The Real Truth About The Himalayan Rock Salt Lamps🌹
- Psychic Medium Karen🌹

- Dec 3, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
The Positives, The Risks, And Where To Place Them In Your Home

If you have ever been drawn to the warm soft glow of a Himalayan rock salt lamp, you are not alone. They look beautiful, they create a calming atmosphere, and many people use them as part of their spiritual or wellness practices. This one (refer to photo) I have in my living room now is only on every now and then more for aesthetic purposes and at best it is only on for two hours a day due to the fact that I have cats, because there is some things people need to know when having pets in the house and also owning these lamps not only can the lamps be toxic, but they can also be messy. Normally, I place a saucer underneath as it can warm up to a point where it begins to drip. The saucer catches that as there's a hole in the stand, however there can be times it will have salt residue forming over the base which requires constant cleaning especially when it was in a more enclosed room, so I recommend lots of ventilation.
So, I thought with Christmas approaching and many seeking a spiritual alternate lifestyle, I thought now was best to address some important factors about the Himalayan rock salt lamps that should be addressed. But as lovely as they are, there are real facts you should know before you leave one on all day or place it anywhere in the home.
Today I want to walk you through the positives and the risks in a very down to earth way, so you can enjoy your salt lamp safely and with confidence.
The Positives People Love
One of the biggest reasons salt lamps have become popular is because of the peaceful light they give off. That warm amber glow naturally softens a room and helps set a relaxing tone. Many people find that this gentle light is great for meditation, night time winding down, or creating a peaceful energy in spaces that feel overwhelming.
Another benefit often mentioned is that rock salt absorbs moisture from the air. While the scientific evidence is mixed, many people say their salt lamp helps their space feel less heavy or slightly clearer.🤔 I could debate that, because much of this is I have found to be nothing more than a placebo effect.
And honestly, even if you simply love the aesthetic, there is nothing wrong with that. A beautiful lamp that makes your space feel comforting can still add value to your home and your wellbeing.
The Risks You Need To Know
Even though they look innocent, rock salt lamps can come with some real hazards when they are not used correctly.
⚜️Electrical risk from moisture.
Salt attracts moisture and that moisture can slowly drip down the lamp. When this happens, it can erode electrical wiring and even damage power points or other appliances. This is why you should never place a salt lamp near televisions, computers, modems, radios or anything that involves wiring. If you have ever noticed a salt lamp that feels damp or sweaty, that moisture is exactly why it must be kept away from electrical equipment.
⚜️The danger for pets.
This one is extremely important. Salt lamps can be dangerous for cats and dogs. Some pets will lick the salt and this can lead to salt poisoning. Cats in particular are curious and will often investigate things on tables and shelves. If you have pets, especially cats, salt lamps are not recommended. It is always better to be safe than to deal with a serious health emergency.
⚜️The danger for humans
I remember once leaving my salt lamp on a bedside table as I slept and I thought it would be therapeutic. How wrong was I? I found I could barely move, my whole body was aching from top to toe after using it continuously for a week having slept beside this. I ended up that I was coughing up salt. My mouth tasted like salt. I also started having what felt like convulsions, my body shook and after the ambulance arrived they diagnosed me with salt poisoning because of this rock salt lamp so guess where it ended up? In the bin. They also divulge to me. This is very common because people do tend to have it next to their bed or in their room as they believe it to help with arthritis however if the lamp is too strong it can be more damaging than beneficial, so for me it was a very hard lesson to learn.
⚜️ Keep them well away from your favourite plants
It’s important to know that if you have these near your plants, your plants can die.
How Often Should a Salt Lamp Be On
Salt lamps work best when they are warm because that warmth helps minimise the moisture build up. However, that does not mean you should have them running 24/7.
A safe guideline is to turn your salt lamp on for a few hours at a time. This keeps the lamp dry without overworking the bulb or the wiring. If you notice your lamp sweating heavily or forming puddles underneath, that is a sign that it needs to be turned off for a while or moved to a different area with better air circulation.
Where To Place Your Salt Lamp According To Feng Shui
In feng shui, salt lamps are seen as wonderful for grounding and clearing the atmosphere of a room, but only when placed with intention.
Here are the most supportive locations:
⚜️The living room.
Place the lamp in a corner that feels heavy or tense. The warm glow helps soften the energy and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
⚜️The bedroom.
If you find the glow calming, place it on a bedside table that is not close to your head when sleeping. This keeps the space balanced while avoiding overstimulation. Make sure there are no pets who can reach it. Because if they happen to lick any liquid that forms it could kill them.
⚜️The front entrance.
A salt lamp near the entryway helps set a peaceful tone as you walk in and encourages a sense of calm for anyone who enters your home.
⚜️Areas you want grounding.
If a part of your home feels chaotic, busy or emotionally cluttered, the soft glow can help stabilise that environment.
⚠️Where not to place it:
•Do not place a salt lamp near electrical appliances, on top of modems, near televisions, or beside computers. The moisture in the salt can cause serious damage it doesn't have to leak near it but the moisture released into the air can get into the vents of the machine and its' goodbye Charlie!
•Do not place a salt lamp anywhere pets can reach, especially cats.
•Do not place it in a bathroom or near windows where moisture is high.
Common Myths vs. Reality
⚜️Myth 1: They purify the air. Many believe salt lamps release enough negative ions to cleanse indoor air. In reality, the ion output is extremely minimal and nowhere near what’s needed to improve air quality.
⚜️Myth 2: They cure respiratory issues. Claims suggest salt lamps help with asthma, allergies, or bronchitis. However, there’s no scientific evidence that simply owning a lamp improves respiratory health.
⚜️Myth 3: They boost mood and reduce stress. Advocates say the warm glow enhances mood and reduces anxiety. While soft lighting can feel calming, there’s no proof the salt itself has psychological effects beyond ambience.
⚜️Myth 4: They improve sleep. Some argue salt lamps promote better sleep. The truth is, any benefit comes from the dim lighting reducing blue light exposure, not from the salt itself.
⚜️Myth 5: They neutralize electromagnetic radiation (EMF).
A widespread claim is that salt lamps absorb harmful EMF from electronics. This is scientifically unfounded; salt crystals cannot block or absorb EMF .
⚜️Myth 6: They are powerful healing tools.
Some sellers market them as remedies for cancer, dementia, or heart disease. These are dangerous exaggerations with no medical backing.
On a final note:
Salt lamps can be beautiful and calming additions to your home, but they need to be used with care. When placed correctly and used for reasonable periods, they can create a soothing atmosphere and support the feng shui of your space. Just always keep in mind the electrical risks and the dangers they pose to pets.
If you love the look and feel of them, enjoy them safely and mindfully. A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to creating a home that feels peaceful, grounded, and truly yours.
I hope this blog has been helpful to anyone who is thinking about buying a rock salt lamp for themselves or for a loved one as a gift. After all, you could just buy them a reading.😉
Karen 🌹🪽








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