Many swear by the healing properties of Himalayan salt lamps. Many do not.
Whatever camp you sit in, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more delightfully hippyish lamp (lavas aside). The boho homeware pieces radiate a hypnotic apricot-pink glow, perfect for self-soothing after a hectic day’s work in the city.
Advocates of Himalayan salt lamps say the decorative pieces cleanse the air in your home, encourage sleep, soothe allergies and lighten the mood. While there’s no hard evidence to substantiate this, the lamps have left an indelible mark on the health and wellness world.
If you’ve trotted into an Urban Outfitters or yoga studio as of late, you may well have witnessed a salt lamp of two. The illumination fixtures are typically made by placing a light bulb inside large structures of pink Himalayan salt, which has been harvested in Pakistan’s northern Punjab region at the famous Khewra Salt Mine. Nested in the foothills of the Himalayas, the mine was discovered around 320 BC.
What are the health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps?
As mentioned, there are no proven benefits of using a Himalayan salt lamp. Yet some say that there are three main benefits to using the product. These include:
- Improved air quality: this is especially handy for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. The lamps are also believed to emit negative ions into the atmosphere, which purifies the air around us
- Mood boosting: leading on from the first point, some say negative ions are said to improve levels of serotonin, a chemical that aids mood regulation. Again, this has not been scientifically proven.
- Improved sleep quality: struggling to sleep? Some say a salt lamp can help. While the link between better sleep and ionised air as a result of a Himalayan salt lamp is unclear, the soothing glow can help lull shoppers into a deep slumber.
How do I clean a Himalayan salt lamp?
According to Salt Cellar’s caring guide: “Your Himalayan candle lamp will last for many years with proper care. Never immerse the lamp in water or leave it in an area where water will directly come in contact with its surface. To clean the candle lamp, simply use a damp washcloth to wipe the surface clean. Do not use soap or other cleansing products.”
There is no evidence behind the health claims that Himalayan salt lamps achieve any of the above. Regardless, they look great in the home and bring a warming element of comfort to the bedroom. Consider it a case of aesthetics over function.
Discover the best Himalayan salt lamps and give your room a much-needed glow-up.
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IONES Therapeutic Pure Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt Lamp
Believed to help boost blood flow, improve sleep and even increase levels of serotonin in the brain, this extra-large, chakra-balancing salt lamp is a perfect gift for meditative and holistic birthday beauties out there. Not only does a salt lamp produce a gorgeous, warm pink hue that elevates the cosy vibes, but it also supposedly helps to purify the air around it. An essential homeware accessory for your early twenties, we think.
Buy now £27.99, Amazon
LED Himalayan Salt Lamp Speaker
This ingenious two-in-one device is the wellness accessory you never knew you needed. Himalayan salt lamps are said to help cleanse and balance our energy. They are used by many meditation experts to help enhance the experience, but we’ve never come across one with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Enjoy the calming sounds of the ocean or your favourite album while drifting off into a post-study-sesh slumber.
Buy now £21.00, Urban Outfitters
Robert Dyas Himalayan Salt Lamp
An impressively sized Himalayan salt lamp that weighs five kilos, this Robert Dyas rendition is a unique home feature made from natural pink salt. Hand-sculpted with an elegant wooden base and a simple switch control, the lamp is the perfect gift for students looking to revamp their uni room.
Buy now £37.99, Robert Dyas
Boots Colour Changing Himalayan Salt Lamp
Spice up your interiors with a colour-changing lamp that will set the mood. Boots’ affordable option is a USB-powered pick, making it easy to use and even easier to love. Choose your favourite colour from sixteen shades and set your preferred mode using the remote control included.
Buy now £18.99, Boots
MYGA Himalayan Salt Lamp
Kick back and relax with a soothing Himalayan salt lamp in tow. Place yours beside your bed and let the orange glow flood over you as you rest. The 100 per cent natural piece is hand-carved from authentic pink Himalayan salt found only in Pakistan. It arrives fully assembled on a smooth wooden base with a plug-in system that allows ample light to fill the space.
Buy now £19.98, Debenhams
Needs&Gifts Original Himalayan Crystal Rock Salt Lamp
Two to three kilos of natural Himalayan salt mined from Pakistan have been used to create this stunning bedside item. Purify the air, put your mind at ease and drift off while surrounded by the gentle glow of the meditative piece.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Tesco Himalayan Salt Lamp
Treat yourself by adding a Himalayan salt lamp to your weekly food shop. A calming and soothing atmosphere is achieved via the gentle light of the tangerine-toned lamp. Simply plug it in and switch off.
Buy now £20.00, Tesco
Etsy Himalayan Salt Lamp
Support smaller businesses and add an affordable Himalayan salt lamp to your online shopping basket. This hand-made option features two kilos of rose-tinted salt and will cultivate a romantic ambience in any room.
Buy now £10.49, Etsy
