Amber oil is derived from amber, a fossilized resin of ancient trees. Ambers trees are extremely hard to find, making pure amber oil unique and expensive.
What you will get in the market is the combination of amber resin and other essential or carrier oils. The oils contribute to creating this blend are mostly frankincense, sandalwood, and cedarwood essential oils.
Amber has no aroma as a resin or pure oil. But, when the resin is crushed or powdered, it will give you a warm, smoky, and woody aroma. This oil is often combined with Labdanum essential oil for fragrances.
This article looks into some potential benefits, uses, & side effects of amber oil.
Benefits of Amber Oil
The benefits of amber oil are associated with the numerous therapeutic components the essential oils used to create this blend provide.
It contains succinic acid, alpha-cedrene, sesquiterpenes, thujopsene, incensole, and widdrol. Most of these components have positive effects on human health.
1. Amber Oil May Reduce Anxiety and Stress.
Amber oil can help you when you are stressed or anxious. It’s because the woody aroma you get from this oil blend can calm and soothe your mind and body.
A study by J.R. King proves the relationship between the limbic system and the olfactory system. It shows how fragrance can help reduce your anxiety.
You can inhale amber oil directly from the bottle, or put a few drops in the bathtub. Mixing it with your massage oil can also soothe your mind, letting you have a peaceful sleep.
READ ALSO: 12 Essential Oils for Stress Reduction & How to Use Them
2. It Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation.
Amber oil can effectively reduce pain, inflammation, and spasms in your body, thanks to frankincense oil and sandalwood oil.
Research published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science shows that frankincense oil possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Another study was published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology. In that study, sandalwood oil reduced inflammation caused by psoriasis.
You can use amber oil to soothe aching muscles, inflammation in the gastrointestinal system and bronchial tubes.
3. Amber Oil Improves Cognition.
The antioxidant properties found in the amber oil can help improve cognition and prevent oxidative stress.
Research published in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture shows the antioxidant activities of boswellic acid found in frankincense oil.
In this study, boswellic acid improved the cognitive function in the Wistar male rats.
The therapeutic properties of amber oil also help prevent long-term degenerative diseases.
4. It Improves Heart Health.
Amber oil is claimed to help reduce heart palpitations and improve cardiovascular functions.
Besides, the antioxidant properties of amber oil can also help decrease the levels of oxidative stress and strengthen blood vessels in the heart.
These properties help amber oil to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
READ ALSO: 6 Essential Oils for Heart Health and Heart Disease
5. Amber Oil Boosts Immune System.
Amber oil can soothe respiratory tracts, eliminate infections, and reduce the production of phlegm and mucus.
It’s because the medicinal components of frankincense and sandalwood oil can stimulate the production of white blood cells, improving the immune system.
A study published in 1999 shows the antiviral activity of sandalwood oil the HSV-1, and 2 viruses.
Another study conducted in the Mansoura University in Egypt revealed the immunomodulatory effects of frankincense oil.
READ ALSO: Essential Oils for Immune System: How Effective?
6. It Can Improve Circulation.
Amber oil is a popular choice for massage to promote better circulation and blood flow.
Research published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry proves the antioxidant and stimulant effects of sandalwood oil.
Amber oil contains sandalwood oil as one of its ingredients. Massaging with this oil may ensure increased blood flow and better organ function.
7. Amber Oil is an Aphrodisiac.
Amber oil is traditionally used to increase the libido, thanks to sandalwood oil.
A study published in 2006 reveals that the aroma of sandalwood oil can improve the physiological and self-rated arousal in human.
Diffusing this oil in your room can promote better sex drive and fertility.
How to Use Amber Oil
Here are the ways you can follow to use amber oil:
Diffuse:
- Add a few drops of amber oil to a diffuser and place it beside your bed. It will promote better sleep and relaxation.
Massage:
- Dilute amber oil with a suitable carrier oil to create a massage blend.
- You can use coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil as a carrier oil.
Inhalation:
- If you have respiratory problems, add a few drops of amber oil to a bowl of hot water.
- Inhale deeply to soothe respiratory problems.
Bath:
- Pour a few drops of amber oil into your warm bath water.
- Soak yourself in to reduce pain and inflammation.
Side Effects of Amber Oil
- The stimulant effects of amber oil can lead to premature labor. If you are pregnant, you must avoid using this oil.
- The high concentration of powerful chemicals may have adverse effects on children. You must keep this oil away from kids.
- If you have an allergy to any of the oils used to create this blend, it may cause irritation, itching, and inflammation.
- Consumption of this oil may cause nausea and upset stomach.
Best Blending Option
Apart from carrier oils, amber oil blends well with some essential oils as well. It blends well with orange, lemon, frankincense, myrrh, and vanilla essential oils.
End Note
Pure amber oil is expensive and hard to find. You must read the ingredients carefully while buying this oil.
Always purchase for a reputed supplier to avoid poor quality amber oil blend. Make sure to consult with a doctor or aromatherapist before using this oil.
Amber oil comes with numerous therapeutic properties. Inhaling this oil can induce relaxation in your body and give a sense of well being.
Always read the labels on the bottle and use the oil under proper guidance to get the best result.
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