Ambrosia

Ambrosia (formed from Gr. ambroōtos, 'immortal'), in Greek Mythology, the food of the gods, as nectar was their drink. It gave to those who ate of it immortal youth and beauty. It was brought by doves to Jupiter, and was occasionally bestowed upon such human beings as were the peculiar favourites of the gods. Ambrosia was also used as a fragrant salve, which the goddesses employed to heighten their beauty; with which Jupiter himself anointed his locks; and which had the property of preserving bodies from corruption. The term was applied by Pliny, and by our early herbalists, to various plants. Hindu mythology has also its amrita, the beverage of the gods; and the gods of the Scandinavian pantheon were preserved in perpetual vigour by eating the apples guarded by Idun.