Ambergris is called as Agnijara in Ayurveda. It is an excretion from the a big fish / Sperm Whale. It is found floating on the oceans or collected from the shores of many countries around the world (Near Red Sea, Africa, etc.). It is tought that Ambergris is formed in the intestines of the sperm whale in response to irritation caused to the stomach lining of the whale from the sharp,indigestible, parrot-like beaks of squid. The squid is a staple part of the sperm whale diet.
Ambergris comes in many colours, shapes and textures. This makes identification difficult and ensures frustration for beach combers on the hunt for this elusive substance. Ambergris is most often white, grey, black or brown in colour or even a mixture of these shades. In shape; ambergris can be flat or square but often rounded, oval shapes appear on the beaches, probably due to the rolling and smoothing action that the ocean waves would have over a period of time, even years. If black in colour, the texture may be soft and sticky like melting tar. Most often it is hard yet waxy and may have a powdery like white coating. It can also be described as having the texture of hard, dry clay.
Identification of Genuine Ambergris: - Hot needle test:
1. Heat a needle and touch briefly to the surface of the item.
2. If ambergris, the surface will melt instantly; turning to an oily, molten black residue and a small puff of musky smelling smoke will be emitted.
General Utility
Ambergris has been prized for centuries for its peculiar qualities. It has been used in the perfume industry as a fixative for fine perfumes, for medicinal purposes and as an aphrodisiac.
Some people swear by the sensual effects created by rubbing a piece of ambergris on the skin. Ambergris releases pheromones making it a true aphrodisiac, a property which has lead to the mystery and sensuality surrounding the product. The smell is very nearer to Musk (Kasthri). Ambergris has also been used to enhance the flavours of food and wine and for Ayurveeda herbal remedies. It is used for the preparation of scents.
Ayurveda Utility
Ayurveda uses it in medicines as an ingredient indiacated in the following diseases:
Epilepsy, Shock, Nerve disprders, debility, Malaria, Loss of conscioous ness in severe illness, sevre cholera. It gives strength to Heart and Aphrodisiac.
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| Amber / Agnijara |
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| Sperm Whale - A deep sea Big Fish |
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| Squid - A Deep Sea Insect like Being - Staple Fodder of Sperm Whale |
