Gems have been used for healing purposes since time immemorial. In almost all cultures, there is evidence of the use of healing stones. For example, the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians made various tinctures using gemstone water.
In Ayurvedic medicine, too, there are precise instructions recorded for making pastes, elixirs or powders with gemstones. In Europe, the most widely known gemstone therapy was documented by Hildegarde von Bingen.
Today, proponents of gemstone therapy assume that the different vibrations of the atoms in the crystal lattices of the stones can positively influence the body’s vibrations.
The History of healing stones
The History of healing stones goes back to the beginnings of humanity. People have always processed gemstones into jewelry, and believed in the use of these stones for healing. Below you will find an overview of the History of healing stones.
- Stone Age: In the Stone Age, Neanderthals began to process soft gems such as Amber into amulets. Jewelry made with the healing stones were believed to keep misfortune, illnesses and evil forces away. The amulets and chains also protected their wearers and gave them extra strength.
- 4000 B.C. – India: The Vedic religion in ancient India includes the use of gemstones. Detailed descriptions were found for the production of various powders, pastes and elixirs.
- 3000 B.C. – China: The Chinese Emperor Shennong in his medical writings described in detail the healing properties of various stones. According to legend, the emperor lived about 5,000 years ago.
- 400 – 300 B.C. – Greece and Egypt: The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, describes the healing properties of gemstones. In addition, the ancient Egyptians buried their dead with amulets of gems in their tombs.
- Until 1123 A.D. – Bible times and Middle Ages: Evidence of the use of healing stones is also found in the Bible (especially in the Old Testament). The book by Bishop Marbod of Rennes is noteworthy regarding gems.
- 1098 – 1179 A.D. – Hildegard von Bingen: The well-known Benedictine, poet, abbess, composer and universal scholar also attributed great importance to gemstones. She used the healing stones both internally and externally for therapeutic purposes.
For more information:
- History of gems
- Birthstones
- Healing stone therapy
- Healing stone effect
- Charging and discharging
- Healing stones and the elements