The emission of negative ions from salt lamps may work to neutralize electromagnetic radiation. This is why many users will keep a lamp beside their electronic devices at home.

Help Allergy Symptoms

Another benefit of salt lamps is the removal of microscopic dust, mold, smoke, pet dander, and other particles in the surrounding air. Salt lamps attract and absorb water molecules that may carry these foreign particles.

Plus, when the salt lamp becomes warm from the heat of its light bulb, the water it absorbed gets evaporated back into the air—while the contaminants stay locked safely within the salt.

Those who deal with allergy-related symptoms have found relief from keeping a salt lamp or two in living area where they experience problems.

Boost Physical and Emotional Energy

Just as negative ions can be beneficial to our bodies, positive ions can zap our energy, leaving us tired, fatigue, and wondering why we feel so “off.”

Having a Himalayan salt lamp in the room where you spend the most time can help balance out the air. Some people notice a natural boost in mood, energy, and calmness throughout the day after getting a salt lamp.

Support More Shuteye

The natural generation of negative ions may also improve your sleeping environment, clearing out positive ions in the air that get in the way of good shuteye. This is just one strategy for helping you get better sleep tonight.

Salt lamps are also great for diffusing a calming essential oil to increase the calmness in your environment and set it up for sleep. Salt lamps plus essential oils are great for aromatherapy.

Related: What are Essential Oils and How Do You Use Them?

Offers a More Eco-Friendly Light Source

Many salt lamps use a low-wattage bulb (and some use a lit candle), which means you’re consuming much less energy than traditional lighting. Use them as an alternative light source in your room much of the day to cut back on electricity use in your home.

More research is needed to back up some of the claims made about Himalayan salt lamps. That being said, many anecdotes have shown those who have them in their home or workplace feel better and more balanced overall. Plus, salt lamps are an attractive addition to your home and offer a calming ambiance—something we could all use more of.

What to Look for in a Good Salt Lamp

If you’re ready to own your own Himalayan salt lamp, here are some points to keep in mind before buying:

• Make sure it’s made from pure Himalayan salt. There are many imitation salt lamps, but they won’t provide the same benefits. Choose a brand that clearly uses pure himalayan crystal salt.
• Pick a size that fits your room. You can get salt lamps in a variety of sizes. The larger the lamp, the more effective it is if you have a big living space. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a lamp for a smaller office, a smaller lamp might work better.
• Think about where you’ll put it. Salt lamps can provide benefit in any room or location, but it’s good to think about areas where you like to relax or where you spend time often. That could be your bedroom, reading nook, study room or office, or living room.
• Consider the shape you want. You can also buy salt lamps in many different shapes, from sphere, rain drop, or pyramid shapes to fun elephant options! You can find a salt lamp shaped just like about anything. Choose one that makes your heart happy.

Whether you want something pretty and soothing for your office or you desire the purifying qualities, a Himalayan salt lamp is the perfect decor for your living space or other areas you frequent.

At Nature’s Ideal, we only carry the best Himalayan salt lamps options for your home. For to browse and buy our lamps of all shapes and sizes, check out our salt lamp section here.

Disclaimer: Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.