Negative Ions

You've probably seen the commercials for the Sharper Image Air Ionizer, the one that costs hundreds of dollars. That happens to be an excellent product that does indeed freshen the air, however, it also happens to be large, intrusive (needing to be placed, to function best, in the center of the room), not attractive and, for most budgets, too expensive. We have, however, learned of an extremely inexpensive, completely natural, wholly effective  and very beautiful alternative to that piece of technology...salt.

For centuries people have known about  the ability of Salt Crystal Rock to improve air qualities by enriching air with " Negative Ions " which is beneficial to humans. Salt Crystal Rock (regular mined or sea salt) produces negative ions, the same negative ions that are produced, in nature, and  concentrated in the air by the billions; on Mountain Tops after Thunder Storms, near water falls, forests, and by the Sea. Negative Ions give the air its invigorating freshness, and clean the air of harmful bacteria. 

A simple cool dish of salt, just sitting on the counter, is actually producing a field negative ions, however, when that same dish of salt is heated, a much higher number of negative ions is produced, increasing the freshening and healthful benefits. 

And so, how can we produce this effect? Very simply with any aroma lamp ("oil burner"--the type of setup where a tea lite heats a glass, soapstone or ceramic dish into which one would traditionally add hot water and drops of fragrance or essential oils). For the negative ionizing effect, add an ounce or so of large grained sea salt (available below) into the dish of the aroma lamp and light the tea lite. As the salt heats, more negative ions are produced, and you can even add to the freshening  and therapeutic effect by putting just four to ten drops of any essential oil onto the salt. (Go for the aromatheraputic benefits of the essential oils, rather than just some chemical fragrance oil that does nothing other than just smell pleasant.) It's just that simple.

One word of caution, however...Be sure that the aroma lamp that you choose can take the direct heat of the tea lite without the benefit of the usual water that is added. If in doubt, add some water to your salt. It's our experience that the soapstone burners are safest, but to be sure, never leave any type of aroma lamp or oil burner unattended.