Amber is a fossilized tree resin, often mistakenly called a stone or gemstone, that solidified over millions of years. The type most commonly associated with purported health benefits is Baltic amber, which originated from the resin of ancient pine trees surrounding the Baltic Sea. This organic material has been utilized across centuries for its aesthetic qualities and alleged therapeutic properties. This historical use has led to numerous modern claims regarding its ability to alleviate physical discomfort and support general wellness. This article examines these claims, the chemical mechanism proponents suggest, and the current scientific understanding of amber’s efficacy and safety.
Traditional and Purported Physical Uses
Throughout history, amber has been incorporated into folk medicine practices across Europe and Asia. Ancient physicians like Hippocrates and others in the Roman Empire documented its application for a wide array of ailments. Historically, it was commonly ground into a powder or mixed into tinctures to treat conditions ranging from stomach pains to ear and eye infections.
In contemporary alternative health circles, amber is most popularly known for its claimed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Amber jewelry, especially necklaces, is frequently promoted as a natural remedy for teething discomfort in infants. Adult wearers also claim amber can help manage chronic conditions, including joint pain, rheumatism, and arthritis. Purported benefits extend to general physical wellness, such as relieving headaches, reducing stress, and improving circulation.
The Alleged Mechanism: Succinic Acid and Body Heat
Proponents of amber’s therapeutic use point to the presence of succinic acid as the source of its effects. Baltic amber naturally contains a high concentration of this compound, constituting between three and eight percent of its total weight. Succinic acid is an organic compound that occurs naturally in the human body, playing a role in the Krebs cycle, a fundamental process of cellular energy production. The theory suggests that when amber is worn against the skin, body warmth causes the succinic acid to be released from the resin. This release is claimed to happen in trace amounts, which is then supposedly absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream to act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and analgesic.
Scientific Consensus and Safety Considerations
Despite the widespread claims, scientific evidence does not support the theory that succinic acid is released from amber at body temperature in a therapeutically meaningful way. Laboratory testing indicates that succinic acid is only released when the material is heated to extremely high temperatures, typically around 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). The average human body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius is insufficient to trigger this chemical release. Studies mimicking human skin conditions have failed to detect any measurable amount of succinic acid release. The lack of clinical trials demonstrating anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects means that any relief experienced is likely due to the placebo effect.
Health professionals and regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have issued strong warnings against the use of amber teething necklaces due to significant physical safety risks. The primary concerns are choking and strangulation hazards, which relate to the physical nature of the jewelry. An infant wearing a necklace, especially while unsupervised or sleeping, can be strangled if the cord catches or wraps too tightly around the neck. Additionally, the small beads pose a choking risk if the necklace breaks and a child swallows them. There have been reports of serious injuries and even death linked to these necklaces.