Sunday, July 15, 2012

Amber Teething Necklaces: Helpful or Hype?

Product Review Sunday

Parenting message boards are filled will discussions about Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces. Baltic amber necklaces are made to wear but not to chew on. Baltic amber necklaces are supposed to help reduce teething pain. The theory is that baltic amber contains a natural analgesic, succinic acid, that can be absorbed through the skin to relieve pain. The body heat from the child will heat the amber, which then releases succinic acid which is then absorbed by the child's body through the skin.

Supporters of amber teething necklaces claim they support the immune system, have anti-inflammatory properties, and calm a baby without resorting to drugs. But, isn't any chemical that can be absorbed by the body, enter the blood stream, and be able to reach the source of the pain a drug? Click here to see how to properly use homeopathic remedies.

Dr. Andrew Weil, the popular spokesperson for a natural healing approach to health and wellness explains promoters of baltic amber teething necklaces claim that they stimulate the thyroid gland (to control drooling) and improve the ability of the immune system to reduce inflammation in the ears, throat, stomach, and respiratory system.

He asked Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of the fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and an authority on botanical medicine about amber teething necklaces. She told him that the use of these necklaces is not supported by modern science. She also noted she is not a huge fan of putting necklaces on infants due to the potential risk of choking any jewelry poses, including hazards from swallowing a bead if the necklace is broken.

What do you think? Have you ever used baltic amber teething necklaces? Did they work? Are they helpful or hype?





5 comments:

VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing said...

All the mommies I know who use these necklaces swear by them. They say they really work. I choose not to use the necklace for the exact same reason Dr. Tieraona Low Dog mentioned: choking. I think there will always be a split decision on these...

AuPairDebbie said...

hype

Unknown said...

That's what adds extra character, beauty and mystery. baltic amber

MilkyHeart said...

I have used Baltic amber necklaces for my two children and it really eased the teething pain. For my third kiddo I bought a bracelet, I'm sure it helped her as well, as she would not put her hands into her mouth.. It worked for my children, so it was helpful for me!

Baltic Essentials said...

Thanks for posting about this!
If you are looking for baltic amber necklaces for your baby, then visit Baltic Essentials.