Agarwood may not be a household name, but it really should be. Its unique aroma creates an impression that lasts. Spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally, agarwood has so many qualities, it's hard to count them all.
Read on as our experts break down the best of agarwood incense benefits below.
What Is Agarwood?
Agarwood is a fragrant wood, renowned for its dark color and for producing copious amounts of resin. The very best agarwood is one of the
most expensive natural raw materials in the world.
Agarwood comes from Aquilaria, a species of evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. And its amazingly high value is likely caused by the fact that this tree's numbers have been depleting over the last century, making agarwood a highly sought-after commodity.
However, another reason for agarwood being so pricey may lie in the way it is produced. For the aquilaria tree to form agarwood, its wood needs to be penetrated by an 'ambrosia beetle'. This insect feeds on the wood and resins which allows a mold infection to occur.
Amazingly, the tree's response to this attack is to produce a material that increases the density and fragrance of the damaged wood. This area of damage is agarwood.
What is Agarwood Incense?
To make agarwood
incense sticks, manufacturers take agarwood oil and combine it with combustible wood powders. Once combined, this mixture will roll into the shape of sticks, cones, or coils.
Sometimes the combustibles in the incense mixture are synthetic, which usually have a level of toxicity, so we always prefer to seek out natural alternatives.
As well as incense, Oud is another common type of fragrance made with agarwood. It is a perfume and incense ingredient that has
strong roots in the Middle East and Southeast Asia but is slowly gaining popularity in the West.
Oud is one of the most highly prized ingredients in the world. As an indicator of its rarity, manufacturers can only obtain a few milliliters of oud oil from over 50 kilograms of wood.
So it's clear that people are willing to go to extreme lengths for this scent, but why? Read on to find out what makes the smell of agarwood so irresistible.
What Does Agarwood Incense Smell Like?
Agarwood and Oud have a warm, sweet, musky aroma with woody notes. It is an unmistakable aroma and once you have smelled it, it will remain in your long-term memory for life.
This is why agarwood is a common feature in aromatherapy settings and meditation and yoga practices.
Our Favorite Benefits of Agarwood Incense
Spiritual Fulfilment
Agarwood, burned for centuries by ancient societies all over Asia and the Near East, has great significance in many modern religious circles, especially in Hinduism and Islam.
However, it has featured throughout humanity's
spiritual journey. The smoke of burning agarwood was used to carry prayers and offerings to the spirit world. It also has incredible protective properties, ridding a space and negative energy and restoring an atmosphere of sacred calm.
This makes it the ultimate tool for your home meditation or yoga practices. And is also perfect for times you just want to take a moment and reconnect with your higher consciousness through the power of prayer.
Physical Wellbeing
In ancient Vietnam, agarwood was one of the area's most lucrative exports. Frequently traded with China and Japan, it was a prized commodity, mostly for its medicinal uses.
As a traditional medicine, agarwood was frequently featured in Tibetan and Chinese folk medicine, as well as in Ancient Greek texts. Documented in these texts were several agarwood benefits, including helping with an upset stomach.
Modern science has backed up these ancient texts with
evidence that agarwood can treat digestive issues and abdominal pain.
There is also
evidence that agarwood has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and central nervous system boosting qualities.
Other Benefits of Agarwood
Improves Cognitive Function
Research shows that agarwood incense improves learning and memory, so could be the perfect addition to some last-minute studying or for getting deep into computer work.
Produces Intoxicating Scent
There's a reason agarwood is one of the most desired and expensive fragrances out there. Its musky, sweet, balsamic aroma is so inviting, you'll wish you had an endless supply.
I love to
burn agarwood incense in the winter because its aroma creates the ultimate relaxing atmosphere.
How to Use Agarwood Incense Sticks For Spirituality
Time needed: 1 hour.
It is important that before using agarwood incense, you clear your space of flammable objects and ensure children and pets are not in the room. They tend to be far more sensitive to the smoke and the effects of the aromatics.
We always recommend burning agarwood with the windows open nice and wide to allow the refreshing natural air into your space for maximum spiritual benefit.
-
Set your intentions
Have a clear intention in your mind before you begin. For example, you may want to connect with your higher self. Or you might just want to engage in prayer.
-
Set up your space
Find a spot where you can be in a comfortable, seated position
-
Light your incense
Gently light the tip of the stick and blow out the flame after a few seconds. This will leave the incense delicately smoking
-
Relax
Take deep, purposeful breaths, allowing your mind to fully engage with the higher realms.
-
Maintain your focus
Keep the focus for as long as you feel is necessary for you to be spiritually fulfilled.
-
Put out your Incense
Allow it to cool, then carefully dispose of the ash.
The Final Word
Pound for pound, agarwood is the most expensive natural product in the world. This makes it crucial that you do your research before purchasing so that you get the best product possible. It may cost you a little more, but take it from us, the irresistible smell and the incredible benefits of agarwood incense make it worth every single penny.
People Also Ask
Why is agarwood so expensive?
Agarwood is so expensive because it is a pure, natural product from a threatened species of tree. It also requires incredibly unique conditions for it to become fragrant.
How do you pronounce 'Oud'?
Oud is pronounced 'Ood'. The word has Arabic origins and oud is still a very popular product in the Middle East and Central Asia.
