By Kimberlee Ovnik
Many organic materials, gemstones and crystals are said to have healing properties. Amethyst is considered the master healing stone for its calming properties. Rose quartz, known as the “love stone,” is believed to foster intimacy. And then there’s Baltic amber. Formed over 44 million years, amber, a deep honey color, is fossil resin produced by pine trees mainly in northern Europe.
The key ingredient in amber is succinic acid. Contemporary uses for succinic acid include as a food additive approximating the umami flavor, as an industrial lubricant and as an anti-aging ingredient in personal care products. But it is as a traditional folk remedy for teething pain that I became acquainted with amber.
Presumably, when Baltic amber is worn, the body’s warmth releases the succinic acid that is then absorbed into the skin. I have had great success with my 2-year-old son Kenny (pictured above) who wears a teething necklace of Baltic cherry amber (and turquoise, for additional immunity). He is more relaxed, sleeps better and drools less. Kenny now has 13 teeth and has had few complaints.
Many other parents are turning to amber as a natural solution to their children’s teething issues. After her son had an adverse reaction to acetaminophen during teething, Jennie Campbell learned of amber teething necklaces from pediatrician Dr. Lauren Feder. Intrigued by its success on behalf of her son, Campbell was inspired to become a homeopath, using amber in many of her treatments and designing a line of amber jewelry called The Art Of Cure. For my son, wearing amber has worked better than any other remedy, including teething pills and numbing gels. Baltic amber has been a big, warm, pain-free gift for Kenny during his teething experience, not to mention its fashion statement. Kenny started a trend, and now I’m wearing an amber necklace, too.
4 Responses to “Jewelry with a purpose”
January 25, 2014
Susan RodeckHi Kim,
I love your article, being that I have been working in the jewelry industry for quite awhile,it is very exciting for me to see you with such enthusium over these many special stones that are so helpful for little Kenny since he has been wearing them.
Thanks for writing such an informative article!!!!
Your Mom
February 8, 2014
KimberleeOvnikHi Mom,
Thank you. Yes the nugget does benefit from these fabulous amber necklaces and he looks like a little surfer dude. Can’t wait to see you.
Love you,
Kimmy
January 25, 2014
DonnaHighly informative article, love to hear of natural remedies that are so effective.
February 8, 2014
KimberleeOvnikThanks Donna,
I think these are fab! Pretty sure Kenny’s 2 yr molars finally punched through! Not a peep out of him with that process. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love, Kimmy