Does amber necklace really work? Doctor clarifies doubts

Amber is a fossil resin found mainly in the Baltic Sea region and has been increasingly used for its medicinal properties when in contact with the skin.

The practice was already very common in Europe. But recently, when Brazilian model Gisele Büdnchen placed the amber necklace on her youngest daughter, the theme reverberated and many Brazilian mothers and fathers came to know the necklace and use it on their babies.

However, according to pediatrician Marcia Yamamura, there are no scientific studies conducted that prove its real effect and also no side effects. “The amber necklace, because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, is being widely used to relieve the discomfort of teething eruption in babies. But when we talk about babies and everything that refers to them, we should always be very careful”, says the doctor.

The benefits of amber necklace

The main benefits would be provided by succinic acid, which is present in amber and is released when the resin comes in contact with the skin. Are they:

• Strengthens the immune system;
• Improves the nervous system;
• It has anti-inflammatory properties;
• It acts as a muscle relaxant.

For these advantages, many mothers and fathers choose to use the amber necklace on their children during the teething phase, believing that in this way the baby will feel less discomfort common during this period. However, the Brazilian Association of Pediatric Dentistry does not recommend its use, especially because of the risk of suffocation.

Amber necklace care

One of the main precautions has to do with the risk of strangulation. According to pediatrician Marcia Yamamura, the use of any type of necklace or cord in babies is not recommended. “The use of the amber necklace must always be monitored and on a full-time basis, which in practice becomes impossible. The baby can accidentally rip or break, ingest the pebbles or even strangle itself if the cord gets stuck somewhere”, warns Marcia.

An alternative would be to use amber in bracelets and anklets. “But even so, the risk of the baby breaking the necklace and putting the object in the mouth exists”, says the doctor.

If the baby is really going to use it, the professional lists some important tips:

• Remove the necklace to sleep;
• Constantly check that the cord is in good condition, because if it is worn out, the chance of breaking is greater;
• Always check the clasp, which must be threaded;
• Pay attention to any allergies that the necklace may cause in the neck region;
• If the baby feels uncomfortable putting it on, remove it immediately. There are children and adults who cannot stand necklaces.

Attention when buying

The value of the necklace varies according to the type of amber: the more polished and cut, the more expensive. On average, it costs between R$65 and R$90.

It is also important to check the authenticity of the product, as there are imitations of plastic, glass and other materials. One way to test it is by touching the product, as amber is warm, while imitations are usually cooler than the skin.

If you’ve already purchased it, you can add a drop of alcohol or acetone and see if it makes any difference. If it changes the color or becomes stickier, it’s not original.

Stories from those who have used it

Many mothers, satisfied with the result of using the necklace on their babies, have shared the experience on the internet, as a way of clarifying other people’s doubts. See some:

Our experience with the amber necklace, by Rê Dourado

The youtuber says that she started with the bracelet, out of insecurity, but ended up changing to the necklace, and talks about how the result was with her son, who never had a fever or diarrhea because of the teething, in addition to having had a better sleep. quiet.

What is amber – my experience with the necklace, by Michelle Souza

Michelle says that the necklace greatly influenced her son’s life and that she even intends to use it on herself and her husband, as she did not notice any discomfort and realized that the discomforts were reduced.

Our experience with the amber necklace, by Flávia Rubim

Flávia clarified doubts about the use of the necklace on her daughter and said that it was a help in the process of eruption of the teeth, as her baby did not have a fever or other strong reactions.

The doctor points out that, in the case of the amber necklace, the belief stands out due to the lack of scientific records, as the fathers and mothers who use it claim that it works. “And believing that the artifact works is already half the battle”, she concludes.