What Is Baltic Amber And How Does It Work?

In recent years, Baltic amber has gained immense popularity among parents, especially moms, who seek natural remedies for their babies. But what exactly is Baltic amber, and why are so many moms turning to amber teething necklaces?

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What Is Baltic Amber?

Baltic amber is the fossilised resin of ancient pine trees that flourished over 50 million years ago along the Baltic Sea. Renowned for its high concentration of Succinic Acid, a natural analgesic, Baltic amber is believed to offer therapeutic benefits such as boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and easing teething discomfort when worn close to the body’s warmth.

Baltic Amber has also been known to help in the relief of headaches, reduces inflammation of the throat, ear and stomach, fight irritations, infections, arthritis, eczema, and menstrual pain.

It is important to note that Baltic Amber teething necklaces are meant for wearing and not for chewing. The thread is knotted in between each bead so that if the necklace does break it does not become a choking hazard.

Please beware of fake amber products, always check for a certificate of authenticity and buy from a reputable dealer.

Here are a few ways to check if the product you have purchased is authentic:

Smell Test

The smell test is highly effective because natural amber has a distinct aroma that’s hard to replicate in fakes. When burnt, amber emits a sweet, piney, and pleasant smell, which is why it has been valued for centuries. When heated, real Baltic amber releases a delicate pine resin fragrance. In contrast, copal (tree resin) melts at a lower temperature and tends to melt rather than burn, emitting the sweet smell of burning resins.

Rubbing Test

You can easily differentiate amber from glass or plastic by rubbing it. Rub the amber with your hands until it warms up and releases the characteristic pine resin smell.

Hot Needle Test

Insert a heated needle into a hole drilled in the amber bead. If you smell the distinct scent of pine resin, it’s real amber. Amber is fragile and will crack when pierced with a hot needle, whereas plastic will not crack and can be pierced easily.

Acetone Test for Amber

To test for real amber, apply a few drops of acetone (nail polish remover) or alcohol to the surface of the piece. If the surface becomes sticky or the fluid absorbs a honey-golden colour, the piece is likely not amber. Genuine amber will not dissolve or be affected by these solvents.

Salt-water Test

Real amber floats in salt water, which is why it’s often found washed up on Baltic Coast beaches, especially after storms. To conduct the test, follow these steps:

1. Pour 7-8 tablespoons of salt into 300ml of water.
2. Stir the mixture thoroughly for several minutes until the salt dissolves completely.
3. Place your sample in the solution.
4. If it’s real amber, it will float.
5. After the test, rinse the amber with pure water to clean it.

Artificially Inserted Insects

There are many cheap imitations of amber featuring “inclusions” of insects or other creatures. These inserted insects, and sometimes even scorpions, tend to be too large and perfect to be authentic. Finding ancient creatures inside genuine Baltic amber is exceedingly rare and would command an extremely high price. Most authentic inclusions are limited to small pieces containing tiny mosquitoes.

As you navigate the world of Baltic amber, remember its centuries-old reputation for healing and its current appeal as a natural remedy for teething and beyond. Authenticity is crucial when purchasing Baltic amber products. Always ensure your purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity and buy from reputable sources. With its unique properties and history, Baltic amber continues to offer comfort and relief to families seeking natural solutions for their little ones.