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Tammy Beckoning Bears
Nova Scotia
Posts: 3,739
Website

My mom has just been diognosed with rheumatoid arthritis .  She is  considering getting one of the more expensive copper and /or magnetic bracelets.  I know the results vary from person to person, but do they actually work ? What type is considered the best ,or is it all psychological ?  I'm a bit skeptical I guess.

Roxanne Bear Paws by Roxanne
Odessa, Tx
Posts: 917

Hi Tammy,
My Grandfather used the copper braclets for years and like Ms Rosenbaum said, "copper is copper". But if they think it helps them, thats good too.
Also, by experience of my own, I use the cream rub called "Blu-emu" super strength for my hands. It works great. It would be great it if you can get the real emu oil like Ms Rosenbaum spoke of.
Also, my Grandfather had arthritis in his hips. For as long as I can remember he carried a ....get this...... a little potato in his back pocket! It never rotted or gave an odor. As a matter of fact, it would get as hard as a rock after time. He claimed that it helped, there again if they think it makes them feel better, what harm can it do... :hug:  :hug:

desertmountainbear desertmountainbear
Bloomsburg, PA
Posts: 5,399

Hi Tammy for years I wore a magnetized bracelets,  I have fibromyalsia, have since the '80's.  It worked for me, whether it was physical or mental, it really didn't matter, it worked.  For the years I wore it, I could not wear a watch, they would always die after just a couple of months.  I always wore the watch on the opposite wrist, so it just shows they certainly do something.  My Mom spent tons on a full magnetic mat that she sleeps on every night, she love it.
Joanne

Tammy Beckoning Bears
Nova Scotia
Posts: 3,739
Website

Thank you all for the great suggestions  :hug: .  There is an Emu farm a couple of hours away, and I see they do sell the oil so I will definately look into that .  As for the bracelets, you are right, if you think it works what harm can it  be.   That mat sounds interesting too !  And hey, a potatoe is an interesting idea.

I would love to be able to help my mom  cope with the pain right now until she gets medications working.  What a weird disease, it just came out of nowhere for her a month ago, She  can hardly walk from the knee pain and swelling .  She's still young and not the type to sit around either so she is really getting discouraged. 

Any other suggestions are still welcome  bear_thumb

Gijzette Elfin Bears
Mount Dora FL
Posts: 1,507
Website

Tammy,

My husband wears a copper bracelet and says it helps him. I do hope your Mum can find some relief from the pain.

Hugs,

Donna Donna's Duin Bruins
Burbank, CA
Posts: 900

I wear a magnetic bracelet and it helps.  My dad had the magnetic mattress and he had magnets that you placed at different points on the body.  The magnets made the difference of his being able to walk for several more years.  I also use arnica gel and oil to help relieve pain.  You want at least 7% or higher.  Vinegar is also good for arthristis.  I had trouble making myself swallow the vinegar so I bought tablets. 
Good Luck for mom on finding something that will help.
Donna

BFB-Lyn Brimbin Forest Bears
NSW, Australia
Posts: 4,089
Website

bear_original I am finding this topic very interesting especially what you have said Lisa. Hubby was very interested to hear what you had to say about cramps as he has the same problem - definitely going to give the Magnesium a try. I also want to try the Emu oil capsules and rub. Have you bought from this place Lisa? It is over in S Australia www.emu-shop.com and their prices are a little less than Emuheaven.

Hugs Lyn  bear_thumb

thumperantiques Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,645

This is very interesting - I may have to try Emu Oil for my hands.  I do use Arnica Gel and it's good but I'll try anything if is natural and helps with arthritis. 

A doctor (who was also a naturopath) told us about Calcium/Magnesium tablets over 15 years ago.  They work as a mild muscle relaxer, which is why they help with leg cramps.  I also take one at night as I am not a great sleeper and it helps me to fall asleep.  It's funny how you stumble across these natural remedies.  I wish there was a really good book out there. 

I had a nasty skin infection on my arm about ten years ago and I'd tried everything to clear it up.  Nothing worked, including cortisone.  One of my customers said to try witch hazel.  I bought some and my skin infection was dried up in two days.  It's also good for insect bites etc.  It is an astringent with anti-biotic properties.   I always have arnica gel, witch hazel and 100% aloe vera gel in my medicine cabinet.  I guess Emu oil is next  bear_thumb   Thanks for the info, Lisa.

                                         hugs,

                                         Brenda

Carolyn Green Draffin Bears
Auckland New Zealand
Posts: 5,354
Website

My Mother wears a copper bracelet Tammy and she seems to think that it gives her relief from her arthritic pain.

I remember every now and again she would bury it in the soil as that was meant to help - don't ask me how or why!

