One of my all-time favorite books is Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. It’s funny, easy to read, packed with practical tips, and genuinely inspiring. I’ve used many ideas from the book to make greener choices at home. One surprising tip that stuck with me was about salt lamps. Sophie explains it honestly and with humor:
“Just to clear the ion thing up—negative ions are the ones we want around us. They give off a fresh, clean smell and charge the air with great energy. Consider getting a salt lamp. Okay, I know it sounds weird, but they are really pretty to look at. A salt lamp looks like a large glowing stone and is supposed to balance out the positive/negative ions so that you can maintain some kind of natural air quality. There have been scientific studies (I love scientific studies!) that demonstrate a salt lamp can increase the negative ion count by up to 300 percent. Some people put them by their televisions or computers. The bedroom will do for me.”
I actually saw a few salt lamps years ago at a state fair. Sophie was right—they’re beautiful. I loved the warm amber glow of those rough, natural stones set on wooden shelves. I was tempted to bring one home, but John pointed out that hauling a big rock around might not be very practical. So I left the idea behind and went to visit the goats, and the lamp fascination faded for a while.
Then I read Sophie’s passage again.
I searched online for an affordable option and found a Himalayan salt lamp at Target for $19.99. It felt like a good deal for a hand-chipped crystal said to be millions of years old. The product description echoed the claims Sophie mentioned: “acts as an air purifier,” “ideal for reducing stress,” and “releases negative ions into the air.”
Whether it’s placebo or not, I do feel calmer with the lamp on. It emits a steady, warm glow—more like a glowing stone than a flickering candle—and that subtle ambiance is relaxing. Even when it’s off, the lamp makes an attractive, natural accent in the room.
Here’s the lamp at the corner of our media cabinet. Since I spend most of my day in the den—working and relaxing with John—placing it there seemed sensible. The gentle light makes that space feel cozier and more restful.
I’m hopeful the lamp might also help a bit with the upcoming allergy season. I suffer through a couple of rough months each year, and I’m curious whether the lamp’s purported air-purifying properties will make symptoms more manageable.
Speaking of allergies, do you have remedies that actually work? I’ve heard about local honey—based on the idea that small amounts of local pollen in the honey help build tolerance—and about stinging nettle supplements, which some say act like a natural antihistamine. I’ve tried over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra with no relief, so I’m open to suggestions. If you have a reliable tip, please share it—I could use the help.
If you want to explore more about better air quality, non-toxic beauty products, and eco-friendly living, Gorgeously Green is a great resource—full of practical ideas you can actually use.