To lick your Himalayan salt lamp or to not lick your Himalayan salt lamp…this is, weirdly enough, a question I’ve seen pop-up on various forums and facebook posts. It seems that many people are curious about the potential benefits or risks of licking a Himalayan salt lamp, so I thought I’d tackle the research and cover it in this post.
While it may be tempting to lick your Himalayan salt lamp out of curiosity or as a joke, I’ll explain why it’s actually not that great of an idea. Keep reading to learn more about the potential risks and drawbacks of licking a Himalayan salt lamp, and why you shouldn’t deem it a food group.
Can I Lick My Himalayan Salt Lamp?
Generally, it’s not recommended to lick a Himalayan salt lamp. While the salt is not harmful to humans, it is not meant to be ingested and could potentially cause irritation to the mouth or digestive system.
Additionally, the lamp may have picked up other substances or contaminants from the air, which could be harmful if ingested. It is best to avoid licking the lamp and instead enjoy its aesthetic properties by simply using it as a decorative item or light source.
Is It Safe To Lick A Himalayan Salt Lamp?
Himalayan salt itself is not harmful to humans and is often used as a seasoning or as a natural remedy for certain health conditions. However, it is not meant to be ingested in large quantities, and it is highly recommended that you not lick a Himalayan salt lamp.
The salt may be rough or jagged, and the lamp may have picked up other substances or contaminants from the air that could be harmful if ingested. Licking a Himalayan salt lamp is not a hygienic practice, as the lamp may have been handled by other people or exposed to dust or other contaminants.
Remember, any salt…Himalayan or otherwise…that is used in cooking will have been processed and deemed safe to eat by the FDA or other food governing board. Lamps don’t go through those same tests and protocols because they are not food.
A lot of times salt lamps are either sitting out unpackaged in the store, or have had their packaging opened and handled by dozens if not hundreds of people…everything they’ve touched you’ve now licked (and what if other people in the store have tried licking the salt lamp you just purchased too!)
Would Licking A Himalayan Salt Lamp Taste Salty?
It’s likely that licking a Himalayan salt lamp would taste salty. Himalayan salt lamps are made from blocks of pure, natural Himalayan salt that are mined from the earth. The salt is not treated or processed in any way, and it is generally considered to be of high quality and purity.
Himalayan salt is known for its distinctive taste, which is often described as being slightly sweeter and less harsh than regular table salt. However, the taste of the salt from a Himalayan salt lamp may vary depending on the specific type of lamp and the conditions under which it has been used. The lamp may have absorbed moisture from the air, which could affect the taste of the salt.
What Do I Do If My Cat Licks My Salt Lamp?
While the salt in the lamp is not toxic to cats, the lamp may have picked up other substances or contaminants from the air that could be harmful if ingested. Additionally, the salt itself may cause irritation to the mouth or digestive system if consumed in large quantities.
If you notice that your cat is exhibiting any unusual behavior, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. The vet may recommend bringing the cat in for an examination or may provide guidance on how to proceed.
If your cat has only licked the lamp briefly and is showing no signs of illness, it is generally not necessary to take any further action.
However, it is a good idea to keep the lamp out of reach of your cat in the future to prevent any further incidents.
You can do this by placing the lamp on a high shelf or in a location that is not easily accessible to the cat.
It is also a good idea to keep all household chemicals and other potentially harmful substances out of reach of pets.
Are Salt Lamps Toxic To Dogs?
The salt in the lamp is not toxic to dogs, and the lamp itself does not pose a significant risk to dogs if it is licked. However, it is generally not recommended for dogs to lick or chew on any type of foreign object, as there is a risk of choking or other injuries.
If your dog has licked or ingested a Himalayan salt lamp, it is important to monitor the dog for any signs of illness or discomfort and, if so, contact your vet immediately. The vet may recommend bringing the dog in for an examination or may provide guidance on how to proceed.
Excess salt ingestion can lead to salt toxicity so make sure you keep your salt lamp away from where your dog can reach it.
Can I Use The Salt From My Himalayan Salt Lamp In Food?
It is not recommended to use the salt from a Himalayan salt lamp in food since the salt is not treated or processed in any way. Due to not being processed as a food item, it likely has contaminants from the air, such as dust or pollutants, which could affect its purity and safety for use in food.
Additionally, the salt from a Himalayan salt lamp may have absorbed moisture from the air, which could make it less suitable for use as a seasoning. Moist salt may clump together and may not be as effective in seasoning food as dry salt.
If you want to use Himalayan salt in your cooking or as a seasoning, it is best to purchase food-grade Himalayan salt from a reputable source. This will ensure that the salt is pure and safe for use in food. It is also a good idea to store the salt in an airtight container to preserve its quality and prevent it from picking up any contaminants.