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Do Salt Lamps Help Asthma

Why Is My Salt Lamp Leaking

Himalayan Salt Lamp Testimonial for Allergies Asthma and Decoration

When your home has high humidity, the moisture may cause your salt lamp to cry or leak. Salt is hygroscopic. Water molecules from the air around them can cause it to appear as if the salt lamp is crying. In actuality, this is hygroscopy the pink Himalayan salt crystal is drawing moisture from the indoor air.

When your lamp appears to be crying, it has attracted water vapor from the air. This is a good thing as it also draws in airborne pollution attached to the microscopic water droplets and removes them from the air you breathe.

Many lamps are on a wooden base which might start to have white crystal dust on it from the salt lamp leaking water. If dampness is a problem in your home, you might want to place your lamp on a coaster or plate.

If you plan to be away from home for long periods in a humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier that drains into a tub while you’re gone. Otherwise, you can unplug your salt lamp and stick it inside of a plastic bag with a moisture absorber such as those with silica gel.

They Can Help You Sleep Better

Exposing yourself to excess positive ions can make it hard for you to fall or stay asleep. In some people, this can cause irregular sleep patterns or sleep disorders like insomnia.

Negative ions, including those from Himalayan salt lamps, may counteract this effect, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep for longer with no disruption.

Also, serotonin whose levels are increased by the presence of large amounts of negative ions has been known to play a role in sleep. Overall, salt lamps may help you have an improved sleep pattern and wake up full of energy and vigor.

In addition, the serene and soothing glow from the lamp may also help people who are struggling with insomnia and other sleep issues.

Himalayan Salt Lamps May Corrode

Many people ask of salt lamps are safe to leave on? The answer is, it’s not only safe but recommended, especially if you want to prevent corrosion. If you never turn them on they may corrode your furniture.Dont be surprised to see puddles of water on surfaces where you place your salt lamp. Salt is both corrosive and hygroscopic it absorbs water in humid areas, this water can drip down onto the surface where the salt lamp is placed and if that surface is metal, there is a risk of it being corroded away because of the chemical interaction of the salt water and the metal.

If your lamp has a wooden base and your lamp frequently sweats like this, then your wooden base also stands at risk of being corroded. So make sure the salt lamp is placed on place-mats and kept dry, especially if its kept in humid environments like the basement, bathroom, or kitchen.

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Can They Treat Eczema

Salt therapy is thought to relieve symptoms common of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, including redness, itchy and flaky skin.

Sue Morrisey, spa manager at Cloud Twelve in Notting Hill, says clients with these skin conditions have seen the benefits of salt therapy.

Salt is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, therefore it kills any germs on the skin and helps with any inflammation of the skin, she said.

It also naturally triggers the skin microcirculation and membrane activity and enhances protective and reparative properties.

Salt Lamps Arent Durable

Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Really Cure Asthma  Detailed ...

Our lamps are built to last and very durable, but most salt lamps aren’t as durable. You can read more about it on Our Lamps page. Be extra careful when youre handling Himalayan salt lamps, as salt is brittle and breaks easily. White Himalayan salt, to be specific, is the most fragile type of salt lamp, and that’s why it can cost more, because sourcing and carving it is a harder task.

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Other Benefits That It Provides To Asthma Patients

The oversaturation of positive ions in the air restricts oxygen supply to the brain and blood flow. This exacerbates a lack of sleep for asthma patients. Salt lamps work hard to neutralize those positive ions to prevent insomnia. The soothing light from the lamp enhances a sense of relaxation like no other.

A lack of proper sleep can worsen symptoms of asthma. The healing properties of the lamp soothe stress and anxiety to help you get plenty of rest. You will no longer toss and turn while forcefully counting sheep and can feel more productive during the day.

But Does Salt Therapy Really Work

If you search the Web for testimonials about salt therapy, whether it’s salt caves, salt pipes, salt solutions you drink, salt lamps or salt nebulizers, you are going to find hundreds, or even thousands, of stories from people who have thrown away their pill bottles, inhalers and had complete relief from all of their symptoms. It’s really quite exciting to read.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has appeared on the Oprah TV show and now has his own popular TV show, is reported to have said the salt pipe is one of his most anticipated alternative treatments to try, but I couldn’t find any endorsement or mention of it on his Web site, so I don’t know how accurate that report is.

Russia has apparently approved halotherapy, while the UK’s National Health Service and Asthma UK have not endorsed it. The U.S. FDA has approved the Himalayan salt pipe as a medical device, but that’s not the same thing as saying it actually works.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2006 suggesting that saline nebulizer therapy was a safe and effective additional treatment for cystic fibrosis patients who had used it for 48 weeks.

Unfortunately, there is a complete lack of scientific studies from reputable sources that prove this therapy works for all the conditions, including allergies, that are claimed. Many of the Web sites selling salt pipe inhalers claim there are studies, but don’t provide links to any of them.

