Pull in particles. These lamps supposedly attract allergens, toxins, and pollutants to their surface.

Possibly release negative ions. Some people believe negative ions in the air have health benefits.

Ions are molecules that have undergone a change in charge. Negative ions have gained an electron. Positive ions have lost one.

Some come from particles from outer space that make their way to Earth. Others form closer to home, from radiation, sunlight, lightning, or the collision of water droplets in a waterfall.

Some people say they feel more refreshed and clear-headed after a storm, a feeling they believe is due to the amount of negative ions in the air. Commercial ionizers and purification systems also produce negatively charged ions to create cleaner and more comfortable indoor spaces.

Mood Enhancing: One of the best treatments found in orange and amber light therapy is the mood enhancing ability. It can make a tough day better by promoting feelings of courage, higher self-esteem, happier and provides more energy. When you lack orange, you may feel stressed, fatigued, lethargic and confused.Himalayan salt lamps supposedly produce negatively charged ions while water molecules from the air attract to — and then evaporate from — the warmth of its surface. Those who believe in the health benefits of these lamps give negative ions much of the credit.

Claims About Himalayan Salt Lamps

Although a few studies show some benefits from negative ions, the evidence that salt lamps improve health is lacking.

Mood and sleep. Some people believe that positive ions in the air increase anxiety, crankiness, and other unpleasant feelings. They say that negative ones ease stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall well-being.

Studies with mice and rats suggest that high amounts of negative air ions alter levels of serotonin, a chemical that contributes to feelings of well-being.

In some human studies, negative ions at high concentrations did lessen depression slightly, but they didn’t have much of an effect on anxiety levels or sleep.

Asthma and allergies. The notion that negative ions may improve breathing has led to a few studies on the topic. In most of them, negative ions didn’t ease breathing or asthma symptoms. They also didn’t lower inhaler use in children and adults with chronic asthma.Cleaning the air. Negative ions do have some ability to clean harmful particles from the air. When ions build up on bacteria or pollen, they neutralize the pollutants. Studies suggest that negative and positive ions may kill germs, though exactly how isn’t clear, and some experts say the germ-killing may be due to other reasons. In any case, there’s no evidence salt lamps have this effect.