Description:

The word amber comes from the Arabic word 'ambergris'. Ambergris, however, is a completely different substance. It is a pale-gray, waxy goop that is expelled from the digestive tracts of whales into the seawater and washes up on shore. It is very expensive and a valuable ingredient in perfumes. It functions as a fixative and is reputed to bring out the highest fragrance notes in whatever it is added to.

Amber, on the other hand, is a solid mass of tree resin. Amber oil is produced from this resin. Its botanical name is Pinus succinefera fossil because it is the fossilized sap of conifer tree Pinus Succinfera. When the fossil resin is made to undergo dry distillation process, crude Amber oil is obtained. When the extract of this resin is blended with sunflower oil, frankincense, agar wood and some other exotic oils, the end product is amber oil. It is transparent in appearance and yellow in color. Amber resin is obtained from more than one tree and so the aroma and quality of the oil may vary. It is extensively used in aromatherapy, perfumes, body care and as a health product.

Amber oil mixes very well with many essential oils like Cedarwood, Pine, Myrrh, Galbanum, Cypress, Clove, Geranium, Spruce, Orange, Lemon, Rose absolute and Benzoin.

Benefits for the skin and hair :

Amber oil is used in skin rejuvenating massages and scalp massages for hair and scalp stimulation. It refreshes the skin, clears pores and promotes the growth of new cells. The best way to use the oil for skin is to put 2 to 3 drops in the water used for facial steaming.

Health benefits of Amber oil:

Amber oil is said to possess many health and medicinal benefits. Just a few drops can do wonders! It has been known to soothe the mind, reduce stress and depression, promote heart health, asthma, chest congestion, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and much more!

Psychological Benefits:

Studies have shown that Amber oil relaxes brain waves (alpha, beta and theta waves) through its psychoactive effect. It soothes the mind and helps fight problems such as depression, anxiety and stress.

Benefit for Heart:

Use of Amber oil is also believed to enhance heart energy. Palpitation of the heart and convulsions are treated with Amber and its derivatives.

Treatment for other Ailments:

Affected persons have been known to use Amber oil to cure diseases like asthma, rheumatism and other similar ailments. It is also believed to heal epilepsy, jaundice, bladder and kidney problems.

Benefits for the respiratory system :

Amber oil provides relief from congestion in the chest, breathing problems and convulsions. Being a good expectorant, the oil helps relieve accumulated mucus in the respiratory system.

Benefits for the immune system :

Amber acid obtained from Baltic Amber can be used as a food additive. This form of amber oil boosts the immune system of the body. Because of its febrifuge property, Amber oil is very effective in treating fever.

Benefits against wounds:

Amber oil also reduces inflammation internally and externally. It soothes pain at wound site due to its analgesic properties and quickens wound healing.

Other Health Benefits of Amber Oil:

Succinic acid, which is another name for amber acid, can be used to cure the effects of too much consumption of alcohol. It is a great against hangovers. The oil is an anti-oxidant and is believed to prevent aging of human cells. Amber acid is used to stimulate thyroid gland and to regulate hormone production in the human body. In cases of injury powdered Amber energizes the body and hastens healing. Inflammation of the affected area in cases of ulcers and boils on the skin can be cured through tissue regeneration by using Amber oil. Kidney related problems like difficulty in urination and retention can be effectively treated with Amber oil.

Precautions:

It is recommended that pregnant women keep away from using this oil in any form. Undiluted oil should never be ingested and should be used only for external application. The oil must be kept away from mucus membranes and eyes to prevent damage to these areas. Undiluted oil should never be directly applied on the skin as it can cause irritation. The oil should be kept out of reach of children.

Bibliography:

1. Book “The Essential Oils”.