Sentry Page Protection

Ambergris

Ortus sanitatis, Cube, Johann von, 1501

Ambergris, Skagway Museum
Photo by Wmpearl
Zoological name:
waxy secretion from the Sperm Whale, Physeter spp.

Parts used:
Waxy secretion of the Sperm Whale

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Aromatic, Sweet

Uses:
1. Clears Cold, Moves the Blood, Benefits the Heart:
-Tachycardia, Palpitations and for Heart Debility;
-exhilarant and stimulant.

2. Warms and Strengthens the Kidneys:
-Aphrodisiac to the male: promote the growth of marrow and semen;
-impotency, spermatorrhea; Frigidity in women.
-general weakness, nervous debility;
-promotes urine; used also for gravel, and stoppage of the bowels.

3. Clears Phlegm, Stops Wind, Moves the Qi:
-Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Tetanus, Epilepsy, Spasms.

4. Clears Phlegm and Heat, Open the Orifices:
-High Fever with delirium and loss of senses.
-Cholera, Plague and other infectious diseases when at the weak stage.

5. Clears Phlegm, Stops Wheezing:
-Cough, Asthma. (TCM)


DOSE:
Used mostly in pills: traditionally 5-15 grains (or 125–375mg)

CORRECTIVES:
Gum Arabic, Tabasheer, Coriander (Unani)

SUBSTITUTES:
1. Musk
2. Saffron (Unani)
3. Musk and Saffron in equal parts (Unani)
4. Pyrethrum;. Aloeswood; or Storax
5. Labdanum (gum from Cistus spp.) is an accepted substitute for Ambergris in perfumery

Main Combinations:
1. To Warm and strengthen the Brain and Heart, with Cinnamon, Angelica, Clove, Nutmeg, both Cardamons, Ginger, Aloeswood, Sandalwood (as in Powder of Ambergris of Mesue)

Cautions:
Not used during Pregnancy

Main Preparations used:
Species Diambra