Agarwood Essential Oil Identification
INCI Name: Aquilaria Agallocha Wood Oil
CAS Number: 91201-57-3
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Plant Part Used: Infected heartwood
Origin: Southeast Asia (primarily Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia)
Appearance: Dark brown to black viscous liquid
Odor Notes: Woody, rich, balsamic, slightly sweet
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container
Composition: Primarily sesquiterpenes and chromones, including agarospirol, jinkohol, and oxidoagarochromone
Agarwood (Oud) Essential Oil: Aromatherapy Benefits and Uses
Introduction
Agarwood, also known as Oud, is a highly valued essential oil derived from the resinous heartwood of the Aquilaria tree. This precious oil has been revered for centuries for its unique and captivating aroma, as well as its numerous benefits for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Diverse and complex with a continuously evolving aroma, that diffuses for a long time.
It comes out as musky, animalic at first and matures day by day, almost by the hour, with the smell of woods, resins, trees, grass, rain forests, earth, fruits, herbs and spices deeply intertwined with sweet gourmand and vanillic aromas.
When settled, our oud essential oi is at the same time spicy, leathery, soft and warm, sweet and buttery with earthy and resinous accent all intertwined into each other.
This breathing process is essential for appreciating the full depth and beauty of agarwood absolute oil's scent. At first the scents can be overwhelming or even off putting.
For people who are used to the fumigation of the wood or the incence, Oud essential oil might come as a surprise, as the aromatic compounds are so concentrated.
Apply a drop a this essential oil on a piece of paper and scent it evolve and grow into the aroma that you are familiar with.
Mix Oud essential oil for your classic "arabian" perfumed oils with Jasmine absolute, Rose damask, ambrette, sandalwood to create fabulously complex , grouding elevating, comforting synergies.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Agarwood essential oil is renowned for its profound therapeutic properties. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Relieves Stress and Anxiety: The rich, woody scent of Agarwood has a calming effect on the mind, helping to reduce feelings of tension and promote relaxation and a sense of serenity.
- Enhances Meditation: The soothing aroma of Agarwood essential oil creates a peaceful and focused atmosphere, aiding in deeper states of mindfulness and spiritual connection during meditation practices.
- Boosts Mood: Agarwood essential oil has uplifting properties that can help reduce feelings of sadness and promote emotional well-being. It is beneficial for those experiencing mood swings or looking to create a more positive environment.
- Supports Respiratory Health: Agarwood essential oil possesses expectorant properties that can help clear congestion and promote healthy respiratory function. It can ease breathing difficulties caused by allergies, colds, or respiratory infections.
- Improves Sleep Quality: For those struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality, Agarwood essential oil can be a valuable natural remedy. Its relaxing properties help calm the mind and induce a sense of tranquility, promoting a restful night's sleep.
- Relieves Pain and Inflammation: Agarwood essential oil has analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. It can be used topically to soothe muscle aches, joint discomfort, and headaches.
- Boosts Immune System: Agarwood essential oil possesses antimicrobial properties that can help boost the immune system, aiding in fighting off common infections and strengthening the body's natural defense mechanisms.
- Improves Digestion: Traditionally, Agarwood essential oil has been used to improve digestion. It can help stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, alleviating digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
- Supports Skin Health: Agarwood essential oil offers several benefits for the skin, including reducing redness and irritation, protecting against free radical damage, and preventing premature aging.
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Enhances Focus and Concentration: The calming and grounding effects of Agarwood essential oil can enhance focus and concentration, making it beneficial for improving productivity and mental clarity.
Spiritual Benefits
Agarwood essential oil is deeply rooted in spiritual practices and is known for its ability to enhance spiritual well-being:
- Enhances Meditation and Spiritual Practices: Agarwood is commonly used during meditation and spiritual practices due to its grounding effect on the mind, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Provides Protection Against Negative Energy: Agarwood is believed to have a purifying effect on the mind and body, helping to remove negative energy and promote positive energy. It is reputed to provide protection against negative entities or energies.
- Encourages Spiritual Awakening: The aroma of Agarwood is said to have a transformative effect on the mind and body, helping individuals overcome limiting beliefs and emotional blockages, and facilitating spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Usage Instructions
Agarwood essential oil can be used in various ways to harness its benefits:
- Topical Application: Dilute with a high-quality carrier oil and apply to the skin. It is recommended to perform a skin patch test when using a new essential oil topically.
- Diffusion and Inhalation: Add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser or personal pocket inhaler. For a calming ambiance, diffuse during meditation or before bedtime.
- DIY Skincare: Blend with your favorite lotion or cream, or mix with a carrier oil for a revitalizing facial massage. It can also be used in homemade anti-aging serums and other skincare products.
Agarwood oil usage
You can use it with carrier oil or with alcohol depending on your preference (alcohol then you use in a spray bottle of course)
- Agarwood is very concentrated. you need to use it sparingly in a carrier oil (see below).
- Mixing suggestions (you will need to experiment to your own profile) : For a masculine scent, try blending agarwood with:
- Sandalwood (warm, woody)
- Vetiver (earthy, smoky)
- Patchouli (deep, musky)
- Cedarwood (fresh, woody)
- Bergamot or other citrus oils (for brightness)
Start with small amounts (1-2 drops) of these oils added to your agarwood blend and adjust to your preference.
- Dilution: Ensure you're using enough carrier oil. A 2-3% dilution (about 12-18 drops of essential oil per 30ml of carrier oil) is typical for regular use.
Safety and Precautions
- General Safety: Agarwood essential oil is generally non-toxic and non-irritating. However, it should always be diluted before topical application and avoid contact with eyes.
- Pregnancy and Medical Conditions: If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult a physician before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Agarwood (Oud) Essential Oil is a versatile and powerful essential oil with a wide range of benefits for aromatherapy, skincare, and spiritual well-being.
Its rich history and profound healing properties make it a valuable addition to any natural health regimen. Whether used for relaxation, skin rejuvenation, or spiritual practices, Agarwood offers a path to wellness and tranquility.