Since ancient times, people have used crystals to promote the healing of the body, mind and soul. The use of crystals to improve physical and mental health is known as “crystal therapy.”   Crystal therapy’s popularity is starting to resurface throughout generation Z.  Each crystal has a different purpose for healing, but overall they help bring good energy to the mind and body and release the bad energy. Crystals help people treat their stress and anxiety. They can also ease muscles which can help improve physical pain and enhance sleeping habits. Crystals help enhance self-esteem, encourage clarity, and inspire a sense of centeredness and peacefulness. Crystal A. Messmore, the owner of Rocky’s Crystals and Minerals, claims that Amethyst, Hematite, Howlite, Rose Quartz and Obsidian, all have healing properties that help with mental health. Lepidolite is a stone for anxiety, it has calming effects and can be useful for working through emotional trauma. Rose Quartz is the stone for the “hopeless romantic”, it helps you connect with self-love, universal love, and infinite peace. It helps for when you are feeling alone, afraid, or unlovable. Howlite is a stone used to help with insomnia. 

Tik Tok and other social media have publicized the use of crystals more to teens. Is crystal healing truly effective and beneficial to these teenagers? Junior at Pennridge High School, Olivia Ferraro, confirms that “They do help.” She went on to describe further that they help her manage her anxiety and stated, “when you put the crystal up to your cheek, you can feel the vibration.” She mostly uses rose quartz which is a stone that helps when you are feeling alone to lead you to connect with self- love and inner peace. She sleeps with one next to her pillow while using her other ones for tarot card readings. Ferraro and the use of crystal therapy in her life further proves the effectiveness of crystals and their healing properties

There are many ways you can put these crystal healing powers into effect. Crystal A. Messmore, the owner of Rocky’s Crystals and Minerals in Philadelphia PA speaks of ways you can use crystals to benefit your mental health. She says it’s best to meditate with the crystal and to, “take time and breathe while holding them in your hand.” She also recommends the use of amethyst, hematite, rose quartz, black tourmaline to help with stress and grounding, and the most effective being howlite which helps with sleep and stress. If you struggle with mental health or want resources to benefit you mentally, crystals might be for you. Give it a try!