Diffusers and Salt Lamps…. Helpful or a Scam?

In today’s world we seem to be constantly flooded with influencers and celebrities trying to sell us “the next big thing”. Whether it be for weight loss, health, shopping, or eating well, it seems everyone has an opinion on the next thing you should buy to change your life. Two items I frequently see in regards to an individual’s mental health are Himalayan salt lamps and essential oil diffusers. People have said their anxiety is completely gone, their depression lifted, they’re sleeping better, and their overall health has improved. Could it really be that simple? Are there items out there that can completely impact your overall quality of life? While there isn’t one quick fix solution for every individual’s struggles, there are a significant amount of benefits resulting from the use of essential oil diffusers and salt lamps.

The use of Himalaya salt lamps has become popular relatively recently resulting in minimal research conducted on the benefits of their use. However, from the research that has been done and reports of individual’s incorporating these lamps into their daily life, many positive effects seem to be linked to their usage.

Himalaya salt lamps are natural ionizers, which allow them to change the electrical charge of the air in a room. Studies have found that positive ions can drain one’s energy creating the need for negative ions to balance the affect. Using a salt lamp releases natural negative ions, which can balance the air in a room and increase one’s energy levels. Other mental health benefits of salt lamps include reducing stress hormones, lowering cortisol and improving sleep. They’re also known to have an impact on lifting seasonal affective disorder which many individuals struggle with. Outside of mental health benefits, salt lamps are a natural antihistamine, are good for digestion, improve metabolism, are good for vascular health, balances electrolytes, prevents muscle cramping, supports a healthy nervous system, reduces electromagnetic radiation, enhances overall breathing, cleanses and purifies air, calms allergies and reduces asthma, alleviates symptoms of the common cold, boosts blood flow, sharpens concentration and performance, and enhances mood. Our mental and physical health is entwined. Doing what we can to maximize both aspects of ourselves is important for our overall functioning.

While diffusers themselves may not be a magical cure, the essential oils that can be added to them contain endless health benefits. There are different oils based on health needs and occasion. Whether you’re looking to feel relaxed, motivated, or energized there’s an essential oil for a wide variety of needs. Using a diffuser allows an individual to have a more active role in their health in a natural way. Diffusing essential oils promotes better sleep, improves respiratory health, elevates mood, reduces stress and anxiety, increases energy, boosts your immune system, improves memory and concentration, and can even control appetite. Regardless of what you’re struggling with or ailment may be impacting you, there’s likely an essential oil known to be beneficial. I encourage you to research something you may be struggling with and see if there’s an essential oil that my directly target that issue. Listed below are a few essential oils and their health benefits.

• Good sleep: bergamot, sandalwood, lavender
• Respiratory health: lemon, palo santo, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus
• Elevate mood: lavender, bergamot
• Reduce stress/anxiety: lavender, frankincense, neroli, chamomile
• Increase energy: grapefruit, cinnamon, lemon, orange
• Memory and concentration: rosemary, basil, spearmint, lemongrass, tangerine.

Whether you’ve had a long day at work, a conflict with a friend/family member, or are looking to improve your overall health salt lamps and essential oils can create a positive shift in mood and perspective.