| Standard name | Ambra grisea |
|---|---|
| Other names | |
| Standard abbr. | Ambr. |
| Other abbr. | |
| Scientific name | Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758 |
| Other scientific names | Physeter catodon Linnaeus, 1758; Physeter australasianus Desmoulins, 1822; Physeter australis Gray, 1846 |
| Common names | Ambergris; Ambergri; Amber Gris |
| Substance description | Hahnemann: “This substance, often adulterated on account of its high price, we can hope to get genuine only in first-class drug stores. The true ambergris, developed in the intestines of the sperm whale, as was proved by SCHWEDJAUR, and probably a fatty excretion from its gallbladder, is obtained of best quality from the sea, especially after stormy weather, off the coasts of Madagascar and Sumatra. It consists of small, rough, opaque masses, which are lighter than water, of spongy consistence, and can easily be broken up into rough, uneven pieces, externally of a brownish-grey color, internally permeated by yellowish, reddish, and blackish fibers intermingled with whitish, very odorous points, somewhat greasy to the touch, and of faint but very refreshing fragrance. By the warmth of the fingers it becomes soft as wax, by the heat of boiling water its melts into oil, at the same time exhales a strong, very agreeable fragrance, and on heated metal burns quite away. On applying a light to it it quickly takes fire, and burns with a bright flame. Alcohol dissolves it very sparingly, but sulphuric ether dissolves it almost completely, and on adding alcohol a white wax-like substance is thrown down. Its feeble odor is much increased by this solution, as also by triturating it with other substances.” |
| Distinctness | GROUP (There are major differences in quality and origin of true Ambergris, so a uniform medicinal effect can hardly be expected; also see notes) |
| Classification | Nosode; Organism – Animalia – Chordata – Mammalia – Cetacea – Physeteridae – Physeter |
The remedy you buy from your homeopathic pharmacy may be different from the one used in the provings – it may not work even if properly selected.
From ambergris.fr – “Ambergris has a very specific odour and this is the best and quickest way to identify it. The odour makes it possible not only to determine the age and quality but also to predict the evolution of the piece over time. To some people the odour is nauseous while to others it is attractive and even sensuous. There is certainly an animalic component, reminiscent of farm animals, or even a faecal note, perhaps like that of a well rotted manure heap. There can also be a strong marine note like the smell of seaweed on a beach. Once you have smelt it you will not forget it. Over time, the odour becomes softer and more “perfumistic” whilst still preserving its marked animal characteristics. Total “refinement” takes 10 to 20 years or more but the animalic notes will always be retained. The colour of ambergris varies from black, through dark brown, through light brown to yellow/gold or even grey. The colour tends to lighten with time.”
All standard homeopathic remedy names are listed in the Official Remedy Name List. Extended Remedy Name List includes all known naming variations (homeopathic names only). The Complete Remedy Name List includes all homeopathic names and all common names. This page is a part of ongoing Project Remedies.