Succinite, or Baltic amber, has existed for over 45 million years and is considered a so-called organic substance, a “fossil resin” produced by pine trees.
It is the only known gemstone of plant origin. Its mysterious, not yet fully recognized extraordinary properties have always aroused curiosity and fascinated people. Almost from the beginning of its discovery, amber has been used as an antibiotic or a substance for dressing wounds . No wonder. Natural Baltic amber has unique properties , unlike other ambers in the world.
Scientific studies confirm that succinic acid has a very positive effect on the human body. In the 19th century, this was confirmed by the pioneer of modern bacteriology and Nobel Prize winner, Robert Kock. Today, dozens of effective drugs containing succinic acid have been produced and patented. Pharmaceuticals that prevent human cell aging are particularly valuable , using succinic acid as an inhibitor (a means of slowing down or completely stopping the loss) of potassium ions and as an antioxidant. Therefore, the acid can be called a scientifically described, modern elixir of youth .
Succinic acid is also a valuable product for athletes – it acts as a stimulant of balanced, comprehensive development. Dr. Veniamin Khazanov from the Institute of Pharmacology RAS at the Tomsk Scientific Center wrote: “For the elderly, succinic acid has proven to be indispensable. It is able to restore energy balance at the cellular level and helps the patient regain youthful energy. ” In addition, studies at the University of Hamburg in Germany confirm the safe and positive effect of succinic acid on cellular metabolism.
What exactly makes amber such an extraordinary mineral? It’s simple, actually. Baltic amber contains 3-8% of the so-called succinic acid, a scientifically tested medical substance used in modern medicine. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight toxic free radicals and reduce heart rhythm disturbances. Succinic acid has been shown to stimulate the regeneration of the nervous system and strengthen the immune system , and helps compensate for the loss of energy in the body and brain. In this way, it improves our concentration and reduces the feeling of stress. The highest content of the acid is found in the amber bark – the outer layer of the stone.
Current research also shows that micronization (grinding) of amber improves its absorption capacity by the body of modern man weakened by stress. Currently, unfavorable environmental conditions block the natural flow of energy-related processes in cells. These blockages affect cellular metabolism and significantly weaken the immune system, but the natural energy of amber is able to stimulate its renewal . This is confirmed by research conducted by a physician from Kaliningrad, Nikolai Moskovek (2002), who obtained fully effective therapeutic results by rubbing very fine powder of pure energizing amber into diseased areas (head, spine, thyroid, chest, limbs).
There are many documents about the power of succinic acid. Albert the Great (born in 1193), later a Dominican monk, named natural Baltic amber “Succinium” (hence succinite) and considered it the most effective medicine of the time. People of the time also made amber tinctures from beer, wine and water and declared them effective against everything from stomach aches to rheumatism.
But the famous Hippocrates (460-377 BC), the father of medicine, in his works described the healing properties and methods of application of Baltic amber, which were used by scientists until the Middle Ages. In ancient Rome, amber was used as a medicine and protection against various diseases . The famous physician of that time Calistratus wrote that amber protects against madness, and amber powder mixed with honey cures diseases of the throat, ears and eyes, and taken with water cures stomach diseases. Pliny the Younger noted that Roman peasant women wore amber medallions not only as decorations, but also as a remedy for “swollen glands, sore throat and palate.”
Ancient physicians recommended taking it with wine as an antidote for jaundice or gallbladder disease. In Eastern countries, it was believed that amber smoke strengthens the human spirit and adds courage. In Asian countries, “syrup amber”, a mixture of succinic acid and opium, was used as a sedative and antispasmodic .
In the Middle Ages, Baltic amber beads were even used to treat jaundice. It was believed that the magical power of this yellow stone could absorb unhealthy yellowness of the skin and weakness of the body. The terms Oleum succini (amber oil), Balsamum succini (amber balm), Extractum succini (amber extract) were often used in recipes and records of alchemists of that time.
Nicolaus Copernicus reported that his recipes for medicines contained 22 specific ingredients, one of which was Baltic amber. Mothers would hang lumps of unprocessed amber around their children’s necks to protect them from illness. Amber was used to treat plague and epilepsy. Smoke from burnt amber was used to fumigate the sick and houses affected by the plague, as well as preventively in places where the poisoned air had not yet reached. Matthäus Praetorius wrote in 1680 “During the plague, it was not recorded that any of the amber craftsmen died in Gdańsk, Memel, Königsberg or Libawa”.
Use of amber
for health:
We live surrounded by various types of electrical devices: radios, televisions, microwaves, hair dryers, razors, computers and mobile phones have a negative impact on our body. Modern research shows that we can protect ourselves from their influence by making friends with Baltic amber, wearing amber necklaces, amber bracelets, amber earrings, rings, amber pendants or carrying a raw amber figurine or nugget in our pocket. Warming amber changes ionization , positively affecting our well-being and rebuilding the disturbed electrostatic field. We will be happy and full of energy again – thus attracting happiness.