Amber as such 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, there is plenty of variety in the aroma and quality of the oil. It is extensively used in aromatherapy, perfume manufacturing and as a health product. Amber oil can be manufactured in three different methods and the quality of the oil obtained from each of these differs.

 

History

The first and original amber oil was from ambergris. Ambergris is the waxy substance that was found floating on the ocean or washed up on the shore in ancient times. It can be refined into oil with a strong, but pleasant aroma. In ancient times, no one knew the source of this mysterious substance, and it remained a mystery for centuries. Later, it was determined that ambergris (meaning gray amber) came from the sperm whale. Today, it is thought that the sperm whale regurgitates the ambergris after eating squid. This occurs because the squid bones irritate the stomach lining of the whale, and the ambergris being produced as a counter-irritant.
Ambergris, when refined into oil was highly sought after by perfumers due to the unique aroma and the very strong fixative value of the ambergris oil. Today ambergris is very rare and extremely expensive. It is also rarely traded due to the fact that the ambergris comes from the sperm whale which is an endangered species. Although they are difficult to make, there are synthetic varieties of ambergris available.
For this reason many perfumes and compounding specialists have developed a way to manufacture both natural and synthetic Amber resins at a substantially reduced cost without any ill effect to wildlife and eco-systems.

Apart from the health benefits of Amber oil, it is also said to possess many benefits both physical and spiritual. Amber oil mixes very well with many essential oils like Cedar wood, Pine, Myrrh, Galbanum, Cypress, Clove, Geranium, Spruce, Orange, Lemon, Rose absolute and Benzoin.

Benefits of Amber oil

Amber oil is said to possess many health and medicinal benefits. It can be used in small quantities to get maximum benefits.

• Few drops of Amber oil put in water while taking a bath will have a soothing effect on the body. Aroma of this oil has a pleasing effect that matches the ambience while practicing yoga and meditation. The aroma is long lasting and non-irritating. Amber oil when properly applied has a sedating effect and is very useful in inducing sleep. The oil eliminates negativity from the mind and brings an influx of happy and pleasant thoughts. This helps in promoting wholesome health of the body.
• Amber oil is used for skin rejuvenating massages. It refreshes the skin and rejuvenates the growth of new cells, thereby lending anti-aging benefits for the skin. The best way to use the oil for skin is to put 2 to 3 drops in the water used for facial steaming. It clears pores and lends sheen to the skin. The oil can also be used for scalp massages for rejuvenation of hair follicles.
• 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. Soaking in a bath in which a few drops of amber oil are added can be an excellent relaxant before going to bed. It promotes sleep.

Use of Amber oil is also believed to enhance heart energy.

·  PulpTreatment for other Ailments, Affected persons can 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. It is a good source of healthy negative ions when the oil is applied on the skin.

·  Amber oil has been documented as being a very good aphrodisiac. The oil promotes blood circulation and stimulates hormones in the body, which lead to higher sexual stimulation.

·   Because of its analgesic property the oil can be used as a local pain killer. The oil can be applied to the affected area where pain is felt and much relief is felt within a short time. The oil is also a powerful anti-spasmodic agent. It is very effective in treating spasms in respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. Massaging with Amber oil helps improve blood circulation through deep penetration into the skin tissues and eases muscular pain.

Users can experience many health benefits of Amber oil. It is the most sought after by health spas because of its soothing and rejuvenating benefits. Because the oil is very expensive, the oil is also manufactured by synthetic methods, but the synthetic variety can never match the original oil as far as quality is concerned.