Amber is known for its beautiful color and unique source of origin. It has been used in jewelry, art, and medicine around the world for centuries. But not many people know that amber can also be useful as an essential oil. And amber essential oil benefits are quite remarkable.
So, without further ado, let’s find out what those benefits are!
What Is Amber Essential Oil
As the name suggests, the amber essential oil is an oil made out of amber. You’ve probably seen it used in jewelry or other novelty items.
Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been valued since ancient times. Most amber comes from conifer trees, known as Pinus Succinifera.
Amber essential oil is different from many other essential oils for one reason – it is derived directly from resin, which can sometimes be millions of years old.
The oil is extracted by melting amber without oxygen at 350 degrees Celsius. Due to the complex extraction process, pure amber essential oil can be very expensive (we’re talking up to a few hundred dollars per ounce).
That’s why you will find that most varieties on the market are blends of other essential oils and amber.
The aroma of amber oil is very specific, warm, heavy-bodied, and woody. This is why it is often recommended to add only a small amount to your mix of essential oils.
Legend Says: The classical names for amber, ‘electrum’ in Latin and ‘ēlektron’ in Greek, are connected to the term ‘ēlektōr’, which means “beaming sun”.
And according to a myth, when Phaeton, the son of Helios (the Sun), was killed, his mourning sisters became poplar trees. And their tears became ‘elektron’, now known as amber.
Imagine stepping out of your shave with skin that feels as smooth as it looks. With the right after-shaving oils, this dream can become a reality. Check out our latest blog The Ultimate Guide To Oils For After Shaving: Achieve a Smooth and Nourished Skin to know more.
Amber Essential Oil Benefits
Increase Libido
Amber essential oil is a natural aphrodisiac. Which means it triggers the release of certain hormones in the body.
So if you’re in need of a little stimulating boost in the bedroom, amber essential oil might be exactly what you’re looking for.
For many centuries, amber essential oil has been used to increase the libido and is a well-known aphrodisiac. The aroma can relax your senses, increase feelings of happiness and cognitive functions.
The best way to gain those benefits is by diffusing it or massaging it into the body before or during. Or simply adding a few drops to your bedroom diffuser.
Pro Tip: To reap the ultimate amber essential oil benefits, try blending it with ylang-ylang and jasmine oils!
Respiratory System Health
Amber essential oil benefits respiratory issues immensely. It’s known to provide relief for a stuffy throat, a nasty cough, and even asthma.
You can even massage it directly onto your chest and neck, and the oil will soak in and heal. Just make sure to dilute it first.
You can also diffuse it throughout the room or, as an alternative, create your own vapors. Boil some water and pour into a bowl or fill your sink with hot water.
Add a few drops, cover your head with a towel, lean over the water, and inhale.
Ease Anxiety & Depression
It’s no secret that essential oils have become popular for their calming and soothing effects on the mind and body, and amber essential oil is no exception.
Research has confirmed the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy. Amber essential oil, in particular, can help you calm and ground your emotions thanks to its earthy scent. And it has been reported that succinic acid found in amber may stimulate your brain and relieve stress and anxiety.
Often mixed with other carrier oils to create the perfect aroma, typical amber oil blends may include geranium, pine, myrrh, rose, and sandalwood.
Pro tip: Add a couple of drops of amber oil to your bath, along with lavender or bergamot, to relax after a hard day.
Better Sleep
Following amber’s ability to ease anxiety and depression, its soothing effects apply to the bed as well. If you’re having trouble falling asleep due to nagging thoughts, you might benefit from some amber essential oil in your bedside diffuser.
Again, blending in some lavender oil will do wonders.
Reduce Body Inflammation
When our bodies are physically over-stressed, they produce inflammation; it’s a normal biological response.
But if when inflammation goes too far, perhaps because of a biological condition such as arthritis, or someone over-working their body. The inflammation overwhelms the body and becomes a problem.
Well, not many people know that amber essential oil is known to reduce spasms and pain in the affected areas of your body.
It does so with the help of its active compounds such as borneol and pinene, terpenes that have been proven to reduce inflammation.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of amber essential oil to your massage oil, blend it together, and apply on the affected area in gentle, circular motions. This will help remove muscle tension and tightness!
Better Skin & Hair
We are always on the lookout for products that can improve our skin, and we are especially happy when they are natural. Now, essential oils might not create miracles overnight, but they can bring about small changes over time.
Amber essential oil benefits for the skin because of its large content of terpenes. These compounds rejuvenate dry and dull skin and help clear up clogged pores.
Amber oil, therefore, can help heal minor skin damage, such as scars, stretch marks, and cuts. And it can also reduce the frequency of acne and may have anti-aging properties.
For hair, the terpenes help stimulate and strengthen hair follicles, leading to less hair loss and generally stronger, healthier hair.
Pro tip: Add one drop to your body lotion to increase the amber essential oil benefits for the skin! Or, for hair, simply add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner.
Perfume
As we’ve mentioned, amber essential oil has an amazing and unique smell. And it’s often used in perfumes. But not solely because of its smell, but also because it’s a fixative, meaning its scent will stay for hours without dissipating.
So, add some to your diffuser to make your room smell amazing, and add some to your lotion to make yourself smell amazing!
Natural Antiseptic
The history of wound care extends all the way back to prehistoric times. Although wounds heal by themselves, hunters and gatherers noticed that certain plant-derived remedies could speed up the healing process.
And amber has been used for its healing properties for a long time, including applying it to wounds as a natural antiseptic.
Today’s research says that might be due to the a-pinene terpene component found in amber, which has demonstrated antioxidant, antimalarial, and antibacterial properties.
Better Blood Flow
When applied directly to the skin (after being diluted), amber essential oil benefits blood flow/circulation. This can be explained by some of the terpenes that have stimulating properties.
These are the same properties that strengthen hair follicles and revive dry skin by stimulating the cells.
Amber Essential Oil Side Effects
- The stimulating effects are generally not recommended for pregnant women, advise with your doctor beforehand.
- Topical use may cause a rash for certain people, test a patch of skin before applying it on the body.
- There some reports that ingesting amber oil can result in some side effects such as skin inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Since it affects circulation, people on medication should consult their doctor first.
Amber Essential Oil Blends Well With
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Myrrh
- Frankincense
- Cypress
- Clove
- Aniseed
- Lemon
- Orange
- Rose Absolute
- Pine
- Spruce
- Geranium
Conclusion
Amber oil benefits are clear; it has a wonderful smell, medicinal properties, and a bunch of terpenes that work wonders on your body. You can use it with a carrier oil, in a diffuser, in your shampoo or lotion.
Other than making you smell great, it will benefit your overall health. So, are you going to get some?
If you’re looking for another fantastic essential oil, check out our article about honeysuckle essential oil benefits.