Amber (pinus succinifera)
Synopsis of amber
Amber is a fossilized tree resin formed from ancient coniferous trees over millions of years. It is primarily composed of terpenes, resins, succinic acid, and other organic compounds, and can range in color from golden yellow to deep brown, occasionally containing preserved prehistoric organisms like insects or plant matter. Found primarily in regions around the Baltic Sea, Myanmar, and the Dominican Republic, amber is not just a gemstone but also a bioactive substance with a long tradition of therapeutic use.
Amber contains a notable compound called succinic acid, which has mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties. In natural medicine, especially in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, amber—particularly Baltic amber—is used for its purported ability to calm pain, reduce teething discomfort in infants, ease joint inflammation, and support the nervous system. When worn against the skin, it's believed that body heat triggers the release of trace amounts of succinic acid, which can be absorbed transdermally, although scientific evidence supporting this delivery method is limited.
Amber is also used in aromatherapy and incense traditions, where it is valued for its warm, grounding, and resinous scent, believed to relax the mind, uplift mood, and balance the emotions. In traditional alchemy and natural perfumery, amber was sometimes infused into tinctures or oils to treat emotional imbalances, fatigue, and skin irritations.
Amber oil and powdered amber have been included in various traditional skin salves and anti-aging formulations, prized for their ability to improve skin texture, tone, and resilience.
Historical Use:
Amber has been used for over 5,000 years in both jewelry and medicine, particularly in Baltic, Roman, Greek, Chinese, and Islamic traditions. The ancient Greeks referred to it as elektron, recognizing its static electric properties when rubbed—hence the root of the word “electricity.” In ancient Rome, amber was worn and rubbed on the body to ward off illness, protect against evil, and relieve joint pain or swelling.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), amber (hu po) is considered a sedative, blood-invigorating, and spirit-calming substance, often ground into powder and included in formulas to treat palpitations, anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. It was also used to promote urination, reduce swelling, and aid in wound healing.
In European folk medicine, especially throughout Russia, Poland, and Lithuania, amber beads were placed around infants’ necks to ease teething pain and inflammation, and amber tinctures were made to treat sore throats, respiratory infections, and nervous tension.
Today, amber is appreciated both as an ornamental material and natural remedy, with its historical use continuing in the form of amber jewelry, teething necklaces, oils, and holistic skincare products. While modern science has not fully validated all traditional claims, amber remains a symbol of calming, grounding, and protective energy across many cultures and healing systems.
Amber is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Irritability (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Rheumatic Fever (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Teething (Traditional)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
