8 Best Himalayan Salt Lamps with its Benefits and Uses

Himalayan salt lamps might not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to aesthetics. With their rugged appearance and a shade of pink that can make you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a cotton candy wonderland, it’s understandable why some people might shy away from these unconventional decorative pieces.

I too never really liked the look of Himalayan salt lamps. Lots of people buy them as decorative pieces, but I’ve never been a ‘pink’ person and always found them to be clunky-looking.

Thankfully, I didn’t let the outer look stop me from owning one and reaping the benefits that a salt lamp brings for many years.

This brings me to the purpose of this article. I am here to unravel the lesser-known secrets about salt lamps that will amaze you, and trust me when I say that not all Himalayan lamps are created equal.

Therefore, I’ll start with tips on how to choose a salt lamp and a list that I’ve created containing the best lamps on the market, so you don’t end up wasting your money on the wrong rock.

After that, I’ll tell you all about the benefits of true Himalayan Salt Lamps.

What Is a Himalayan Salt Lamp?

Carved out of mineral-rich pink salt crystals (halite) found near the Himalayan mountains in Pakistan, Himalayan salt lamps are used by people around the world who want to improve their overall wellness and purify their environments.

Although no major studies have solidly confirmed all of the benefits I’ll list below, our ancestors knew about the powers of pink salt for hundreds of years before recent generations decided to stick a bulb in it.

Why Is a Himalayan Salt Lamp Pink?

Once known as ‘the salt of life’ or ‘white gold,’ pink Himalayan salt was once reserved for the wealthy. Like dinosaurs, gold, and ferns, the beginnings of the Himalayan mountains date back 200 million years to the Jurrasic Period. Fast forward 100 million years and these mountains were not in the same place that they were.

Positioned close to the equator, the intense heat caused an ancient waterway, the Tethys Sea, to dry up. Left behind were vast beds of fossilized crystals from which we now draw pink Himalayan salt.

Because of the unique way it was created, the make-up of this rock salt is very similar to our own blood, it was named the 5th element by early alchemists.

Many people incorrectly assume that this wonder is similar to table salt. Although it does have a similar makeup, it also contains over 80 other trace elements/minerals such as zinc and magnesium.

It is because of these ingredients that Himalayan salt has its amber-looking coloring. When magnified by light, they emit a pink glow

What Does a Himalayan Salt Lamp Do?

When doing my research for this article, I came across a trending post that claims you should keep a pink salt lamp in every room. Truthfully, I laughed a little just thinking of having a glowing rock in every single room of my home. But then I thought of the benefits of doing so. Giving it a little more thought, I started to think that the author may have been on to something.

Increase Blood Oxygen Saturation Levels

Most of the benefits of using a pink salt lamp are thought to be the effects of air ionization. When ionization happens, negative ions are released into the air. Negative ions are molecules that have gained an electron while going through a change.

The result of breathing in negative ions is an increase in oxygen in the blood, which can help with breathing (of course), coordination, and overall health.

These negative ions are also said to reduce some of the effects of electromagnetic radiation that is constantly being produced by our cell phones and other electronic devices.

Clear the Space of Negative Energy

One other train of thought is that pollutants floating in the air are attracted to Himalayan salt lamps, so having one in a room helps clear the space of negative energy. Studies haven’t proven either of these theories just yet, but that doesn’t seem to sway believers from touting their advantages.

In essence, wherever a Himalayan salt lamp is, this is where results will be found. So, buying more than one really isn’t such a strange idea.

How to Choose a High-Quality Salt Lamp

As I’ve stated already, all salt lamps aren’t created equally and this is a fact. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are picking a product that is actually made from 100 million-year-old pink salt, not junk created in a factory.

I have tried to make this process painless by doing the research for you and including a solid list here.

But if you’d rather do some research on your own first, make sure that you keep in mind the following points before making a purchase:

• The rock source must be legit (Khewra Salt Mine Pakistan)
• A natural Himalayan salt lamp with a timer is great if you don’t want it to run all night
• Find one that comes with a warranty (if possible)
• Make sure whichever you buy will fit comfortably in your space

At the end of the day, the lamp you choose should feel right to you. It’s a piece you’ll want to connect with on a personal level, so it is a purchase that has to be made very carefully.

The Best Himalayan Salt Lamps

As I mentioned in the introduction, I’ve never been a ‘pink’ person and always found Himalayan Salt Lamps to be clunky-looking. However, over the years I actually started to like the look and can’t think of my interior without these salt lamps anymore.

Below you can find an overview of my favorite Himalayan salt lamps.

Nowadays these lamps come in all different designs and sizes. So even if you don’t like the clunky look of the original salt lamp, you’ll still find plenty of other options to choose from!

Just make sure that you choose a high-quality source and not ‘fake minerals’. That’s because they don’t have the same chemical makeup as those actually found in Asia.

It means that buying a fake one won’t allow you to enjoy all the benefits (discussed below) that an original salt lamp brings to the table.