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It Improves Blood Flow/circulation

Several studies indicate that negative ions, like the ones released from salt lamps, can help stimulate healthy blood flow within the human body.

This makes sense considering those who suffer from asthma often struggle with circulation issues.

That’s why keeping a bunch of decorative Himalayan salt lamps can really be helpful for the situation.

Furthermore, the improved blood circulation in our body can also eradicate cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, as well as prevent our lungs from being damaged.

They Improve Air Quality

Himalayan Salt Lamps: Real or Fake and How I use them

Salt lamps are often claimed to improve the air quality of your home.

More specifically, they are advertised as being beneficial for people with allergies, asthma or diseases that affect respiratory function, such as cystic fibrosis.

However, there is currently no evidence that using a Himalayan salt lamp can remove potential pathogens and improve the air quality of your home.

The claim that they are good for people with respiratory conditions may be partly based on the ancient practice of halotherapy.

In this therapy, people with chronic respiratory conditions are said to benefit from spending time in salt caves due to the presence of salt in the air.

Yet, there is little support for this practice, and its not clear whether it is safe or effective for people with respiratory conditions .

Furthermore, tests on air ionizers, which emit high levels of negative ions, havent yet been shown to benefit people with asthma or improve respiratory function (

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What Are Himalayan Salt Lamps

Himalayan salt lamps are crystals carved from amber-colored rock salt, hollowed out to fit a lightbulb inside. When you light them, they give out a warm, reddish-pink glow.

Sellers of these decorative pieces say they do more than light up a room. They claim the lamps can boost mood, improve sleep, ease allergies, help people with asthma breathe better, and clean the air, among other benefits.

The claims sound impressive. Yet the scientific evidence to back them up is scarce.

The salt in these lamps comes from the Himalayas, a mountain range that stretches about 1,500 miles across Pakistan, India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

True Himalayan salt lamps come from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. The salt this mine produces has a reddish, pink, or off-white color.

There are plenty of fake ones sold online. The real versions are fragile and give off a dim light. The phony products are tough to break and glow brightly.

What Are Himalayan Salt Lamps And Why Do People Use Them

Himalayan salt lamps are made by placing a light bulb inside large chunks of pink Himalayan salt.

They have a distinctive look and emit a warming, pink glow when lit.

True Himalayan salt lamps are made from salt harvested from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan.

Salt sourced from this area is believed to be millions of years old, and although its very similar to table salt, the small amounts of minerals it contains give it a pink color.

Many people choose to buy Himalayan salt lamps simply because they like the way they look and enjoy the ambiance the pink light creates in their homes. Meanwhile, others find their supposed health benefits alluring.

Summary Himalayan salt lamps are carved from the mineral-rich, pink salt mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. Some people buy them to decorate their home, while others believe they provide health benefits.

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Types Of Salt Therapy

Salt therapy began in Europe with salt caves, underground caverns with a high percentage of a particular kind of salt crystals, left behind as glaciers retreated centuries ago. Believers reported that spending two or three hours underground in these caverns each day produced relief of respiratory symptoms. In fact, this all started in the late 1800s when it was discovered that Siberian salt mine workers had a surprisingly small number of respiratory problems compared to their contemporaries.

Salt caves or simulated salt cave rooms are now found all over Europe and even in a few places in the U.S. This therapy is called speleotherapy or halotherapy, which means “dry salt aerosol inhalation therapy”.

To duplicate that environment of dry salt inhalation, companies have created medical devices called salt pipe inhalers. These hand-held devices contain special dry salt crystals and have a mouthpiece you inhale through . You can also buy salt crystal lamps that supposedly emit salt ions into the air in a room when turned on.

Other forms of salt therapy include salt solutions that you drink, made with special forms of salt crystals and saline nebulizers, where a saline solution is turned into a fine mist that you breathe in through a tube from an ultrasonic salinizer device.

All of these devices have their rabid supporters and wild claims of cures and symptom relief.

Claim: Salt Lamps Purify The Air

Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Really Cure Asthma  Detailed ...

Salt lamps are intended to cleanse the air, pulling in particles like allergens, toxins, bacteria, and pollutants. The reasoning here is that salt, in general, is a natural ionizer. It’s supposed to release the aforementioned negative ions, attracting airborne pollutants and altering their chemical charge. When the charge is altered, the pollutants are supposed to fall to the ground. But, no major studies validate the notion that lamps have the power to impact your air quality.

If you’re looking to breathe easy, though, there are plenty of fanciful air purifiers on the market, and even other natural strategies to cleanse the air.

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Can Salt Lamps Catch On Fire

Any light fixture has the potential to catch on fire. The salt crystal itself is not a fire risk. However, the cord can pose an electrical hazard. Like any other lamp you use for home decor, it’s essential to practice proper safety precautions.

