The amber essential oil may have quite a few impressive benefits, including calming the mind, protecting heart health, stimulating the libido, eliminating pain, increasing circulation.
Amber essential oil may help calm the mind, protect heart health, stimulate the libido, eliminate pain, increase circulation, treat respiratory disorders, prevent inflammation, boost the brain and detoxify the body, among others. However, there might be some inherent side effects to amber essential oil as well, such as skin inflammation and gastrointestinal distress, if ingested. Furthermore, children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions and prescribed medications should avoid using this oil without speaking to their doctor.
Amber essential oil is quite unique in the world of essential oils, because it is derived from amber, which is the hardened resin of ancient trees, sometimes hundreds of millions of years old. Pure amber essential oil is extremely expensive – a few hundred dollars per ounce – so most varieties on the market are a combination of amber resin and other carrier oils or essential oils. Therefore, when using this oil, it is important to see what other ingredients are included, to prevent any negative side effects or allergic reactions. Amber essential oil does not have any aroma on its own, but is usually combined with oils that do, such as sandalwood, frankincense or cedarwood. The numerous benefits of this oil blend come from the various compounds in these ingredients which might include succinic acid, sesquiterpenes, incensole, alpha-cedrene, widdrol and thujopsene, all of which can have effects on human health. [1]
Benefits of Amber Essential Oil
Amber essential oil may be ideal for people dealing with poor circulation, colds and flus, inflammatory conditions, low sex drive, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive slowness, neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis and various cardiovascular conditions.
May Lower Stress & Anxiety
It is said that many people turn to amber essential oil when trying to reduce stress and anxiety, and a proven link between the limbic system and the olfactory system has been established. Inhaling this oil, putting a few drops into a bathtub, or mixing it in with your massage oil may be a wonderful way to ease your mind and soothe your body, allowing you to have restful sleep and a refreshed feeling in the morning. [2]
May Improve Cognition
There are certain antioxidant compounds found in amber essential oil that may prevent oxidative stress and improve cognition. Not only does this oil seem to lower the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can clear the mind and improve concentration, but it may also prevent long-term degenerative diseases. [3]
May Reduce Pain & Inflammation
When it comes to pain, inflammation and spasms in the body, few oils are as effective as amber essential oil. Traditionally used as a topical remedy to soothe aching muscles, eliminate pain and calm spasms in the muscles, inhaling this oil can also help relieve inflammation in the bronchial tubes and gastrointestinal system. [4]
May Boost Heart Health
The anti-spasmodic nature of this oil is believed to help soothe heart palpitations and normalize cardiovascular function. This may also be aided by the antioxidant properties of this oil, as it can strengthen blood vessels and lower levels of oxidative stress in the heart. [5]
May Strengthen Immune System
Anecdotal evidence argues that the antibacterial and expectorant qualities of amber essential oil may help eliminate respiratory infections, soothe the throat and respiratory tracts, and suppress the production of mucus and phlegm. The antioxidants in frankincense and sandalwood oils may also prove to be excellent for supporting the immune system and stimulating the production of white blood cells. [6]
Amber essential oil can be used as a natural perfume and a relaxing diffuser scent. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Increase Libido
Traditionally, amber essential oil has been used to boost male sex drive and is well known as an aphrodisiac. It is believed that the alluring aroma of this oil, when diffused in a room or home, can stimulate the release of hormones in the body, leading to better sex drive, fertility, and overall reproductive function. [7]
May Improve Circulation
This oil may even be commonly rubbed into the skin of the extremities to promote better circulation and blood flow. Despite being a relaxing oil, it may have stimulant properties that can encourage blood flow, oxygenation and resource delivery to areas of the body that need it, resulting in higher energy levels and better organ function! [8]
Uses for Amber Essential Oil
Aside from medicinal applications, amber essential oil also has various cosmetic and domestic uses, owing to its pleasant aroma and versatility in different products.
May Be Used To Make Colognes And Perfumes
Although it is a relatively rare essential oil, you will find this oil in many perfumes and colognes. While amber essential oil by itself doesn’t have an odor, when it is blended with other oils, it has a warm, rich and aromatic smell that is highly sought after.
Can Play The Role Of A Home Diffuser
Diffusing amber essential oil in the home is not only a wonderful way to improve the odor of your house, but also provides an antibacterial and immune-boosting shield to surfaces and floors. Furthermore, this can allow you to passively inhale and be topically surrounded by this healthy oil.
Can Be Used As A Potential Ingredient In Soaps and Shampoos
In cosmetic purposes, amber essential oil is occasionally seen on the ingredient list, due to its powerful antibacterial properties, as well as the aroma that it typically takes on when combined with other oils, like sandalwood and frankincense.
Side Effects of Amber Essential Oil
There can be a number of potential side effects to using amber essential oil, such as skin inflammation, stomach upset and drug interactions. Most of these can be avoided through responsible usage and open communication with your doctor about your medical conditions and interest in using essential oils.
- Pregnancy and Children: This oil should be kept away from children and not be used by pregnant women, unless it is strictly allowed by your doctor. It can have stimulant effects on the body, which could result in premature labor, and also has high concentrations of powerful chemicals.
- Skin Inflammation: Many people have reported skin inflammation, rashes and irritation when using this essential oil, but if you mix amber essential oil with a carrier oil beforehand, you have a much lower risk of a negative reaction. Always apply a small amount of the oil to a patch of skin for 2-3 hours, to see if a reaction occurs, before putting it all over your body.
- Consumption: Internal consumption of this oil is not recommended, as it can result in serious stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. As with any essential oil, if you are ever to consume this oil blend, it must be in extremely small amounts, and typically mixed with a carrier oil or beverage to dilute the effects.