1. The Essential Himalayan Salt Lamp

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I consider this Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp from WBM Himalayan Glow as “the original gangster Himalayan Salt Lamp”. And I keep buying it for my friends, family, and myself because of its amazing price-to-quality ratio.

Additionally, it has more than 12,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4+ rating, which means that I’m not the only one buying it.

The lamp is made from hand-carved Himalayan rock salt from Pakistan and features a 100% natural wood base. There’s also a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness from very bright, to super dim.

But even when the lamp is switched off, its colors, with a beautiful soft tone and streaks of darker pink, look just stunning!

I have one of these lamps in my bedroom because it doesn’t affect my ability to fall asleep in super dim mode. I turn it up in the morning and it brightens the whole room with a soft warm light.

Apart from its beautiful light, the air in my bedroom seems cleaner, which makes breathing easier (especially through my nose). Plus, when I wake up, I feel rested and fresh and have less swollen and sleepy eyes.

2. The Modern Salt Lamp

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If you want to buy a natural Himalayan Salt Lamp but don’t want the rough-cut natural look that most of them have, you’ll definitely want to look at this square piece! It gives off a soft, soothing, and warm amber glow and has a dimmer switch so you can adjust the amount of light it emits.

This makes it the perfect lamp for your bedroom, office, living area, or even a yoga studio. it’ll also make for a great option even if you’re a minimalist because of its sleek look.

The lamp is made from 250 million-year-old salt from the Himalayan Mountains that does its job to purify the air in the rooms.

After just one day of using it, I started to notice the results. The air felt cleaner and my hands tasted a bit salty (I know this sounds weird).

3. The Perfect Gift

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If you’re planning to use a salt lamp in every (bed)room in your house or want to buy a lamp for yourself and one as a present, you can’t go wrong with these Himalayan Salt Lamps from Crystal Decor. They have a sturdy wooden base and an easy-to-use dimmer switch.

The biggest reason why I liked this lamp is that I never experienced a significant heat build-up in my room, even after using it for 10 hours straight.

Better yet, the light is warm and comforting. I have the small 6-inch lamp on my desk and it makes me feel calmer and more joyful. Apart from the 6-inch, there are also 7-inch and 11-inch variants available.

4. The Himalayan Salt Lamp Bowl

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I didn’t try this one personally but with a 4.8 rating on Amazon, with thousands of reviews, I don’t think this Himalayan Salt Lamp is a bad buy. It’s especially true if you want to give a personal touch to your Himalayan Salt Lamp as you can rearrange the salt pieces just the way you want.

Not only are people raving about how beautiful this whole thing looks, but also that the salt does its job and that they notice a difference in the air. So, in my opinion, it’s definitely worth the try!

5. The “O So Big and Beautiful” Salt Lamp

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Do you believe that Big is Better? If so, this 19-280 lbs lamp is probably what you’re looking for! With an estimated effective area of up to 1450 square feet, it’s not only a beautiful piece of art but effective as well.

When switched on the light it emits is absolutely breathtaking! It’s warm, soothing, and comforting and makes you feel at home right away!

As you can imagine, the lamp is a bit on the expensive side. However, if you consider it as a piece of furniture, it’s easier to justify buying this “big” piece of art!

6. The Design Himalayan Salt Lamp

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I was pleasantly surprised when I received the Levoit Ezra Himalayan Salt Lamp! First of all, the lamp was extremely well-packaged in a strong, beautiful red box with (fortunately unbroken :)) seals.

It also looks beautiful and classy and casts a beautiful glow to illuminate the area. Plus, I really love the dimmer feature that allows you to change the brightness whenever you want. In simple words, it makes for a nice “upscale” change to the standard large-chunk-of-salt version.

7. The Best Himalayan Salt Night Light

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Are you looking for a night light that looks natural and simple and doesn’t emit a bright white light? If that’s the case, you can go with this small handcrafted night light.

It’s made of high-purity crystal salt from the Himalayan mountains and gives off a soft, warm glow to soothe your stress and improve your sleep. I must mention that the bulb that comes with it is overly bright (at least for me). So, I had to replace it with a soft white bulb.

8. The Himalayan Salt Lamp with Perfect Glow

The Spantik Himalayan Salt Lamp is a true work of art. It’s handcrafted from salt rock crystals sourced from the majestic Himalayan mountains in Pakistan.

The reason I mentioned this salt lamp in my list is its enchanting glow. It creates a serene atmosphere, inviting you to unwind and find solace.

Just like most high-quality lamps, it comes with an adjustable dimmer switch that lets you create the perfect ambiance effortlessly. The heated salt crystals of the lamp also release negative ions, helping to restore the ionic balance to improve sleep quality.

Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits

There are tons of benefits to buying and using a Himalayan salt lamp that have nothing to do with decoration or ambiance. Here are five benefits of having a Himalayan salt lamp in your home instead of one with a traditional shade.

