Iraqis look to gemstones for psychological, physical treatment
Iraqis are increasingly buying precious stones, which they believe have therapeutic capacities, can give energy and strength, protect them from envy and fend off dangers.
BAGHDAD — Ali Jaafar’s search to find a cure for his daughter’s depression ended when he visited an oracle in Najaf, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from his home in Babil province.
Jaafar told Al-Monitor he had consulted psychiatric clinics for two years. His daughter was prescribed a variety of drugs, but to no avail. However, the oracle was able to treat her with a stone necklace at a cost of $100. After wearing the necklace for a month, she responded to the treatment and the symptoms of depression significantly declined, he said.
The case of Jaafar and his daughter is not uncommon. Many Iraqis believe gemstones have the ability to treat diseases, solve problems and even ease life’s unsolvable situations.
Ali Amir, a third-grade student, is a believer. “Whenever I have a school test, my mother puts a green bead in my pocket. This has been working well for me. The bead made it easier for me to pass the tests despite my concentration problems,” he told Al-Monitor.
