Being that my friend is a very smart woman (PhD type smart) she had read the benefits of having young children wear Baltic amber around their neck to soothe teething pain and help relax them, but her analytical mind needed more proof.
Since I have clearly boxed myself into the "crunchy momma" role amongst my non-crunchy friends, she asked me if I had ever used this treatment on my kids.
This is actually one of those things I wasn't yet hip to. I had seen many little ones rockin' some honey colored chains at Holistic Moms Meetings and LLL, but I never thought to ask where the trend came from. I just figured it was one of those things I wasn't yet ready to know about as a new crunchy convert.
So I asked my uber knowledgeable group of mommas what all the hype was surrounding these fashionable and functional necklaces and the response was overwhelming.
Here's the lowdown on why Baltic Amber may help with teething:
Amber is fossilized tree resin (not sap). It was first mentioned in history back in the 4th century BC when used to describe the tears of the Greek sun God, Helios. It has been used for ornamentation and jewelry since the stone age, 13,000 years ago.
Baltic amber, specifically, contains "the highest concentration of succinic acid-- the lighter, milkier the amber, the higher concentration of the acid as well." Succinic acid naturally occurs in plant and animal tissue and aids in the Krebs Cycle--- basically the process in which oxygen is processed in the body for everything that requires it. This colorless crystallization is what is present in amber necklaces.
So how does it actually work? Succinic acid has a long history of being used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, sedative, and contains anti-oxidant properties that help fight free radicals. "It can act as an analgesic (pain killer), anxiolytic (anxiety reliever), and is used in the production of antibiotics, vitamins and amino acid."
By wearing the Baltic amber directly, the heat from our skin helps to release the succinic acid and absorb it into the body. Which is why many mothers are claiming that it helps with the sometimes stressful teething period.
The most important thing to do when considering uses amber for your infant or child is make sure the company you obtain the necklace from has made it safe for their use. Little kids are known for being able to choke on just about anything. Make sure the clasp easily breaks and that each individual bead is knotted off, so that if it does break only one will be a potential baby snack.
Also don't get duped by companies selling "teething amber necklaces" that do not come from Baltic amber. It needs to be Baltic Amber, so do your research and ask around.
I was a little skeptical at first, but after the glowing recommendations
from my mommy friends I just might try it on my kid too. My 17 month old got most of his teeth all at once, and still has a few more coming in. He is sometimes inconsolable and really fussy, especially in the middle of the night. Maybe this will work to soothe him, instead of using my breast as a pacifier all the time.
Yes, that would be nice.
Have you used Baltic Amber necklaces on your baby? Does it work?
Trying something new in Granolaville,
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2 comments:
I can't wait to get one for my friend...she will love to try this for her 6 month old son who is teething.
Hi
You have to be careful about fakes. Genuine Baltic Amber is available from www.loveamberx.com
There is a half price sale in the ebay shop too and have a facebook page " love amber x "
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