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Savanna McDavid

A Deeper Look into the Science of Himalayan Salt Lamps.

Updated: Dec 30, 2019


Himalayan salt is believed to be some of the oldest salt on the planet. It is said to be formed from sediments of the prehistoric sea between India and Asia. As the two land masses collided together, the salt sediments were trapped in what we know today as the Himalayan mountains. Deep within the mountains you will find literally tons and tons of this salt.

Himalayan salt is pure and has not been contaminated with todays pollutants because of it's location deep within the earth's surface. So not only is it cleaner than regular salt, it is becoming cleaner than sea salt as our oceans become more and more polluted. It is one fact as to why so many people are turning to pink salt and why it is growing in popularity. Salt lamps have become increasingly desired and a trendy look in many homes. However, these lamps bring many more benefits than a just trendy room with a peaceful glow.

There are major claims that Himalayan salt lamp benefits include decreasing air pollution, negative ions and electrosmog, all while helping with symptoms of asthma, allergies and sinuses. How could a chunk of salt do all that? I'm glad you asked, I've recruited some information from Dr. Axe to explain how.

Real salt lamps are actual blocks of salt that have been carved into different shapes and sizes. The only true source of Himalayan salt is a mine in Pakistan in the western part of the Mountains. The color of the salt can range from a light pink hue to white, to gray to a dark orange or red depending on the minerals present and the amount of those minerals. All lights have a hollowed out center for a bulb that emits light and heat. This is a key ingredient to benefits of a salt lamp.

Air Purification

Salt is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules. So when a salt lamp is placed in a room it is attracting moisture out of the air, with that moisture comes dust, dirt, dander, pollen, mold, bacteria and anything else that could be in your air. All of those impurities are trapped in the salt and most of the time simply dissolved away, but because of the heat from the light any water is evaporated back out into your air. So the cycle continues, cleaning the air in your home.

Reducing Electromagnetic Radiation

So much of our world today is flooded with electromagnetic radiation and positive ions. Between our cell phones, electronics, air units, etc, our indoor spaces are saturated with this invisible electrosmog. Electromagnetic radiation has been proven to weaken our immune system and cause stress and fatigue.

After hundreds of studies, scientists have come to the scary conclusion that “chronic exposure to even low-level radiation (like that from cell phones) can cause a variety of cancers, impair immunity, and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, heart disease, and many other ailments.”

An awesome way to increase exposure to negative ions is to spend more time in nature. Himalayan salt lamps are said to emit negative ions in small amounts and cancel out positive ones.

Reduce Anxiety, Promotes Sleep

Another benefit is a reduction in stress, anxiety and a boost in mood. Due to color therapy and the human enjoyment of color the warm pinkish, orange hue of salt lamps causes a peaceful, calm feeling. Because of this, many people like to keep them in their bedrooms or in their living areas and offices. Additionally, as a real piece of nature, Himalayan salt gives off negative ions. Since salt lamps release negative ions into the air, they can help reduce anxiety and also encourage a relaxing atmosphere for sleep.

What is so great about negative ions? Dr. Axe says "you can’t taste, smell or see them, but they’re some impressive molecules. Once negative ions reach the bloodstream, they’re believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost daytime energy."

If you are in the market for a salt lamp, you must be sure you purchase real, quality salt. Doing research before purchasing is always recommended. The medical world doesn't seem too interested in studies on the healing power of Himalayan salt, but if you look you can find plenty of other impressive research on what it can do.

 

https://draxe.com/himalayan-salt-lamp/


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