By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 06, 2018 at 12:02 PM

Himalayan salt lamps are chunks of pink or orange-ish, mineral-rich salt with a light bulb inside. They usually cost under $20 and are available, among other places, at Walmart. And yet, some people find them miraculous.

"I suffer from bad allergies and had a hard time falling asleep at night so I ordered two because I wanted to see if they worked," says Jamie Mantyh. "I personally feel like they work wonders. My husband, on the other hand, thinks it’s a total joke."

Himalayan salt lamps are made (if they're the real deal) from deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan and are believed by some to provide health benefits because they are "natural ionizers," meaning they change the electrical charge of the air. However, there is no trusted scientific evidence behind these health claims. 

And yet ...

"They definitely helped improve the air quality within my apartment. I feel like my overall health and breathing is improved with them especially in regards to allergies," says Billy Haas. "I also think they are great benefit if you have pets because of all the added air pollution caused by them."

So does it matter that the health benefits of these glow-y lamps aren’t scientifically proven – especially if some people believe they are working in their favor? Probably not.

"And even if it ‘doesn’t really work’ they are so pretty and create pretty relaxing lighting. And are fun to look at," says Mantyh.

Mantyh, who actually has two lamps, added this Himalayan salt lamp fun fact:

"It needs to be wiped down from time to time because it gets mineral deposits on it," she says. "And it can get sweaty in summer when it’s humid."


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.