Inspired by Finn - Review

I was so excited to have the chance to try out a Baltic Amber necklace from Inspired by Finn. Many friends of mine have raved about how much these necklaces have helped relieve their children's teething pains, and since my 2 year old is dealing with those wonderful 2-year-molars, this could not have come at a more appropriate time!

The necklace I chose, the Honey Round, came with minimal packaging (which is a big deal to me). It was simply laid in a tiny box - beautiful! (And my little guys have used that box to harbor treasures to their hearts content!) It also came with a few sheets of information on the necklace and a small flyer to join their Facebook page for special offers - all great information to have.

I immediately called over my 2 year old, Benjamin and showed him the necklace and explained that it was going to help his mouth feel so much better. He looked at me like I was a crazy lady, but allowed me to put the necklace on him. About 3 seconds later, he was screaming that he wanted it off and that he didn't like it. I immediately removed it, and in hopes of getting him to see that it was OK, put it on myself. He was very much uninterested, so I didn't push the issue.

(Benjamin whining about wearing the necklace, ha!)

However, getting into bed that night, I took the necklace off and I remembered how bad my headache was earlier in the day (I remembered my first thought when Benjamin started screaming was, "My head!!"). Here it was, 8 hours later, and my headache was gone. I thought maybe the necklace had something to do with it, but brushed the thought aside.

The next day was a repeat of this incident - he just did not want anything to do with the necklace! Keaton, my 3.5 year old, was very curious about the necklace, so I let him wear it around in hopes that his interest would spark Benjamin's curiosity (but all Benjamin did was scream that Keaton got to wear it - of course). Later, Keaton decided he was done, so I put it on myself, telling Benjamin that it was OK and how it might have helped mommy's headache.

(Keaton showing the proper way to wear Baltic Amber)

The third day, Wednesday, I woke up, fairly certain that I had strep throat. I chose to keep the necklace for myself and see if it would help. Knowing that I wasn't ready to rely on the necklace alone to help me (and not knowing if it was even intended for helping with colds), I started a regimen of garlic cloves and tea to help my throat (I was already on an antibiotic for a recurring bout of mastitis and my midwife suggested to continue that along with my garlic and tea. When I asked her about the Baltic Amber, she said that it "definitely couldn't hurt", but she really had no idea if it would help. Now, I don't know if it was one of my tricks I was already trying, but by Friday morning, my sore throat was completely better (though I still had a cough and a touch of congestion). Was the necklace to help? I can't say for certain one way or another, but I'm all for something non-invasive (and gorgeous!) that could help (not certain that I would rely fully on it for something like strep, but, as an addition to other measures, definitely).

I know. I know. You're wondering, "Did you ever get the necklace on your toddler? Does it help with teething?" I can answer with great enthusiasm, "Yes I did! And I really do believe so!" Finally, that weekend, I was able to convince Benjamin that the necklace was not hurting him and that it was "cool" to wear - he went for that! There was an afternoon that he was fussy and drooling everywhere. I knew this was my chance and I had to take it. Within the hour, his demeanor had completely changed. Leading up to his wearing the necklace, he kept asking for teething tablets (of which we were out of, of course), after starting to wear the necklace, he did not ask for them again while he was wearing it. It is recommended on Inspired by Finn's website for the child to not wear the necklace around their neck while sleeping, but to place it on their ankle, covered with a sock (as you can imagine, Benjamin wanted nothing to do with that, so we just discontinued used altogether at nap and bedtimes).

The necklace did not relieve and drooling associated with teething (I saw no claims to this on their website, but I was curious if it would or not!) but his pain did seem to diminish (and the attitude change was worth the necklaces' weight in gold!)

We continued for about 2 weeks (and we are continuing) to use this for teething issues and I really have noticed a difference in him. After a couple of days, I would notice him begin to chew on fingers and toys, and within a few minutes, he'd ask for the "Ne-las" (necklace).

To answer the main questions we keep asking - HOW does it work? From the paper included with the necklace, it says: "When Baltic Amber is worn on the skin, the skin's warmth releases trace amounts of healing oil from the amber. To receive a therapeutic benefit, Baltic Amber cannot be in a metal setting - the amber must come in direct contact with the skin." The amber also needs to be worn as much as possible.

Another note of interest includes that the lightest color of amber is best, as that color generally possesses "the greatest amount of succinic acid (which is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and its presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways) and thus the greatest therapeutic benefit."

If you would like to buy a Baltic Amber necklace for yourself, head it Inspired by Finn's Facebook page to learn how to save 20% off ANY purchase.

Disclaimer: I was given a 17"-18" Honey Round necklace to review. I was not paid for this review and the opinions are my own. You may have a different experience.