Feeling Zen: Everything You Need to Know About Salt Lamps

Hey there.

I’ve been going to bed super late every night this week, and in the morning I’m SERIOUSLY regretting that decision.

Let’s take last night for example. I stayed up to watch Big Brother {please tell me someone else still watches this!}, but then I laid in bed and cruised around the internet on my phone. Pinterest seriously is a huge time suck. And to make matters worse, I started reading and responding to emails. At 11:30PM. WTF was I thinking? My alarm is set to go off at 5:15AM. 

But anyway, rant over. I’m exhausted. We’re all exhausted. I’ll pick up a pumpkin chai latte with almond milk this morning. Moving on. 

Today we’re talking about Himalayan salt lamps. I’m so behind on this trend, but better late than never. Am I right?!

I’m sure you’ve seen them around. I purchased mine from Home Goods, but they are EVERYWHERE these days. 

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s the pink candle holder in the photo above. But I know that you’re probably saying to yourself, “I thought you said it was a lamp? Nicole, are you crazy? That’s a candle.” OK, technically you’re right. But, for the purpose of this post, anything that lights up/heats a chunk of salt, I’m considering a salt lamp. Also – salt candle holder is annoying to say and type. Make sense? 

What is a Salt Lamp?

A salt lamp is made from pieces of Himalayan salt crystals. You know… the stuff you might put on your food. Combined with a light source, in my case a candle, the chunks of salt produce negative ions which have loads of positive effects. Salt lamps can range in color from pink or orange, and come in a variety of different shapes. You most likely have seen the big chunk of salt that you plug into an electrical outlet. But, there are also tea-light candle holders, like I have, as well as decorative baskets filled with smaller chunks of salt. 

What are some benefits? 

I’ll be 100% honest here. I purchased a salt lamp because I thought it looked pretty. However, after using it a bunch of times, I found that it also has amazing health benefits. Take this with a grain of salt. HA, grain of salt… salt lamp. OK. As with a lot of holistic practices, there are very limited research studies done to prove their claims. I’m just telling you about my personal experience. 

• Cleanses and deodorizes the air
• Reduces allergies and coughing
• Improves mood
• Reduces stress
• Helps me unwind

Yep, so whether or not there is evidence that backs up the claims, I still LOVE my salt lamp. Obsessed actually. Every night when I come home from work, I light the candle inside and put it on our dining room table. It clearly doesn’t put me to sleep, since I told you in the beginning of this post that I’ve been staying up wayyy too late, but It definitely has a calming effect. 

But hey, what do I know? Maybe it’s all mumbo jumbo, witch doctor stuff, but it’s OK. I’m into it. 

Talk soon.
xo, Nicole

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