3 Reasons You Need a Himalayan Salt Lamp and Where To Find One

Breathe in, breathe out 

Looking for a way to bring the outdoors in? To clean the air without the constant hum of an air purifier? 

Himalayan Salt Lamps are the perfect way to add an earthy, designer kick to your home while offering a host of health benefits at the same time. But before we get into the benefits (and how to recognise and source high quality lamps), what exactly is Himalayan salt and why would anyone throw electricity into the mix?

True Himalayan salt is sourced from Pakistan, specifically Khewra, located on the western edge of the Himalayan Mountains. Himalayan salt, typically pink or orange-ish in colour, is a great food additive due to its high level of trace minerals and electrolyte balancing capabilities.

Himalayan Salt Lamps are simply large, carved blocks of this uniquely sourced salt, hollowed in the centre and fitted with a small light bulb. When lit, rich, amber-tinted light is cast throughout your space and this is where the magic happens.

Benefit #1: Amber Light Improves Sleep Quality

From smart phone addictions to late night binge-fests of The Bachelor (who doesn’t love good ol’ reality TV?), we are more susceptible to sleep disturbances and disrupted circadian rhythms than in any other time in history. Rather than allowing our bodies to follow the normal patterns of the sun, with the brightest light we experience between approximately 11am and 1pm and tapering off in both directions, we continue to program our body clocks to receive bright, unnatural blue light well past what our ancestors experienced. This dramatic shift in light exposure has wreaked havoc on our health, the most prominent impact being a sharp decline in melatonin production, that all-important sleep hormone.

Decking your home out with Himalayan Salt Lamps, and using these especially in the evenings, provide a more natural light and colour spectrum which allows your body to better settle into healthier circadian rhythms.

Benefit #2: Improved Air Quality

In theory, Himalayan Salt Lamps improve the air quality through a process called hygroscopy. When turned on, the lamps attract airborne water molecules, moisture and those indoor air pollutants (like mould) that are trapped in water vapour. When the water vapour comes in contact with the salt lamp, impurities are believed to remain there as the lamp heats and dried salt is formed. This cycle continues, and air is cleaned, though more slowly than a traditional air purifier, in the process.

Benefit #3: Reduces Electrosmog

Did you know that we are swimming in a metaphorical sea of electrosmog? Top offenders are WiFi, your television, smart phones, iPads (probably playing Peppa Pig on repeat), and the constant bombardment of modern technology, all of which produce positive, inflammatory, ions. The lamps are said to emit low levels of negative ions, which help to counterbalance our constant exposure to positive ions. A walk on the beach, a hike in the forest and just getting away from technology is equally impactful, but Himalayan Salt Lamps offer benefits when our lifestyles don’t allow for regular and intentional time outdoors.

Spotting a High Quality Lamp

Not all salt lamps are created equal. True Himalayan Salt Lamps should be somewhat fragile (keep in mind, they’re made of salt so should chip fairly easily). If you’ve sourced a lamp that boasts durability, then you’re likely not dealing with the real thing. True salt lamps should sweat when exposed to moisture, often forming a light crust near their base after continual use. If you’ve sourced a lamp that is not impacted by moisture or high humidity environments, then you’re likely dealing with a fake. They should be made of 100% Himalayan salt, should cast an amber-tinted hue, should contain heat-producing (not LED) bulbs, and ideally should mention Pakistan sourcing in their packaging.

Hong Kong Buying Options

In Hong Kong, Organic Mama offers high quality Himalayan Salt Lamps. I’ve purchased three: one for bedside use, one for living room use, and one for my office, and can feel the difference.

Here’s to purifying the air at home the natural way, mamas!