First, make sure your lamp bulb is the appropriate wattage. Dimmer switches should not be turned on low for long periods. The higher wattage bulb being reduced can cause the electricity to build up in the switch and overheat. This is the only real risk with salt lamps, although the same is true with any light and electrical outlet.

A Brief History Of Salts Health Benefits

Polish physician Felix Boczkowski is credited for discovering the healing properties of salt in 1843. He noticed that the men who worked in the salt mines of Wieliczka, Poland, experienced fewer respiratory problems than other miners. He went on to publish a study, “About the Breathing of Salt Dust,” that laid out the health benefits of breathing salt air.

Dr. Boczkowski was such a believer that he opened a health resort at the salt mine in Wieliczka. Spa treatments included regular salt baths with the claim that salt inhalation was effective for treating asthma.

Over the years, salt treatments gained popularity across the world and now many people still believe you can get your own benefits at home by placing Himalayan salt lamps in the rooms where you spend the most time.

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Why Someone Might Use A Salt Lamp

While salt lamps are controversial in whether or not they actually truly work, if you read a Himalayan salt lamp review, youll often find people enjoying salt lamps that are dealing with one or more of the following health concerns:

  • Stress
  • Allergies
  • Breathing problems like asthma

When it comes to buying Himalayan pink salt lamps, take into consideration the size of the room in which you wish to use your lamp. The coverage of a salt lamp is determined by the size of the salt crystal.

For the average-sized bedroom, a smaller lamp is usually adequate, but if youre looking to use it in a bigger area like your living room, you want to opt for a large Himalayan salt lamp.

On average, to effectively cleanse the air of a space, you need one pound of salt rock for every 16 square feet area. If needed, you can always use multiple salt lamps spread out in a single room. They act as beautiful soft lights as well.

Do Salt Lamps Relax You

Himalayan Salt Lamps: Benefits and Myths

Salt lamps have a positive effect on your mood. According to one study, brain tryptophan and 5-HT metabolism were increased after salt lamp exposure. The results are discussed in relevance to its antidepressant effects.

We know that tryptophan is what makes us relax and feel good after a nice turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day!

Ironically, some people also claim to experience increased energy levels and overall wellness just being around the Himalayan Pink Salt Lamps. This makes sense because when you feel relaxed and well-rested, you’ll soon begin to have more energy.

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Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Reduce Stress

Negative ions produced by Himalayan salt are thought to help revitalise the body by producing chemical reactions with the feel-good chemical serotonin.

A study by Columbia University found that when participants suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder were exposed to negative ions, 58 per cent of them said they had experienced a reduction in their usual symptoms.

But even if there is a solid link between stress reduction and negative ions, a typical Himalayan salt lamp with a 40-watt bulb would be incapable of producing them, explains Dr Buckley.

To disassociate the minerals sodium and chloride found in Himalayan salt into ions, you would need to heat sodium chloride to 801C, she said.

Salt Lamps For Allergies Yay Or Nay

Short answer, Yay. Now the long version. Do Himalayan salt lamps really work for peoples allergies and if so how exactly does it happen.

Well, wed be lying if we could say exactly HOW it happens, but the anecdotal evidence and testimonials of rock salt lamp owners says that there is definitely an anti-allergic effect that people experience around their lamps.

If you have an allergy yourself, then you might know how little we know about them in conventional medicine. What we do know is that like Asthma, many allergies can be caused or irritated further by environmental factors, that could be anything like

  • mould
  • cigarette smoke
  • or plain old dust.

If salt lamps are cleaning the indoor air of your home environment, they are indirectly reducing the chances for allergies to flare up.

But theres still a lot of allergies that are caused by other factors, that a salt lamp could not and should not be relied upon to reduce, this includes allergies like peanut and food allergies, we still recommend you continue your regular treatments and see your doctor.

Having said that definitely give it a try, the worst that could happen is nothing happens, but on the positive side you could experience a slight or even significant relief in symptoms.

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Whilst some alternative treatments can prove effective for some eczema sufferers, they should still be approached with caution, explains Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and a British Skin Foundation spokesperson.

She said: There is little reproducible scientific evidence from high quality to advocate widespread use and for the time being, it is safer to stick to tried and tested validated treatments.

A dermatologist on the GMC specialist register will be able to guide you on the best treatments for your skin.

Levoit Aurora Himalayan Salt Lamp

Do Himalayan Salt Lamps Really Cure Asthma  Detailed ...

If you dont know what a great Himalayan salt lamp looks like, then you havent seen Levoit Aurora. Its a natural-cut salt lamp with a stainless-steel base, weighing up to a whopping 15 pounds.

The key features include dimmable lighting, which means you can change the intensity of the light with the touch of a button. It also comes with two 15W replacement bulbs, a drainage control system, and a 2-year warranty.

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