Copper is an ancient therapeutic agent
Knowledge of its anti-inflammatory effect goes back a long way. As long as 4000 years ago, the Egyptians mixed copper shavings with cow fat and honey and used them to heal wounds. Hippocrates, the forefather of all doctors, used the mineral to treat ulcers and varicose veins, and the Swiss doctor and philosopher Paracelsus even treated mental illness and hysteria.
The Greeks, Romans, Persians and Aztecs also attributed beneficial effects to the red metal. In ancient China, people not only used copper needles for acupuncture, but were so convinced of the metal’s antibacterial effect that paper money was banned and copper coins were introduced to prevent the spread of disease. Just a few years ago, the positive effect attributed to copper was often used to care for plants by adding a copper penny to the water overnight. And in many parts of the world, drinking water is still stored in copper containers.
New research results confirm this ancient knowledge. When bacteria are applied to stainless steel in laboratory tests, they survive for days. On copper surfaces, they die after a few minutes. Even the highly dangerous hospital germs. More and more hospitals are therefore equipping their wards with copper door handles, door plates and light switches.
Copper is the third most important trace element for the body. After iron and zinc. Among other things, it supplies the skin with moisture, boosts collagen production and activates enzymes that remove old connective tissue. An anti-wrinkle and anti-cellulite ingredient that many cosmetics companies make use of.
With this in mind, it is not surprising that copper jewelry has always been worn not only for decorative purposes but also for medical reasons.
The positive properties of this non-ferrous metal have been used for many years, particularly in sporting circles. In the USA, copper bracelets can be found on almost every golf course and many tennis courts. On direct contact with the skin, the antibacterial metal diffuses through the skin in minute quantities and thus enters the bloodstream.
Even if this has not been scientifically proven, many people report that the bracelet helps them with inflammation, muscle tension, joint pain and rheumatic complaints – its effect is said to be not only limited to the wrist but extends to the entire body. Some time ago, the University of Turin discovered that a copper cloth in a pillow reduces neck pain. It is possible that the thermal conductivity of the metal leads to a relaxation of the muscles.
But as I said, none of this has been scientifically proven.
