Amber Teething Necklaces: Helpful or Hype?

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Parenting and nanny 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 a homeopathic treatment 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 say they support the immune system, have anti-inflammatory properties, and calm a baby without resorting to drugs. But, any chemical that can be absorbed by the body, enter the blood stream, and be able to reach the source of the pain should be used cautiously. 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.

But, so many parents and nannies swear by its effectiveness. The key is to keep the necklace short enough so that the baby cannot put it into their mouths or play with the necklace to reduce the chance of being a choking hazard.

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

You can purchase your own amber teething necklace by clicking links above or below:

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace For Babies