Amber, often presented as a natural remedy, is widely believed to possess various healing properties, particularly within folk medicine and alternative health traditions. These beliefs suggest that wearing or using the substance can offer therapeutic benefits for a range of physical and emotional ailments.
What Amber Is and Its Historical Context
Amber is not a stone, but rather a type of fossilized tree resin that has hardened over millions of years, typically 25 to 50 million years old. The most commonly used variety for therapeutic purposes is Baltic amber, or succinite, which is fossilized resin from prehistoric pine trees that grew in the Baltic Sea region. This specific type is valued because it contains a natural compound called succinic acid, typically making up between three and eight percent of its weight.
The use of amber as a protective amulet and traditional remedy dates back to ancient times in various cultures. The Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, documented the medicinal properties of amber around 400 B.C. Roman women wore amber medallions for conditions like sore throats and swollen glands, believing it offered protection against illness. These traditions established amber as a substance with healing and protective qualities, a belief that continues in modern alternative practices.
Specific Therapeutic Properties Claimed
Advocates of amber as a natural therapy claim it addresses a wide array of conditions through its supposed analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Perhaps the most common contemporary use is in the form of necklaces or bracelets worn by infants to ease the pain and discomfort associated with teething. For adults, it is often suggested to help manage pain from chronic conditions like rheumatism and arthritis, as well as general joint and muscle aches.
Beyond pain, other claims extend to systemic health benefits, including supporting the immune system and helping to regulate the thyroid and endocrine glands. Some users also report psychological effects, such as reduced stress, relief from anxiety, and a boost to overall energy and vitality.
Evaluating the Scientific Evidence and Mechanism
The proposed mechanism for amber’s healing power centers on the release and absorption of succinic acid, which is present in Baltic amber. The theory suggests that when amber jewelry is worn directly against the skin, body warmth causes a small amount of the acid to be released. This succinic acid is then supposedly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, acting as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Despite this popular theory, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support that succinic acid is released from intact amber beads at body temperature in a quantity sufficient for absorption. Research attempting to measure the release of succinic acid under biologically relevant conditions has failed to detect any measurable amount. Furthermore, controlled laboratory studies have not consistently demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects from succinic acid at concentrations that would be considered safe or achievable. Any reported benefits from wearing amber are therefore most likely attributed to the influence of the placebo effect.
Safety Concerns Regarding Amber Usage
Since amber is frequently marketed for infants to help with teething, safety is a significant concern, particularly regarding the physical hazards of the jewelry itself. The beads pose a clear choking risk if the necklace or bracelet breaks and a small piece is swallowed. Even if the beads remain intact, the cord of a necklace presents a serious strangulation hazard, particularly while a child is unsupervised or sleeping.
Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have issued warnings against the use of amber teething necklaces due to physical dangers. Reported incidents include cases of choking on beads and fatal strangulation, highlighting the risk even with purported safety features like knots between beads.