Amulets and jewelry made from amber were thought to ward off spells, diseases in life, and malevolent spirits in the afterlife. Similar protective amulets were worn by Olympians, priests, and aristocrats in ancient Greece, and Romans utilized amber necklaces to prevent throat and tonsil ailments. Archaeological findings reveal amber in burial sites in Slavic territories, particularly in the Lusatian culture and the culture of funnel beakers. Amber has even been discovered beneath the skin of Egyptian mummies, serving as a miraculous preservative against decay and destruction.The dulling of the stone signaled a receding ailment.
During the Middle Ages, Arabs regarded amber as a miraculous panacea, particularly valuing Baltic amber for its beautiful color and structure. Lesser-prized were brown ambers from Southeast Asia, darker due to higher earth and organic material content. Amber was valued for its hemostatic, antidiarrheal, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, and heart-supportive properties. In later centuries, amber smoke was appreciated for respiratory conditions. Amber was also recognized in China, where mixed with opium, it was administered as a painkiller and antispasmodic.
An interesting historical note is that Nicolaus Copernicus was a great advocate of amber as a cardiac remedy.
Amber is often referred to as a "living stone" due to continuous chemical reactions within. Genuine amber sinks in sweet water and floats in salty water. Amber accumulates heat better than other stones and has the ability to electrify, charging negatively. It is used to produce succinic acid, copal, and amber oil.
Modern medicine has verified some healing properties of amber, genuinely supports the body in combating certain ailments.
Succinic Acid – the Most Valuable Component
This plant compound is also present in juices from immature fruits such as currants, apples, grapes, rhubarb stems, alfalfa, sugar beet roots, and turnips. Succinic acid boosts immunity, enhances energy processes, and maintains the body's acid-base balance. It acts as an excellent biostimulator, regulating and improving the function of the excretory and nervous systems, with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.
Dry distillation of amber produces not only succinic acid but also amber oil. Similar to succinic acid, it neutralizes free radicals, acting as a disinfectant and bactericide. Both substances alleviate the effects of burns, frostbite, contusions, and insect bites. Consequently, they are valuable components of ointments and creams, as well as cosmetics, positively impacting tired skin, preventing premature aging, and reducing wrinkles.
Another positive aspect of amber is its ability to ionize the air when used in untreated products, beneficially affecting our well-being.
Amber Tincture
One of the most popular concoctions is amber tincture, recommended by many naturopaths and available in retail. However, it can also be successfully prepared at home. A suggested recipe:
- Fill a bottle with crushed amber with pure alcohol.
- Place the mixture in a warm place, shaking it periodically.
- After 10 days, the amber tincture is ready.
- Once consumed, the remaining amber at the bottle's bottom can be crushed again and infused with alcohol for a second time.
Amber Tincture – Applications
Amber tincture has numerous health benefits, including:
- Fever and cold: Rubbing the tincture on the patient's chest and back twice a day lowers body temperature and accelerates recovery.
- Headaches: Apply the tincture on temples, forehead, and inner wrists.
- Spinal pain: Rub the tincture on the painful areas of the spine and surrounding muscles.
- Amber tincture for joints: Recommended for topical application in rheumatoid arthritis, providing relief from joint pain.
Amber Tincture – Tea Additive
Amber tincture is also beneficial when added to tea for ailments such as colds and asthma. Here's a simple method:
- Add five drops of amber tincture to a cup of tea and consume in the morning.
- Combining it with body rubs enhances its effectiveness.
Amber Ointment – Uses
Amber ointment, another product leveraging the therapeutic properties of amber, is highly appreciated for external application. Its uses include:
- Muscle and joint pain relief.
- Alleviating muscle tension from prolonged static positions (e.g., prolonged computer work).
- Post-intensive physical work or training muscle and joint regeneration.
Amber Powder – From Head to Toe
Natural amber powder, designed for external use, is used for various applications. Besides the benefits mentioned with succinic acid, amber powder also nurtures hair, providing silkiness and vitality. Regular application safeguards the scalp against various diseases, strengthens and elasticizes it. Importantly, amber powder nourishes hair follicles, contributing to the reinforcement and recovery of healthy, lush hair. Regularly massaging amber powder into the scalp, allowing it to absorb (approximately 2-3 hours), and then rinsing the head with running water or using shampoo is recommended. Repeat the procedure several times a week.
Additionally, amber powder is excellent for foot care, softening the skin, eliminating cracks, corns, fungal diseases, and ensuring comprehensive prevention against recurring foot health issues.
Moreover, consistent use of amber powder reduces the visibility and depth of wrinkles, addressing pigmentation intensity and quantity.
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