Amulets were worn by men, women and children throughout southern Europe in the 19th century. Before the development of modern medicine, fevers, cramps and toothache could be painful and dangerous. Childbirth could kill mother or child. Many people believed that the supernatural powers embodied in an amulet could promote fertility and good health and offer protection against malign forces or the ‘evil eye’. Although the Catholic Church was opposed to the pagan nature of many amulets, it was powerless to prevent their use.

Various large dark red or brown seeds and beans, including Entada, Mucuna and the wild chestnut, were widely used as amulets in Spain. The seed of the sea bean (Entada gigas), which only grows in tropical areas, was considered especially useful against megrims and headaches.