Hugs
Carolyn
bear_flower

I hope that your Mother can find some relief from her pain.
bear_flower

Us Bears Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,479

Snake Oil!   bear_sad

If they really worked like the advertisers say they do, there would be some very, very rich humans out there!
The FDA has enacted rules that make it illegal to claim any health benefits from wearing one of these bracelets.

Ask you self one question.
Why is it that the only people who claim these magnets are good for your health are the ones who sell them?
If all those medical studies that they claim to prove these things work were really true then the why aren't they published in any mainstream publications?

However, if you really want to see some really neat magnetic jewelery, you should look at this!  :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf3z935R37E

Us Bears Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,479

If these things really work, why isn't there somebody who is richer than Bill Gates and Warren Buffett combined?
Surely, if magnets could cure arthritis pain, everybody would buy them...  "Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door."

But, the ONLY people who consistently claim that these things work are the people who sell them.  The ONLY medical studies that seem to show they work are bought and paid for by the people who sell them.  The researchers are always second and third rate.  There are NO major institutions studying them.  There are NO mainstream publications printing the results.  NO reputable institution has ever been able to repeat these tests with positive results.  There has NEVER been a successful double-blind medical trial that proves they work.

ALL of the evidence that says they work is purely anecdotal and is supplied by the people who profit from their sales.

If magnetic bracelets really cured arthritis, shouldn't there be throngs of people who have bought them praising them to the heavens?  Wouldn't there be hoards of people clamoring to buy them?  But, instead, some fly-by-night operators show up on TV or the internet and hawk expensive jewelery for a few months/years then disappear only to reappear in some other location, under a different name.

Government conspiracy my paw!  You're talking about a government that can't even get out of its own way!  Take a look at the news.  Do you think a government that can't even agree on how to repair the economy could ever muster a "conspiracy" to keep a few pseudoscience medical products off the market?

If the FDA is only trying to make money then why aren't THEY promoting these products?  If there was money to be made, surely they'd want their fingers in the pie.  And if they are manipulating the markets then why can't them manipulate the markets to make money from these products?

When a product becomes popular, more and more producers will spring up to sell their own versions.
When Susan Somers advertised the "Thigh Master", it was a short time before other companies were selling their own versions of the product...  "Butt Master"...  "Stomach Master"...  and even a "FACE Master."
My gosh!  When a popular song hits it big on the radio, there are 10 knock-off versions being circulated in a matter of weeks!

If these things really, really worked they would be sold on every street corner and in every store front and EVERYBODY would be using them.

But, again, the only people who consistently claim they work are the people who sell them... And people who have paid lots of money for them and don't want to admit that they got cheated out of their hard earned cash.

Go ahead.  Buy a magnetic bracelet if you want one.  Some of them are nice looking jewelery and they would make a good conversation piece.  That pull-apart bracelet that we showed you in our post above looks like it's a lot of fun!  bear_original 

We haven't got a problem with people buying things that they like.  We are only worried that people will buy expensive pseudo-treatments that don't really work and their conditions will get worse because they didn't seek reputable medical treatment when they had the chance.  Then, months or years down the road, they will find that they are sicker than they thought and there will be nothing that anybody can do because they didn't seek real, proven treatment when they had the chance.

White Forest White Forest Bears
Southern California
Posts: 556

...somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning... bear_whistle

White Forest White Forest Bears
Southern California
Posts: 556

Goodnight Lisa!  I'm off to Super Target! I've ran out of ink for my printer.

Donna Donna's Duin Bruins
Burbank, CA
Posts: 900

For leg cramps at night, I put a small hotel size bar of soap under my bottom sheet of my bed.  Down at the foot leg area.  It works wonders for some people.  Give it a try, it won't hurt you in any way.  If perfume bothers you, get one that does not have a strong scent.  I had a friend whose husband was having leg cramps at night.  I mentioned trying the soap.  Of course he thought I was nuts.  I talked his wife into putting the soap under the sheet on her side of the bed.  His leg cramps went away.  Now he checks to make sure the soap is there after the bed sheets get changed.  I have one friend who puts the soap in socks during the day also to help with the cramps. 
Give it a try if you or anyone you know have leg cramps at night.
Donna

Us Bears Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,479

We're not mad or anything.  We're just saying it like it is.

We weren't slamming Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.  They are two of the richest guys in the world that we could think of.  We only used their names as a reference.

Magnets are not made of minerals.  They are mad of iron.  Iron is a metal, not a mineral.

Neither are we knocking natural remedies.  Our human has developed lactose intolerance over the years.
He has gone from taking lactase enzyme tablets to eating foods rich in lactobacillus (yogurt, wine, cider/vinegar, etc.) and the problem has almost completely cleared up.

