Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Have Health Benefits?

Himalayan salt lamps seem to be everywhere. You’ve likely seen the hue of a glowing pink light on a coworker’s desk. Or maybe you came across the lamp while scrolling through an interior design Instagram account.

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These types of lamps are popular for their calming ambience, and many people like the look and feel of them. But beyond their appealing aesthetics, some claim that the lamps offer several health benefits, including:

Better air quality in your home.
Increased respiratory health.
Improved mood.
Better sleep.

So could a magic lamp be the missing link to your health and wellness quest? Primary care specialist Neha Vyas, MD, explains the truth behind this home décor-turned-wellness trend.

Functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD, explores the potential wellness benefits of Himalayan salt lamps.

What is a Himalayan salt lamp and how does it work?

The lamps are created from pink salt from near the Himalayan mountain range (although many fake ones are sold online or in stores). They are hollowed out, lit from the inside bottom with a bulb and omit a pinkish, amber-colored glow.

Lamp manufactures claim that the pink salt releases negative ions to help purify and improve the air quality around you. In addition to the cleaner air theory, many believe that the ions can increase your energy level, improve your sleep and mood and even reduce allergy symptoms.

Are Himalayan salt lamps good for you?

Unfortunately, this magic lamp won’t grant you better health and wellness. This is true whether you spring for an authentic version or settle for a fake one.

“There’s not a lot of evidence to support the idea that Himalayan salt lamps provide some – if any – of the supposed health benefits,” says Dr. Vyas.

One study did suggest that negative ions might decrease depression in some people. However, these lamps don’t produce enough negative ions to make a difference.

Negative ions, in large enough quantities, have also been shown to kill dust mites in the air. But again, these lamps do not produce enough to have any real benefit. There is also no evidence to support the idea that the lamps can absorb toxins from the air around you.

Other people argue that the warm, glowing light provides a relaxing and calming atmosphere, which in turn promotes tranquility and improves mental health. However, this theory is purely anecdotal.

If you’re serious about trying to improve the air quality in your home, you can try an air purification machine, which have been shown to remove particles from indoor spaces, like allergens, smoke and mold.

So while these lamps continue to grow in popularity for their artful and soothing vibe, it’s best to take all of the claimed health benefits with, well, a grain of salt.

Still, if you like the lamp’s pinkish hue, there’s no need to get rid of it. Just be sure to practice good fire safety and keep the lamp in an area where it can’t be knocked over and out of reach of children and pets.

The bottom line about Himalayan salt lamps

There’s little evidence to back up the claims about improved air quality, increased respiratory health and better mood and sleep. So if you’re looking for these health benefits, you might want to hold off on purchasing a salt lamp for every room of your house. However, there’s no harm in these lamps if you like the look, feel and style of them.