: Greetings! Indeed an excellent question you asked, which requires a plenty of time to answer fully. And in the Sources I explained in deep: how does a “Segulah” work? – And what does it belong to according to Judaism? But in a short way, I tell you: Like a person, made of flesh sinews and bones – but he has a spiritual power, which activates him. (To illustrate: doesn’t even a dead person have an eye – but he doesn’t see in it. His lack: the spiritual power that activates it) the entire creation works by spiritual forces, which activate it. And even though the reward of the Mitzvot, and the punishment of sins , are reserved for “Olam Haba”. Because the entire creation was created according to the Torah – as it were: assembly instructions. Inevitably! The “Mitzvot” and sins work with these spiritual powers. And indeed, the Creator hid (for reasons explained in the sources): the Mitzbot work in the world, for wealth, or for health. And yes, which sins cause illness and death. In any case, we will know that for sure! Because they work in creation. Every sin/Mitzvah, according to what it is, and according to the power of creation inherent in it. And just as there are medicinal plants, which are useful for different medicines. And plants of death, which harm a person, and can even kill him, in the way of nature – so are the Mitvot, and the sins. And likewise, about the ‘Segulot’: the Segulah activates the spiritual power to which it alludes. For example: when a person becomes ill – it is because he lacks the vital force of that organ. And when they use the same power, with a certain herb, or a saying, against that organ – then the organ will return to life, and will be healed. [We will imagine for ourselves: a person, who is in a closed room, without oxygen. Even if there is no oxygen it seems to us in reality. Little by little, the person will weaken, until he dies. Because he will lack the vital force of his body. And when we return and open the room, oxygen will flow in, and the vital force will return to the person] However, among the various Segulot – there are 3 types to be distinguished. {A} A Segulah that appears in the words of the Chazal – it surely works! For it was surely embedded in the nature of creation. Although sometimes, its immediate action is not evident – only in the long term. In addition, it is possible, and there are special powers, which are opposed to it. Also, there are also natural changes, over the generations – and it is possible that today, it is not relevant. (As I explained in detail, in the sources). Therefore, for all the reasons mentioned, you will not necessarily see the result. {b} A Segulah established by the crowd, and appearing in the books of the “Rishonim” – there is a dispute among the “Rishonim”, whether its power is works. (like some of the Segulot you mentioned) {c} A Segulah that does not appear in Torah books – it is very possible, and is nothing more than a “Urva Parach” (a flying crow), (interpretation: something that does not really exist). And it is very common in our time, “Inshi Dela Aleli”, (interpretation: dishonest people), who take advantage of the innocence of the people, by promising them salvation through her, in order to buy the hearts of their listeners. Therefore, it all depends! Does experience prove that this Segulah is indeed successful – because then, it should be given importance. [For example: praying 40 consecutive days at the Western Wall, for one request – has been proven to be useful in many cases, although it has no clear source. It is only famous about Rabbi Shlomo Mezavhil Zatzukal, who led it. On the other hand: there are Segulot that appear in the sources – but their action is not evident at all] Additionally! In the book of “Raphael the Archangel” it is written: that any charms/amulets, which are known to work – “If a person says them, who does not know what he is talking about, there is great doubt if it will effective. Because apart from the fact that he needs to have knowledge, the most important thing is: that the Segulah will come out From a holy mouth that learns Torah.” [For example: a pregnant woman, and the fetus ‘Akkuz’ – a well-known Segulah, from Geri Fisher Zatzuk’l, is drinking from the Sataf Fountain, according to a certain order. And from experience, because this Segulah works, precisely when it is said by him. Today after his death, you can contact his son] Other than that, I will comment! that it is not appropriate to be overly preoccupied with Segulot. And the main thing! to do his deeds for heaven’s sake. And the Torah and good deeds, And I also heard from an expert, Rabbi Shmuel Panhassi Shalita, a student of Maran Hagara Yosef Zatzuk’l, that Maran’s opinion was not favorable in dealing with Segulot. From Rabbi Aharon Botbol Shalita – I heard: that Maran replied to those who fear the ‘evil eye’, that he himself trusts the prayer, who say in “Birkot Hashachar”: “May you save me… from the evil eye”. And what’s more, he wouldn’t bother with it. In addition, regarding tying a red thread on the hand – which you mentioned. Worth avoiding! Some say: there is a prohibition in this, because of the Amorie ways. Regarding Segulot, which operate spiritually, such as: atonement for sins, etc. – it was explained at length in the sources: that their operation, only after a complete hazara betshuva. Then they are useful for the cleansing of sin, instead of torment. [And this is what I heard after a while, also from the holy mouth of Maran Hagara Yosef Zatzukal] Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3eJbYi_VHo&feature=youtu.be
