Before we get into the health benefits of using Himalayan Salt Lamps in your home, here's a quick chemistry lesson:

All matter (including the human body, air, and water) is composed of molecules, which are composed of atoms, which are composed of three types of particles: protons (positive charge), electrons (negative charge), and neutrons (no charge). Electrons orbit their molecules in the same way that planets orbit stars.

When an electron escapes, it leaves behind a positively charged ion whose sole purpose in life is to fill the void left by its little lost electron. In other words, it wishes to steal an electron from another molecule. Some materials lose electrons much more easily than others due to differences in molecular structure (number of electrons in the outermost orbit, strength, structure of electron bonds, etc.).

With this basic understanding of positive and negative ion behavior fresh in your mind, let's look at the top ten benefits of the Himalayan Salt Lamp.

1. Lamps made of salt Deodorize and clean the air

The ability to remove dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air is probably their most well-known benefit, and why the majority of people use them. "But how do they do it?" you wonder. "Isn't it just a big chunk of salt with a light bulb inside?"

Yes, but also no. It's much more complicated than that.

Himalayan salt lamps purify the air by attracting water molecules from the surrounding environment and absorbing those molecules, as well as any foreign particles they may be carrying, into the salt crystal. As the heat produced by the light bulb inside the HPS lamp warms it, the same water evaporates back into the air, while the trapped particles of dust, pollen, smoke, and so on remain locked in the salt.

2. Reduce Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

Because Himalayan salt lamps remove microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, mold, mildew, and other allergens from the air, placing one or two in rooms where you spend the most time can significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Even people with asthma should notice a significant improvement after a week or two. (In fact, Himalayan Pink Salt is so beneficial to your lungs that it has its own inhaler!)

3. Relieves Coughing

The charge of the molecules released changes as the Himalayan salt lamp heats up and begins its hygroscopic cycling of airborne particles. (Recall our chemistry class?) The majority of homes are filled with positively charged ions, which are bad for one's health. Positive ions are produced by a variety of sources, but the primary source for most of us is our electronics.

One of the health consequences of breathing in a lot of positive ions is that the cilia (microscopic hairs) that line the trachea (aka: windpipe) become sluggish and don't work as well at keeping contaminants out of our lungs. 

A Himalayan pink salt lamp absorbs positive ions along with water and particles from the air. The heated salt then emits negative ions into the air, which have the opposite effect on our airways, increasing cilial activity to keep your lungs clear.

In a nutshell, Himalayan pink salt lamps not only remove contaminants from the air, but they also help your body filter air more efficiently, ensuring that any foreign particles you do breathe do not enter your lungs.

4. Increase your energy levels.

Many people find it invigorating to drive through the countryside with the windows down, to spend time at the beach or camping in the mountains, or simply to take a shower first thing in the morning. It's no coincidence that all of these activities expose us to higher concentrations of negative ions, such as those produced by Himalayan salt lamps. Positive ions deplete our bodies' energy reserves. Unfortunately, it is all too common for us to attempt to diagnose the problem as something completely different.

If you're tired all the time but don't know why to keep a Himalayan salt lamp in the room or rooms where you spend the most time.

5. Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation

Most of us now live in a metaphorical ocean of electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by our electronics (ie: television, computer, cell phone, tablet, appliances, sterio, etc). While they are not visible, the long-term effects of EM exposure can be severe. Constant EM radiation exposure is known to increase stress, cause chronic fatigue, and reduce the body's immune response, among other things.

Himalayan salt lamps work to neutralize electromagnetic radiation by emitting negative ions into the air. To reduce the risk to you and your family, keep one near your computer, television, and any other electrical devices you use frequently.

6. Improved Sleep

Excessive exposure to positive ions in the air has a direct impact on quality sleep, occurring because positively charged particles can reduce blood and oxygen supply to the brain. This would result in irregular sleep patterns. Himalayan pink salt lamps are natural negative ion generators, which can aid in the resolution of this issue. Keep one or two in your bedroom to improve air quality and help you sleep better.

Remember, if you're like me and can't sleep unless the room is completely dark, you can always turn off the lamp before going to bed. Simply leave it on for the remainder of the day so that it can do its work while you are awake. People living in humid climates should be aware that HPS lamps weep when the salt cools. You should definitely protect surfaces by placing a saucer underneath, and be sure to follow the use and care instructions that should come with your lamp!

7. Boost Mood and Concentration

Himalayan pink salt lamps naturally enhance your mood giving vibes of relaxation and unwinding.  Simultaneously, and on the other side of the coin, HPS lamps are excellent for improving concentration. This is due to the effect of negative ions on your body, which improves blood and oxygen supply to the brain and other organs while also increasing serotonin - the neurotransmitter that makes us (literally) happy.

8. Take care of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Aside from emitting negative ions that improve mood and energy levels, the soft, natural light emitted by a Himalayan pink salt lamp is similar enough to the warm glow of sunlight that it can be used to alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. When the days get shorter this year, combat the drowsiness by surrounding yourself with a few HPS lamps set on timers.