How to magically have a free salt lamp in one minute,

[firenexx]

First off, I'd like to apologise to anyone who generates revenue from selling this product via affiliate programs on their websites.

So I've yet to find a published study or seemingly unbiased scientific explanation (i.e. not from someone selling it) on halite lamps and whether or not they actually improve air quality by removing positive ions or something like that. However, what I've read and heard anecdotally seems to make sense.

Rather than go out and buy one, I filled a nice teak bowl with coarse Himalayan salt crystals and put my little halogen desk lamp right above it (the lamp radiates quite a bit of heat.)

So if you want to try out the whole salt lamp idea without committing to a purchase, I might recommend this. But if you don't heat the salt enough, it won't allegedly work. Also this approach might only work for a small room, and certainly doesn't substitute for a good air filter and feng shui, and not living next to a coal power plant.

What are your thoughts on salt lamps? I am not inherently skeptic of everything, so I believe that they most likely do work (based on my experience picking apart "natural health scams," these seem more likely to do something than, say, ear candling.)

[stanmrak]

I have two salt lamps. There is definitely good science behind their benefits, although I personally haven't felt anything. This doesn't matter to me, since they are so beautiful they're worth the money just for their appearance.

What we know is that anywhere in Europe where there's salt mines, there's health spas set up so people can spend time in the mine. Similar to hots springs I'd guess. I've heard that salt miners in the Himalayans are considered to be some of the happiest people on earth because they spend so much time breathing the salt air down there. Think about that... they have one of the 'worst' jobs in the world.

Your makeshift rig is probably too small to have much of an effect unless you put it right under your nose. I use a 12-inch high model (which weighs 20+ lbs.) that is supposed to 'cover' an average bedroom.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by firenexx

What are your thoughts on salt lamps?

I think they're really pretty. I have a small one and I burn a scented candle in it, and it generates a nice ambiance.

As for how well it purifies anything, well... I have no reason to think it does, honestly.

I think if you're really in need of cleaner air (for allergies or whatnot), you're better off relying on an air purifier or some sort of filtering system.

[ChrisGinsburg]

Originally Posted by CaterpillarWoman

I think if you're really in need of cleaner air (for allergies or whatnot), you're better off relying on an air purifier or some sort of filtering system.

Yes but that would be mainstream advice. Personal Development rebels don't follow mainstream advice.

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by CaterpillarWoman

As for how well it purifies anything, well... I have no reason to think it does, honestly.

You don't have any reason because you haven't bothered to investigate it, apparently. Visitors to salt mines report that deep in the bowels of a mine, the symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory illnesses are significantly relieved. The very dry, negative ion environment of a salt mine has very powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal benefits, which all help to clear out the visitor's bronchial tubes and sinuses.

Pure crystal salt lamps release the same type of negative ions into the environment, creating the same benefits of being in a salt cave. Heated salt crystals are natural ion generators. Negative ions are electrically charged particles that help cleanse the air because they attach themselves to contaminates and allergens, which are positively charged. The larger particles formed by this interaction then fall to the ground and out of the air you’re breathing. These include allergens, dust, smoke, bacteria, mold, pollen, dust, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke and chemicals.

Negative ions can enhance the immune system, increase mental alertness and concentration, purify indoor air and control odors, plus provide many other health benefits.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by ChrisGinsburg

Yes but that would be mainstream advice. Personal Development rebels don't follow mainstream advice.

True. And I never research anything, so how would I know?

Originally Posted by stanmrak

You don't have any reason because you haven't bothered to investigate it, apparently.

Ridiculous assumption.

Yes, I have investigated it, and after years of experience, I do not believe that the small salt lamp I have, which is actually more of a simple candle holder (for a tealight candle) does much in the way of purifying the air.

As a matter of fact, I have several negative ion generators in my home (and they DO appear to work). Before I bought them, I got my husband (who is well versed in various matters of physics and such) to review the research on negative ions, and both of us were convinced that it was good science. Practical experience of them have indicated that when I don't use them, I have a more noticeable reaction to certain allergens, but that's not really a scientific study, just my own observation.

I just don't think my little candle holder is particularly useful for purifying the air and making it easier for me to breathe, though.

The OP specifically asked about salt lamps, not about ion generators, which is why I only commented on my own direct experience with a small salt lamp, i.e., I don't think it does much good.

Thanks for the lecture, though. Next time, I recommend you try to condescend just a little more, and do be sure to assume stupidity on the part of the person or persons you're speaking to. It will help you make your point ever so much better.

[firenexx]

Anyways

I should probably mention that I do have an air purifier with a negative ion generator.

The air in the salt bowl does feel nice when I take a whiff!

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by CaterpillarWoman

True. And I never research anything, so how would I know?

Ridiculous assumption.
Thanks for the lecture, though. Next time, I recommend you try to condescend just a little more, and do be sure to assume stupidity on the part of the person or persons you're speaking to. It will help you make your point ever so much better.

A little touchy aren't we? You say that you have researched negative ions and have found convincing evidence in their ability to clean the air. Salt lamps create negative ions. I assumed that if you had researched salt lamps you would know this, which would give you the reason (that you said you didn't have) to believe it in them.

However, I don't think that a small salt lamp warmed up for a few hours with a candle will make that much of a difference.