# Are there any benefits of Infrared Amethyst Mats? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 5, 2025, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885 "2025-05-05T03:01:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JoePockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/1 "2025-05-05T03:01:50Z")
I have lower back pain that sooner or later needs surgery orthopedic specialist offered epidural injection as a temporary solution….which I’m considering ? Has any one tried infrared mats for pain relief? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/2 "2025-05-05T08:04:32Z")
I’ve looked into these. I am skeptical they are any better that a regular heating pad. Or lower back pain patches. I have no direct experience, as they’re not cheap. I’ll need more info. The epidural injection does work. Up to moderate back pain(for me). You sound as tho’ you might need more. Have you talked to your doc about a pain pump? PCA, patient controlled analgesics. They really work. Like really work. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/3 "2025-05-05T08:17:20Z")
ISTM it is just a heating pad with some marketing BS sprinkled around. Heating pads can certainly provide some relief for some aches and pains. Nothing new there. Nothing magical about it and certainly not a cure all. But there is some therapeutic value to them for some things (same as an ice pack for some things…depends on the problem). I can’t imagine how amethyst would be of any benefit for this. Infrared = heat (probably for this) Amethyst = a pretty gem stone. Just a marketing term. AKA a heating pad. ETA: There is some evidence that there is a placebo effect. That if you believe something is beneficial then it, to some extent, is beneficial. So, if you believe in amethyst powers maybe you would receive some benefit. I would not recommend you rely on it though. Getting into some voodoo there. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/4 "2025-05-05T09:23:19Z")
Amethysts are pretty rocks that some people ascribe magic powers to. An “infrared amethyst mat” is an infrared heating pad with fancy purple rocks. A heating mat with pretty purple crystals is kind of neat, but I wouldn’t pay extra for it. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/5 "2025-05-05T12:05:48Z")
What does the seller say about the advantages of the amethyst? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/6 "2025-05-05T14:37:18Z")
They can charge more. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/7 "2025-05-05T14:47:55Z")
> [@JoePockets](#): > > orthopedic specialist offered epidural injection as a temporary solution….which I’m considering ? The answer is “Yes, I will try the epidural.” I have three herniated discs in my lumbar. Just one epidural made the difference between being barely able to walk and an active lifestyle. Also, insurance will usually cover most of the cost. Mine cost me about $35 out of pocket. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/8 "2025-05-05T15:06:04Z")
> [@Maus\_Magill](#): > > The answer is “Yes, I will try the epidural.” This. After my first the pain was gone within 48 hours and stayed away for over 2 years. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/9 "2025-05-05T16:13:05Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > They can charge more When I was very young, my family visited my mother’s parents in Zambia. Their driveway was covered with gravel mine tailings from the ubiquitous copper mines, including poor quality amethyst, not saleable. I was quite intrigued. I collected some but they got lost in the mists of time (I was only 3 years old, my parents probably tossed them out) But still, purple crystaline rocks! I would collect them again if I was there. I would not have even know the name, but my mother was a geography teacher and took her children’s education seriously. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/10 "2025-05-05T17:40:21Z")
Just don’t heat it too much or it will fade and lose its Magic Purple Power. > **[Can Amethyst Lose Its Color?](https://www.inspereza.com/blogs/inspiration/can-amethyst-lose-its-color)** > > Amethyst, with its enchanting purple hue, is a captivating gemstone that has captured the hearts of many. However, like any other gem, amethyst is not immune to color loss over time. Understanding the factors that can impact the color of amethyst is... ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/11 "2025-05-05T17:52:06Z")
This site goes over the various claims. The crushed amethyst blocks bad emf and can improve your chakra. The far infrared can penetrate 3". > **[UTK Far Infrared Amethyst Healing Stone Heated Chair Seat Pad - The Warming...](https://www.thewarmingstore.com/utk-far-infrared-amethyst-healing-stone-heated-chair-seat-pad-for-lower-back-upper-back-thigh-pain.html)** > > UTK Far Infrared Amethyst Healing Stone Heated Chair Seat Pad for Lower Back, Upper Back, Thigh Pain Relief, Memory Function, Auto Turn Off,... ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/12 "2025-05-05T18:26:46Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > The far infrared can penetrate 3". What if I am heavily overweight, and 3" is not enough to reach my chakra? Should I grind it up and eat it? This is all so complicated. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/13 "2025-05-05T18:29:20Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > This site goes over the various claims. The crushed amethyst blocks bad emf and can improve your chakra. Given that that site a store selling such an item, I’d say that it doesn’t “go over the various claims” so much as “enumerates alleged product benefits.” Also, woo, of course. ---
**Author:** ![JoePockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/14 "2025-05-05T21:36:18Z")
Thank you for your response! I agree I believe my best hope is fusion and hardware. It would help if I could exercise my abdomen muscle core but a wrong move is a shocking pain.Thanx ---
**Author:** ![JoePockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/15 "2025-05-05T21:41:26Z")
They have testimonials but I don’t believe they would publish negative ones, kind a like the magnet bracelets for arthritis on Amazon the majority say they help…? ---
**Author:** ![JoePockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/16 "2025-05-05T21:43:46Z")
Wow that’s 1/4 of the price of the one I’m entertaining! ---
**Author:** ![JoePockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/17 "2025-05-05T21:49:52Z")
Thanx ….I have to it scheduled this procedure looking 2-3 weeks ….i have insurance so I’m going give it a try. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/18 "2025-05-05T22:17:58Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Just don’t heat it too much or it will fade and lose its Magic Purple Power. > > [Can Amethyst Lose Its Color?](https://www.inspereza.com/blogs/inspiration/can-amethyst-lose-its-color) Just take it to Sedona and recharge it at an energy vortex. > **[How to Charge Your Crystals at Sedona's Vortex Sites](https://sedonacrystalvortex.com/blogs/news/how-to-charge-your-crystals-at-sedonas-vortex-sites?srsltid=AfmBOoqWRYvtD9XV0fE-gp8rnurwqw8zU8L5RRtpinlc6HGYi4lcnPp_)** > > Sedona, Arizona is known for the vibrant energy that emits from its vortex sites. These sites are believed to be areas of concentrated spiritual and metaphysical energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-awareness. Because of... ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/19 "2025-05-05T22:24:04Z")
So earth does have our own Dilithium crystal. Just find a _“naval wessle”_, when the colors of the amethysts fade. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885/20 "2025-05-05T23:42:28Z")
I’ve noticed that infrared heating pads worked better than the regular heating pads when I hurt my back. Within about 2 days of using the infrared pad, the pain that had been bothering me for over a month (mostly) went away. The one I used was this model. > **[Amazon.com: UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad, 98 Tourmaline Stone Heating Pad for...](https://www.amazon.com/UTK-Infrared-Tourmaline-Heating-Relief/dp/B086PP7BXM)** > > Buy UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad, 98 Tourmaline Stone Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief, FSA HSA Eligible, Mothers Day Gifts for Women Mom, Smart Controller & Carry Bag, 21'' x 31'' on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885.md?page=2)