Amber

Other Names of Amber:

Amberus spp (scientific name)
Succinum (Latin plant name)
Hu Po (Pinyin Mandarin Name)

Useful Parts of the Plant:

In essence, amber is not an herbal plant. It is the resin of dead pine or other coniferous trees, which were buried under the soil millions of years ago. The sap from the coniferous trees like pine hardens when it remains underground over centuries and becomes a transparent yellowish substance called amber. Amber is usually used to make jewelry. However, traditional medicine in China and Europe has been using powdered amber to treat various physical ailments. Amber may be dug out from amber mines or may be found in coal mines. When it comes to hardness, the amber from coal mines is stronger and more difficult to break than regular amber from amber mines. With a glossy bright surface, amber can be found in colors ranging from yellow to dark brown.

Nutritional Information and Properties of Amber

There is very limited information available about amber. Amber contains succoryabietic acid, succoabietinolic acid, succinosilvic acid, succinoabietal, succinoresinol, benzene, resin, succinit, and succinic acid. As mentioned earlier, pines are the primary source of amber. Pine resin gets its sticky quality from molecules that also form the hardened pine resin such as colophonium, prmaric acid, and abietic acid. Compounds in pine resin have small amounts of oxygen (hydrocarbons) or are pure hydrocarbons. In the case of resin, a small trace of minerals is present at times.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Amber

Here are some of the health benefits and therapeutic uses of amber and amber-based products:

Amber and amber derivatives are used in the treatment of palpitations and convulsions as amber powder is known to calm the mind. Chinese medicine uses amber powder along with other herbs in the treatment of epilepsy.
Amber acid from Baltic amber is used as a food additive to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and hasten the healing of wounds.
Succinic acid, as amber acid is called, is said to be effective against alcoholism, reducing the effects of excessive consumption of alcohol.
Succinic acid is also known to be an antioxidant and is said to prevent aging of human cells.
Amber acid stimulates the thyroid gland and regulates hormone production in the body.
Massages with amber oil are best to improve blood circulation. Amber oil also penetrates deep into the skin when massaged and eases muscular pain.
Powdered amber energizes the body and promotes healing in case of injuries.
Applied to ulcers, carbuncles, and boils on the skin, it reduces inflammation and facilitates tissue regeneration and healing.
Amber is effective in the treatment of kidney-related problems such as difficulty in urination and water retention. It is also beneficial in the case of those suffering from uterine stones.
Chinese medicines that use amber are prescribed for those with circulatory problems and for those with pain in the abdomen.
Amber, ginseng, and other herbs have been found to be useful in the treatment of blocked arteries, blood clots, and coronary heart disease.
Wearing amber baby teething necklaces close to skin helps soothe teething babies thanks to the natural soothing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of amber.
A few drops of amber tincture, made with vodka and crushed amber, helps to fight bacterial and viral infections.
Amber helps promote menses and also provides relief from menstrual cramps.
Amber is useful for those who are emotionally disturbed. It also helps sedate and calm a person.
It is beneficial for women suffering from post-birth abdominal pain which is a result of blood stagnation.

Other Uses of Amber

Amber is also used in the making of costume jewelry and other ornamental items.