The healing powers of gems have been observed since time immemorial. Late astrologers and native healers have experimented on the remedial effects of various organic gemstones on the human body, often with stunning results. Ancient Indians knew that the deficiency of vital elements such as air, earth, fire, water and ether in parts of the human body known as “Panchabootha,” causes chemical and energetic imbalances resulting in physiological and psychological diseases. However, it was not until the development of modern science and availability of chemical testing that the hidden properties of gemstones as a storehouse of energy were brought to the light of awareness. It became clear that organic gemstones emit various frequencies of energy vibrations which can compensate for deficiencies in the human body when worn. In effect, they offset various imbalances and provide relief. Furthermore, their multifarious colors are used in color therapy for psychic healing.

Research indicates that pearls transmit orange rays with a cold effect. Wearing pearls can reduce heat and balance bodily fluids. Thus, they can be used to treat blood diseases and others related to bodily secretions caused by extreme body heat.

In traditional Indian medicine, the pearl is known as the healing panacea against bleeding, madness, poisoning, jaundice, lung and eye diseases. The powdered pearl is still used as an aphrodisiac amongst Hindus. Similarly in the East, the fructifying aphrodisiac qualities of the pearl is emphasized. In traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, the virgin (un-pierced) pearl has also been used to heal diseases of the eyes.

Pearls are said to have a calming and peaceful effect on the mind, facilitating spiritual meditation, creativity, concentration and peace of mind. Heralding feelings of love and compassion, they are said to calm nerves, decrease anxiety and tension, help with anger management and mental problems caused by an excess of heat in the brain and heart, and increase sexual virility. Wearing pearls can supposedly help women with menstrual cramps, insomnia and uterine problems. It is also said to increase women’s facial luster, thus enhancing their natural beauty.

Since pearls are composed of calcium carbonates, when dissolved in lemon juice or vinegar, they can create a strong potion. In some European countries, this mighty potion is said to have been used as a cure-all remedy for many diseases of the mind and body including epilepsy, heart disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, ulcers, fever, madness and melancholy. Lorenzo de Medici was reportedly cured of fever with this magical potion. Even today in the West, oysters reputedly serve as an aphrodisiac.

Arranging pearls in a grave was said to regenerate and resuscitate the dead, placing them within a cyclic cosmic rhythm of birth, life, death followed by rebirth, as in the phases of the moon. In ancient Persia, many were buried with pearls placed in their hands. In parts of India and Borneo, pearls were placed in the mouths of the deceased. In cultures as varied and far apart as Egyptian, Mexican and Native Americans in Florida, pearls were placed in baskets in tombs. In Laos, to this day, the dead are buried with pearl-embroidered clothes, caps or belts.

Pearls could either be worn for their curative powers; or they could be ground up and made into potions, balms and salves to treat a wide variety of ailments such as liver and heart problems, asthma, memory loss, insomnia, jaundice, infertility, insect or snake bites. According to a legend, a pearl placed in the navel can cure stomach disorders! It is said that Kokichi Mikimoto, the first pioneer to master the art of cultivating and distributing cultured pearls, daily consumed two crushed pearls as a dietary supplement until he died at the uncharacteristically old age of 97.

Today inferior quality pearls (which cannot be used in jewelry) and their shell hosts are ground up into a fine powder for use as aphrodisiac, cosmetics and ground fertilizer. They are even used in modern pharmaceutical industry to prepare calcium.

© 2006 Blackpearlgoddess.com, All rights reserved.