1. Your Air Will Be Cleaner

This was mentioned above, but it is worth writing again since having crisp, and fresh air in your home offers so many additional boosts to your overall health. In ancient times (and even today), people explored Halotherapy–an alternative medicine practice that involves breathing in salty air. Although this should be done with caution and under the guidance of an expert.

Himalayan salt lamps are a much safer alternative than a salt room. They filter out pollutants like pet dander, mold, and mildew and also help reduce allergies and bouts of asthma.

They may also assist with other health issues like cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, coughing, and even the common cold. Of course, they are not considered a substitute for adequate medical care.

2. Your stress levels will plummet

Have you ever wondered why people find waterfalls and beaches so calming? The answer: ions. You might be thinking, “not again with the negative ions talk,” but it’s true. Most of the things we find stress-reducing in nature are linked to this process. 

The same is true of hot water and steam produced by your shower. When I first heard of this scientific explanation, I was amazed! Finally, this explains why a hot bath with Epson salt is one of my favorite activities, especially in the winter.

Although Himalayan salt lamps don’t produce as many negative ions as a waterfall, their influence can still be substantial. When anxiety is reduced, other physical problems like high blood pressure and panic attacks can easily clear up.

3. You Will See a Boost in Your Energy

I am always looking for ways to raise my energy levels naturally. Although I didn’t buy a salt lamp for energy purposes, I quickly noticed the way it made me feel after just a few days of use.

This is thought to happen because of increased serotonin levels in the brain brought on by the Himalayan salt’s special properties. These increased neurotransmitters make one feel happier and more positive. More than just an upbeat attitude upped serotonin levels can help with improved sleep, appetite, and depression.

4. You Will Sleep Better

For years, doctors have warned us about the negative effects of overexposure to certain types of light in the bedroom. This is one of the reasons that experts recommend making your sleep space a ‘screen-free’ zone.

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might think that going pitch black is best. For some people, this works, but many of us continue to count sheep, even in the dark.

If you’ve tried it all when it comes to sleep, and are looking for a natural solution, put down the melatonin and plug in a Himalayan salt lamp instead. As you breathe in the purified air created by the salt-influenced ions, the oxygen supply to the brain will be improved, and negative sleep patterns will be reversed.

The dim lighting will also get you to sleep much faster, especially if they are used in combination with a relaxation practice like meditation.

5. They support color therapy

Color therapy is an alternative medicine practice that dates back to ancient Egypt. It is based on the idea that colors put off electrical impulses that we absorb, allowing them to either energize or calm us. Although this might seem far-fetched, lots of people decorate their homes based on colors

For example, most bedrooms are painting what we call ‘calming colors’ such as greys, blues, and greens. You’ll rarely find a sleeping area with walls that are bright yellow, red, or orange because these colors tend to boost a person’s energy.

Himalayan Salt Lamp Bulb Colors

Those who use Himalayan salt lamps in connection with color therapy change the bulbs to various colors to get the desired effect. Here are a few common colors that are used:

• Red can be used to warm you up in the winter or if you are suffering from low iron (anemia) or low vitamin B12.
• Blue is said to help with arthritis, mental health issues, and problems with the thyroid. Like the ocean, it creates a calming effect and also helps with headaches and muscle cramps.
• Do you want to increase your intuition and connection with your higher self? Use indigo in connection with your Himalayan salt lamp. This color is also effective for improving sleep and relieving eye/ear problems. Some even link indigo to behavioral improvements in those who struggle with impulse control.
•  Green is a color that helps with tons of medical issues as well as concentration and memory. As far as physical illnesses, green light can help people recover from breathing problems, inflammation, and diabetes. If you’re wanting to improve fertility or are pregnant, consider using a green light bulb in your Himalayan salt lamp.
• Yellow light bulbs bring tons of positivity to an environment. It can help with overall rejuvenation, energy, and healing issues with the skin. Struggling with digestion issues? Pop a yellow bulb into your salt lamp. Having sun-similar lighting can help boost morale and bring joy into an otherwise drab room.

Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits: Are They Backed by Science?

The information I mentioned, on negative ions and their effects, is science-backed and approved. There have been many studies conducted that link upping negative ions to getting rid of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Unfortunately, information directly linked to lamps is a lot harder to find. Because few significant research studies have been done on Himalayan salt lamps, there isn’t much science to back the claims made by people who believe in the benefits of using pink salt.

Getting Your Pink Glow On!

Although this might seem a little discouraging, I feel the fact that these lamps are so reasonably priced makes it worth a try. I definitely don’t regret my purchase. Instead of focusing on the health benefits of salt lamps alone, I suggest looking at the ‘for sure’ things that you can get from using a Himalayan salt lamp such as light diffusion and a cozy feel.

You’ll just want to make sure that you choose a high-quality source. Not ‘fake minerals’ that don’t have the same chemical makeup as those actually found in Asia.