Over the past few years, New Age wellness trends, like salt therapy and past life regression therapy officially re-entered the mainstream. Using crystals as a form of self-care have particularly risen in popularity, appearing all over Instagram, on the shelves of yoga studios, and perhaps even on your coworker’s desk.

We believe that crystals are conduits for the healing energy of the earth when used correctly. Crystals emit positive, uplifting, energizing, and calming vibrations that help you achieve a more peaceful mind and a revitalized physical state of being.

Humans have used stones for healing and energetic purposes for thousands of years. In fact, ancient Egyptians used crystals for healing and protection; sacred Indian texts explain specific healing properties of various crystals and how to use them to treat illnesses; Chinese medicine often includes the use of crystals; and ancient Greeks and Romans used crystals for protection in battle and in medical treatment—just to name a few examples.

So perhaps it’s not so far-fetched that in modern days, we’re turning to the potential healing powers of crystals and stones. Or is it?

There’s no scientific research that backs up the claim that crystals can be used to cure disease. Because illnesses are not caused by negative energy or wavelengths, crystals technically can’t cure disease in the way that crystal proponents explain but let us not disregard the power of crystals so quickly. While there’s no scientific evidence that they can fix medical conditions, they could have some mental and even physical benefits thanks to the so-called placebo effect. In the very same manner of which we put faith in the power of prayer and other religious beliefs, placing hope in healing stones may not be so far-fetched.

The power of positive thinking—whether related to possibly-powerful rocks or not—has been shown to affect health outcomes in patients who are going through treatments.

Crystals, I’ve read, but would best say, “Probably aren’t doing you any harm, unless you’re overspending on an expensive therapeutic treatment or only relying on crystals to boost your well-being. Adding some gems to your life can increase your positive energy and confidence, or simply remind you of an intention.

Just like anything related to your health and wellness—from green juices, yoga, and/or meditation—Crystals can be an addition to your routine, but not a substitute for a doctor’s orders nor a be-all, end-all solution. Our well-being can’t only be summed up by numbers and data.

And if crystals can support us in a way that we can’t see but we can feel, isn’t that powerful enough?