Natural White Musk – Ambrette

Ambrette – Common Names: Ambrette Seeds, Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Musk Mallow, Musk Okra, Ornamental Okra, Annual Hibiscus, Bamia Moschata

Table of content

What is white musk?
Don’t get confused with synthetic white musk
History of Ambrette
Properties of Ambrette
Uses and benefits of Ambrette
How to use natural white musk perfume or essential oil
Precautions
Final words

What is white musk?

Ambrette is considered as the natural white musk, the best musk substitute from the botanical world. It’s also called vegetable musk.

Ambrette is typically the seeds of hibiscus species, botanically known as Hibiscus Abelmoschus. It has a soft, sweet, woody, and sensual scent that is very similar to Animal Musk.

Though Musk Deers can be farmed nowadays rather than hunted, their musk pouch can be surgically removed without killing them, it’s very hard to collect as it is scarce and illegal in most countries. Cutting the musk pouch from a living musk deer raises huge ethical questions in the entire natural perfumery world.

Ambrette or natural white musk is a great substitute for both true animal musk and synthetic musk (often called white musk). This botanical note can be derived from hibiscus plants rather than harming the endangered Musk Deer.

Ambrette seeds can be an alternative of musks either on their own for their light, delicate, and subtle musky fragrance, or other absolutes and darker oils can be blended to produce a more intense “animalistic musk accord” including Vetiver, Labdanum, Patchouli, and Sandalwood.

Don’t get confused with synthetic white musk

Since real animal musk is scarce and very hard to procure, nearly all musk fragrance available in the market today is completely synthetic which is made from dangerous artificial molecules. These synthetic musk perfumes are often called “white musk” and most people get confused with them. However, chemical compounds present in synthetic musk usually contain carcinogenic properties and initiated a public debate as well as a ban in many countries of the world.

Ambrette is a natural white musk that is free from any harmful artificial compounds. It is available as an absolute, CO2 extraction, and oil. The oil is much sharper and stronger compared to absolute or CO2 extraction, making it more useful in natural perfumery.

History of Ambrette

Several parts such as the roots and leaves of this herb have been used throughout history, most considerably the seed oil, which is highly respected for its fragrant smell. The oil has been used in perfumes and to flavor sedative beverages, especially coffee, and bitters.

The tender roots and leaves were eaten as vegetables and the plant was grown as an in-house ornamental.

In the Philippines, decoctions of this herb were used to treat cancer and extracts have been used to treat numerous health conditions such as gonorrhea, respiratory diseases, and hysteria. The seeds have been used for treating cramps, headaches, and nervous disorders including anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Aqueous or alcoholic extracts of the seeds have been used to combat a variety of viral and bacterial infections.

Properties of Ambrette

Ambrette possesses several healing properties, including but not limited to the following:

Anti – halitosis
Expectorant
Antispasmodic
Aphrodisiac
Hypoglycemic
Hypotensive
Digestive stimulant and appetizer
Demulcent (mucilage)
Stomachic (tonic for stomach)
Diuretic
Antidepressant (relaxing and soothing)

Uses and benefits of Ambrette

Perfumery uses

Ambrette seed oil is most frequently used in natural perfumes as an alternative for animal musk; however, this use is mostly overwhelmed by various synthetic musks that are made from dangerous artificial molecules. It’s highly recommended to use only natural white musk which is made from Ambrette seeds.

Aromatherapy uses

Essential oils derived from the Ambrette seeds emanate a wonderful soft musky smell, making it very beneficial in aromatherapy.

The white musk scent of Ambrette essential oil has been widely used in aromatherapy for treating anxiety, nervousness, and depression among other emotional imbalances.

Health benefits

The tea or tincture obtained from the seeds is used to treat intestinal disorders, cramps, and anorexia, or loss of appetite.

Ambrette oil acts as an expectorant, making it useful in respiratory infections, especially in cough and phlegm.

Ambrette oil is widely used topically to treat dry skin and itching or diverse types of skin allergies.

Natural white musk oil is very effective in urinary disorders, nervous debility, and spermatorrhoea.

Ambrette seeds are highly respected in Indian traditional medicine for their significant effectiveness in stabilizing blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Hibiscus seeds are considered a great aphrodisiac; therefore, used widely in traditional medicines to improve the sense of self-confidence and sexual stamina.

Ambrette helps to reduce adrenal exhaustion syndrome and correct the secretion of stress-fighting hormones from the adrenaline gland.

The fiber content present in hibiscus seeds helps to reduce constipation and stimulate bowel movement.

Ambrette seeds show significant anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial in reducing infection and inflammation of several parts of the body such as the urinary bladder and urinary tract.

Culinary uses

Ambrette seeds are added to beverages especially to coffee for flavoring.

Its leaves are cooked as vegetables.

Seeds are also roasted or fried.

White musk perfume is used to flavor ice creams, sweets, baked foods, and soft drinks.

How to use natural white musk perfume or essential oil

Natural white musk perfume or essential oil can be used in many different ways depending on the purpose of the use.

Aromatic perfusion – pour 2 to 4 drops of natural white musk oil on the inner part of the elbow and rub it with the other hand’s wrist until the skin absorbs it all.

Diffusion – add 3 to 4 drops of white musk oil to a diffuser or a cloth to inhale.

Topical use – add 30 to 40 drops of white musk oil into 10 to 15 ml of carrier oil such as olive oil to apply on the desired area as per requirement. This dilution can also be used for messaging and baths.

Gargle or mouthwash – take 2 drops of white musk oil directly in the mouth, then have a sip of water, and have a mouthwash or gargle.

Precautions

Pregnant or nursing women should consult a licensed medical practitioner or clinical aromatherapist before using white musk oil as it has effects on the uterus.
Keep away from children.
Avoid contact with eyes.

Final words

Natural white musk perfume is a perfect choice for people who love to wear the sweet, seductive, sensual, and musky scents of animal musk without harming the beautiful Musk Deer. Besides, natural white musk has diverse healing properties, while synthetic white musk produces harmful effects on the body and mind.

La Via del Profumo uses only natural ingredients so that you can enjoy the natural white musk scents along with their tremendous healing actions.