We are only saying that you need to be really careful when people make such claims and use a healthy amount of skepticism.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.  bear_happy

thumperantiques Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,645

Hi Lisa,
      You are a wealth of information - thank you!  How cool is this - I've learned more from you than in all of my geography classes (which I hated)! :crackup:  :crackup:

     One thing I've learned over the years is that nothing is concrete.  What works for some people doesn't work for others, as we are all so different in our makeup.

      Honestly, it's nice to see someone so educated about natural remedies and so willing to share the information.  I'm definitely getting some Emu Oil.  Thanks so much and glad to see your health is on the mend.  Take care of yourself.

                                              hugs,

                                              Brenda

Us Bears Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,479

Tricksters will often use vague words like "mineral" or "toxin" to describe their product or what their product does in order to mislead the public.

The actual definition of "mineral" is "a solid organic material with crystalline structure".
Iron does not have a crystalline structure.  It is not a mineral.  Iron is a metal.  However, iron (and other metals) can combine with other elements to form minerals.  Iron sulfide is a mineral.  It is a combination of iron and sulfur, more commonly known as "pyrite" or "fools gold."

Yes, there are some minerals that are good for your health in small quantities.
Calcium carbonate is a mineral that can be good for you.  It can help you build stronger bones.  But calcium carbonate is also the main component of limestone and chalk.  It is probably better to get calcium into your diet by drinking milk than it is to eat a piece of chalk.

By twisting up definitions of words, they are able to create the appearance that a connection between their product your health exists when there is no connection at all.  Then, by adding the words "organic" or "natural" to their claims they further cloud the issue.

We all know that all things "natural" are not necessarily good for you.
Castor oil is a natural substance that is generally believed to be good for your health.  The castor bean contains ricin, one of the most deadly poisons in the world.  (More than 100 times more potent than cyanide per unit of mass.)

The idea that "All things natural are good" is called the "Naturalistic Fallacy."  Many, many shysters try to use the Naturalistic Fallacy to sell products to the unsuspecting public.  The word "mineral," in the way it is often used to describe spurious health cures, is just another way of using the Naturalistic Fallacy to sell products that don't really do anything.

There are many good natural products.  Many people would do well to seek out more natural foods and medicines.  Many people would probably do well to take stock of the minerals their body needs (like calcium) and to be sure they are getting enough of them in their diet.

All we are asking is for people to read or study carefully and to use the test of intellect when they see a claim that some "natural" product or some "mineral" will benefit their health.  The truth is that the great majority of these products will only make your wallet lighter.

thumperantiques Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,645

Hi Lisa,
     I'm looking to see if we have any Emu farms in Ontario - if that flops, I'll try the local Natural Health Store.  I'll let you know how I do with it and thanks again for the info.
                                        hugs,

                                        Brenda

Tammy Beckoning Bears
Nova Scotia
Posts: 3,739
Website

Thank you everyone for the abundance of information.  Lisa, you certainly have educated yourself and found things that are helpful for you !  I got the Emu oil for my mom and will let you know if it helps.  I'll tell her about the results others have had with the bracelets.

  I think the  best thing is to gather as much info as you can from reliable sources , and consider all possibilities with an open , yet questioning, mind .  If it seems harmless , like the oil or bracelet why not try it.  I prefer to try natural, safe remedies over medication if possible, keeping in mind that natural doesn't always mean it is safest or the best choice.   Medication has it place too for sure.  Hearing success and failure stories from others, like those on  here , certainly helps one make a better decision than going in blind and un-educated for sure.  So thank you for everyone for your opinions and perspectives  !!   bear_thumb

thumperantiques Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,645

Hi Lisa,
      What a beautiful girl!  I know exactly what you went through - our son had terrible problems with acne and he was not a confident kid, although he had many friends. He used accutane successfully, but he was one of the few cases where the acne came back after it was stopped.  The second time he used it, his liver was affected and he had to stop it, and he was so upset.  He did outgrow it in his twenties and thank goodness he doesn't have a lot of scarring.  I'm glad the medication is working for your daughter!

                                              hugs,
                   
                                              Brenda

SillySu Susie's Bears
California
Posts: 153
Website

I have been wearing bracelets made from magnetic hematite beads off and on for several years.  They help me, and they help my husband.  I've made them and given them to friends.  I don't sell them, and I have no reason to gain monetarily from them.  They work for me but definitely you don't want to wear a watch when you wear the magnets.  My friends mother has a terrible back and she has a magnet under her mattress pad.  She swears by it and she's one of the most skeptical people I know.  Whether it's in your head or it really helps doesn't matter to me.  If it helps, it helps!!  I've gotten these beads at Walmart and craft stores but be sure they are magnetized...  Good luck!  If someone wants some and can't locate them I can mail them to you, I have extras...  I give them to my friends anyway!!  Susie

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