When you look into the history books, whenever early man discovered a new plant or mineral it was typically used for medicinal purposes. The discovery and use of the pearl was no different. When pearls were first discovered over 4000 years ago, they were not only for decorative purposes but could be ground into powder and used to cure illnesses.
Many ancient cultures believed that pearls had incredible curative properties. These properties could be channeled by simply wearing pearls or by using the powder of a ground up pearl. The powder was used to make potions, balms and salves that were used to cure a wide range of ailments. Ancient China is the country with the most documented use of pearls medicinally. Typically, pearl powder was taken internally or applied topically. Pearl powder is still used today in medicines by pharmaceutical companies.
When taken internally, pearls are said to beautify and clear the skin, detoxify the system, relieve stress, calm the nervous system, regulate the metabolism, energize the body and even improve eyesight. Pearls are also legendary for their use on the skin. Pearls are known to keep skin smooth, soft and lustrous. Pearls have also been used in the treatment of cuts, burns and as a cure for fever. While these claims come from ancient Chinese history, you can still buy pearl powder today.
Pearl powder is typically created with pearls that are not of a high enough quality to be made into jewelry. Freshwater pearls are the typical pearls used to create this powder. The pearls are ground down into a fine powder to be used either for internal medicines or topical creams. Pearl powder has many amino acids and minerals that are good for the body and is also high in calcium. It is believed that all of these elements can help strengthen bones and increase collagen production, giving people a younger looking appearance.
In the 13th century, the wealthy were said to have used pearls to help cure melancholy. It was believed that pearls could cure sadness because it had the ability to remove all impurities from the blood. Pearls are actually composed of alkaline and calcium which, when used correctly, can truly help to calm an upset stomach or sooth nerves. Pearls are more common in Asian medicine than in the Western markets.
There are many more myths about the medicinal purposes of pearls that do not include applying or ingesting pearl powder. It has been said that placing a pearl underneath a pillow can help a couple to conceive a child. Wearing pearls have been believed to cure madness, cure depression in women and treat jaundice. There is even a legend that says placing a pearl in the navel can cure stomach illnesses.
All of the information out there about how pearls can be used medicinally is a product of myth and history; none of it has been approved by the FDA. In a time when people are becoming more in tune with the environment and there is more awareness about natural healing, pearls are an intriguing option. Their beauty and luster has drawn people’s attention for years and it’s no surprise that people believe that beauty can translate within the body as well.
Author Resource:
Piper Smith is the VP of Marketing for Museum Way Pearls, a leading provider of pearl jewelry such as Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearl necklaces, and other jewelry. Museum Way Pearls can be found online at: http://www.museumwaypearls.com .
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