Locations:
Search IconSearch
April 20, 2021/Living Healthy/Wellness

Are There Any Health Benefits to Himalayan Salt Lamps?

Experts say health & environmental evidence is lacking

salt lamp

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.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

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.

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

People doing the bridge pose on yoga mats at yoga studio
March 10, 2025/Exercise & Fitness
New to Exercise? Start With This Sample Workout Routine

This five-day exercise plan for beginners includes three days of resistance training, two days of cardio and two days of rest

Child imagining being afraid of getting a shot, and then being afraid while actually getting a shot by a healthcare provider
November 19, 2024/Primary Care
What’s the Nocebo Effect? Examples and Effects on Your Health

The nocebo effect is a phenomenon where expectations of negative outcomes may influence the results

Person sitting with head on knees on floor, lit by giant cell phone, with people standing in background interacting
September 30, 2024/Mental Health
How Loneliness Can Impact Your Health

Feeling lonely may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, depression and high blood pressure

Person struggling with life decisions
June 19, 2024/Wellness
What Is a Life Coach? And Do You Need One?

Life coaches can be great sounding boards, mentors and even friends — but they’re not healthcare providers

person on a yoga mat, split between work and life balance
December 28, 2023/Wellness
Health Essentials’ Best Tips for Health and Wellness From 2023

Start the new year with the best health tips on nutrition, mental health, sleep and more

Owner hiking with dog on a pathway in the woods.
February 9, 2023/Wellness
The Health Benefits of Pets

They can provide social, physical, mental and emotional boosts!

People working out at the gym.
December 23, 2022/Wellness
10 Health Trends That Should Go Viral in 2023

From ‘exercise snacks’ to ‘sprinkles of joy,’ here’s what experts want to see trending

Person walking dog in park during autumn weather.
October 19, 2022/Wellness
9 Tips for Your Best Autumn

Colder temps bring flu worries, fall allergies, dry skin and more

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad