Copper has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, as recorded in some of the earliest records available. The Smith Papyrus, an Ancient Egyptian medical book, suggests copper as a remedy to sterilise both chest wounds and water for drinking. Copper bracelets can be traced back to the Iron age, around 800 BC, although it is suspected that they may have been used even earlier. The remains of many copper bracelets from this era have been discovered during excavations, and they are still extremely popular today. This is due to their medicinal properties, as copper bracelets have been found to have healing benefits for a variety of medical conditions. Here are some of the most common and well understood uses for medicinal copper bracelets.
Arthritis
The use of copper bracelets for the treatment of arthritis has existed for thousands of years, and it's one of the oldest treatments for the condition still existing today. In Ancient Greece, the use of copper bracelets was recorded to relieve aches and pains, similar to arthritis. It is a widely debated subject, but those who have experienced the healing benefits of copper bracelets for their arthritis claim that the benefits are too strong to be denied. In the modern era, use of copper bracelets for arthritis became popular in the 1970s following a series of scientific studies into the subject matter. The copper has both anti-inflamatory and antioxidant properties, which are both thought to combat joint pain and enable sufferers to move more freely as a result.
Copper has been demonstrated to be an essential micro-nutrient when it comes to keeping our blood, muscles and joints healthy. The healing properties of increased copper in the diet have been shown repeatedly, but it can also be absorbed via the skin using specially designed jewellery. The copper is absorbed by the skin, directly into the blood stream. In many ways, this is better than alternative, pharmaceutical treatments for arthritis and related conditions, as the bracelet can be worn continuously. The body is able to store copper and use as required, so a consistent flow of copper into the bloodstream will not cause any harm. However, it has been found that taking large doses orally can have negative side effects. Copper bracelets are a safe, continuous treatment for conditions such as arthritis. They can be worn throughout the day, enabling sufferers to move freely and with less pain.
Iron deficiency and anaemia
A large proportion of the world's population, particularly women, are deficient in iron. Consequently, anaemia is an increasingly common illness encountered by many people. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia throughout the world. Both iron deficiency and anaemia have a variety of debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, stunted growth, impaired regulation of body temperature, and decreased immune function. The condition is not restricted to developing countries, and is also common in the United Kingdom. Many efforts have been made to reduce the incidence of iron deficiency and anaemia, such as the fortification of many food products with iron and the increase in iron supplements available on the high street, but the problem persists. In extreme cases, doctors may inject patients with additional iron.
Copper bracelets are a non-invasive alternative to traditional medication and supplementation used to support those with iron deficiencies and anaemia. The bracelets work through the process of transdermal micronutrition, with iron being absorbed into the skin. Research suggests that absorbing micronutrients through the skin is more beneficial than taking oral supplements or injections, as well as being associated with fewer side effects. It is thought to be a more direct route into the blood stream, bypassing the process of digestion (in which micronutrients can be lost). Copper bracelets have also been found to be beneficial in treating the less prevalent zinc deficiency.
Cardiovascular illnesses
Copper deficiency has also been found to have a negative impact upon the cardiovascular system, with people chronically low in copper suspected to have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease than other people. Research suggests that low amounts of copper in the body have been linked to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause a multitude of problems within the body, including heart disease. There are strong links between copper bracelets and a reduction in blood pressure. This, combined with a good diet and regular exercise, can contribute to reducing your risk of cardiovascular illnesses associated with high blood pressure.
Infection and impaired immune system function
Copper has also been found to protect and fight against infection within the body. It contains antimicrobial properties, which can combat bacteria and viruses within the body. Considering that no negative side effects have been associated with the use of copper bracelets, it almost seems illogical to ignore the potential benefits. If you suffer from an impaired immune system, copper bracelets may be an affordable and noninvasive solution. Unlike with oral supplementation, there's no risk of copper poisoning when using the bracelets, so they're a safe way to promote general health and wellness.
Copper bracelets are undoubtedly an excellent choice for the treatment of many medical conditions, yet tend to be ignored by mainstream medical practices. Little to no side effects have been found to be associated with the bracelets, other than a temporary discolouration of the skin in some cases, or irritation in those with known allergies to copper.