Amber oil and other amber derivatives

Nowadays, we are more and more willing to turn our attention to all forms of healing, especially the natural one. This is not a coincidence, because in the constant rush and overwork, our bodies demand a moment of breath and care for their own well-being.

The sciences of herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, naturotherapy, etc. have become popular. The question is - how to relate Baltic amber to this? The answer, as usual, lies in its warm interior, namely in its most famous derivatives. However, the leader among them is amber oil. 

Where does it come from? How to use it? What does it help with? These are the most common questions that visitors interested in this topic ask us. It turns out that knowledge about the health-promoting properties of amber is still largely limited to the statement that amber corals treat thyroid diseases. And what about the rest of the wonderful activities to improve our well-being? We lift the veil of this secret so that amber and its derivatives gain more sympathy. 

amber oil - this is not an ordinary product at all. It is a dry distillate of natural amber, which unfortunately does not always have a pleasant smell. It is associated with a heavy, camphoric or simply resinous aroma^[1]. The reason is the pure form of this oil, as no other aromas or fragrance oils are added to it. Of course, there are techniques where the product is enriched with essential oils. Then, e.g. sandalwood or saffron oils are added to obtain a resinous fragrance, which is quite pleasantly associated with amber^[2]. 

How is amber oil obtained? In its purest form, it comes from steam distillation, but often the process of oil formation depends on the manufacturer's individual recipe^[2]. However, if we think about its appearance, then in accordance with most associations with resin - the product has a dark and oily form. 

What does amber oil do? Thanks to its easy-to-spread form, it is an ideal means for massaging sore spots. Its healing properties are also used for bruises and muscle spasms. In addition, it works as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic for burns, insect bites, wounds and acne^[1]. All because the oil contains oxygen and negative ions, which causes faster blood flow in the capillaries, and ultimately - the reconstruction of skin tissue^[1]. In the past, it was used to eliminate the symptoms, as well as the ailments associated with tetanus or epilepsy. What's more, it was used to support the nervous system and improve blood circulation^[4]. 

We also know the calming properties of amber oil, which is used in aromatherapy or added to baths. It also improves the work of the brain, supporting concentration and reduces the level of stress hormones^[3]. 

As it turns out, amber has a whole spectrum of beneficial properties for our body, because already in the Middle Ages it was used, for example, to incense homes with burnt amber during epidemics in order to disinfect rooms. It was a kind of fuel that heated the rooms, and at the same time, consciously for the residents or not - it disinfected the rooms. Amber oil also boasts valuable antibacterial properties, which it saves us when inhaled, e.g. with a diffuser. It affects the purification of the upper respiratory tract and soothes inflammation, as well as reduces the production of mucus in the lungs^[3]. 

In addition, by aromatizing the environment with amber oil, we have the opportunity to reduce the impact of stress on our heart or even reduce the risk of a heart attack^[3]. 

However, the most interesting application of amber itself in the fight for well-being is the use of various derivatives of our Baltic gold in the care of immunity. How does it work? 

Both amber oil (in the form of inhalation and room aromatization) as well as amber tincture and ointment have proven antiviral and antibacterial properties. How it happens in the case of oil - we already know. By inhaling it, we clear our upper respiratory tract and prevent the growth of microbes. How do ointments and tinctures work? Both products are almost salutary for colds or sore spots. Nalewka is an alcoholic solution resulting from the combination of 50g or 100g of amber and an appropriate amount of at least 40% alcohol. Such a tincture is recommended, according to Father Klimuszko's recipe, to be rubbed into the back or chest when suffering from a cold, but also into a sore spot affected by rheumatism. There is also the possibility of dosing the tincture with a few drops in tea, which affects the internal fight against viruses. 

The ointment will work in exactly the same way, and moreover, due to the fact that it does not contain alcohol, i.e. it does not dry the skin - it can also be used to lubricate the area around the nostrils to inhale a blocked nose. Manufacturers promise its relaxing effect on tired muscles and joints after physical exercise, and our visitors confirm it. Both products have a warming and biostimulating effect. All thanks to the fact that all of its health-promoting and extremely strong substances get from amber to the above-mentioned solutions, including: iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium^[5]. 

However, health is something not only inside our body, because it is a state of complete homeostasis, also around us. And caring for a clean environment equally strongly affects our well-being and internal health. Therefore, there are several ways to make amber derivatives work well also from this external side of our surroundings. Namely, we are talking about refreshing the air with amber oil, not only with the help of an aromatherapy diffuser, but also by simply spraying it in a mixture, e.g. with water, indoors. This is an easy way to passive inhalation, which will allow us to relax and reduce the amount of bacteria in the environment where we work or spend free time^[3]. 

However, amber is also found in cosmetics - in soaps, creams and hair products. Its moisturizing and softening properties are known in combination with e.g. mud, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of our skin. Shampoos, hair masks, creams and scrubs or bath salts are products that nourish the epidermis and make it better prepared for everyday tasks. 

For the pure pleasure of our noses - amber accords are used in the production of perfumes, where they give a sweet, resinous scent to the whole composition. Thanks to this, each such fragrance acquires a significant character. 

So why not take advantage of these natural wonders that bring us relaxation and health? In a healthy body, healthy mindand amber takes care of both - the interior and the surroundings. Could this inconspicuous block be a kind of remedy for the ills of life? It is worth finding out on your own, refreshed and moisturized, healthy skin and satisfied interior! 

We invite you to the Boruni Gallery (ul. Grodzka 60) and the Amber Museum (ul. św. Jana 2), where we will treat you with a story about amber in history and medicine, and we will also present its incredible impact on health! 

Sources:

1. https://amberlyson.pl/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3 [access: February 2, 2023]
2. Nieumywakin Ivan, Amber on guard of health, Vital Publishing House, Bialystok, 2014, p. 87. 
3. https://porady.interia.pl/kosmetyki/news-wspaniale-wlasciwosci-olejku-bursztynowego,nId,4909441 [access: February 2, 2023] 
4. Barczak Piotr M., Succinite. Baltic amber petrified resin rediscovered Alzheimer's and dementia. Baltic amber in a new perspective, SELF-PUBLISHER, 2022, p. 203. 
5. Leaflet of Amber Ointment from Farmina Sp. z o. o 

Author: Anna Ciecko