July 2000 Gemstones & Pearls/Data & Statistics Crystal Cures, Part 3 We continue our look at gems as medicine Can actress Shirley McLaine be right about the power of crystals? One subset of scientists believes chromatic rays from gemstones can eliminate symptoms of physical ailments. Whether you agree or not, it makes for an interesting chat with customers. Marcella Sapanora of the University of Pisa in Italy developed gem therapy based on another alternative discipline, floritherapy, developed by British homeopath Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. Here are some symptoms, the plants Bach recommended to treat them and the gems Sapanora suggests for the same symptoms. Anxiety, Anger, Anguish Plant treatment: Cherry plum. Gem treatments: Sodalite for calm, amethyst for serenity, pearls for wisdom and gentleness and pink quartz to encourage positive sentiments. Inattention, Slow Learning Plant treatment: Chestnut bud. Gem treatment: Carnelian to stimulate the intellect. Egocentricity, Authoritarianism Plant treatment: Chicory. Gem treatments: Rhodochrosite and pink tourmaline to encourage altruistic love and pink quartz to stimulate comprehension toward others, neutralize negative states of mind and encourage the expression of gentleness.