Agarwood, also known as Oud, is a valuable and rare substance that has been used for centuries in many cultures. Agarwood is not the name of the tree. It comes from the resinous heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, which is native to Southeast Asia, India, and parts of the Middle East.
3 major things you should know about Agarwood:
History of Agarwood
Agarwood has been highly prized for its unique fragrance and healing properties for thousands of years. It is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Bible and the Quran and was used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. In ancient China, Agarwood was considered a symbol of wealth and was used as tribute to the emperor.
It was also a popular ingredient in incense and perfume, and was even used to treat mental and physical ailments. In the Middle East, Agarwood was used to make the famous Oud oil, which was highly valued for its unique aroma and was worn by royalty and the wealthy. It was also used in traditional Arabic medicine to treat various illnesses. In India, Agarwood is referred to as “oudh,” and it has been valued for its medicinal and therapeutic properties for centuries.
How to produce Agarwood?
Agarwood is created from the lesions on the Aquilaria tree. These injuries can be caused by heavy rain or thunder or by the impact of insects or fungus. When the Aquilaria tree is injuried, they produce a resin to protect itself which eventually hardens and becomes the fragrant agarwood. The resinous wood can be extracted by hand or through a process of steam distillation. The production of Agarwood is a very slow and complex process, which makes it rare and expensive.
It can take 10-20 years or up to 50-100 years for the Aquilaria tree to produce the resin. With the trees which were infected by fungus, only about 10-20% will produce enough resin to be used commercially. The high demand for Agarwood has made it one of the most expensive woods in the world, with prices ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per gram.
In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the cultivation and production of agarwood, which has made it more accessible to consumers. Many countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, have started Agarwood plantations to meet the growing demand for this precious material.
Uses of Agarwood
Agarwood has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known to treat a variety of ailments including digestive problems, asthma, and joint pain. In Ayurvedic medicine, agarwood is used to treat headaches, rheumatism, and skin diseases. Its antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and expectorant properties make it a valuable addition to many traditional remedies. With its myriad of uses and benefits, agarwood continues to captivate and intrigue people around the world.
Today, agarwood is still used in traditional medicines and religious ceremonies, but it has also become a popular ingredient in a variety of modern-day products. This is largely due to its unique fragrance, which is said to have a calming effect on the mind and body. The relaxing properties make it an attractive option for those seeking to relieve stress and anxiety. Furthermore, agarwood is used in high-end cosmetics and beauty products as well as in luxury home fragrances, where it adds a touch of sophistication to any setting.
For incense burning, agarwood can be used in the form of agarwood chips or agarwood incense sticks or incense buds. Depending on the quality of the agarwood used, the aroma is good or not when burned.
One of the most prized products derived from agarwood is oud oil. Extracted from the Agarwood, oud oil is highly valued in the perfume industry for its unique aroma. It is often used as a base note in luxury fragrances and is considered a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. This rare ingredient adds depth and complexity to fragrances, making them irresistible to those seeking a truly unique scent.
Besides, Agarwood is also used to make decorative statues and jewelry models such as Agarwood bracelets, Agarwood necklaces, and 108-mala beads Agarwood or Agarwood rings with various designs from round beads, bamboo beads, rectangular beads, …etc
Agarwood is a rare and precious substance that has been coveted for its unique fragrance and healing properties for thousands of years. Its production is slow and unpredictable, which has made it expensive and difficult to obtain. However, with the increase in cultivation and production, agarwood is becoming more accessible to consumers around the world. Whether you use it in traditional medicines, perfumes, aromatherapy or as jewelry, agarwood is sure to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your life. It is essential to use it sustainably and responsibly to ensure that it is available for future generations to enjoy.
