Agarwood essential oil is one of the rarest and most expensive oils in the world. Emotionally, it inspires strength and can deepen a sense of personal awareness. This highly coveted essential oil is not commonly found in most oilers collection. Find out agarwood essential oil benefits and uses, plus a few DIY recipes to try.
Agarwood Essential Oil Facts
This precious oil is often used as a base ingredient in commercial fragrances but what is really wonderful is that agarwood essential oil,also called oud essential oil, can be used as a natural cologne all on its own. This essential oil is extracted from the fungus-infected wood of the agarwood tree, commonly called the “wood of the gods”.
The process to make the essential oil is very special. The wood is naturally pale in color and nearly odorless but when the wood is threatened by mold, it produces a dark, aromatic oleoresin to get rid of the fungus. This creates a dark, fragrant, resin-rich heartwood. The heartwood is then harvested and steam distilled to make the rare oil.
Need an Agarwood Essential Oil Substitution?
Agarwood has a very unique aroma but you can try rich wood oils like Buddha wood, Sandalwood, Rosewood, or Ho wood.
| Botanical Name | Aquilaria crassna |
| Botanical Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Aka | Oud, Aloewood, Agar |
| Note | Base |
| Aroma | Woody, sweet, smoky, leathery |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Plant Part Used | Wood |
| Shelf Life | 20 years+ |
| Kid Safe? | No |
| Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant |
Agarwood Essential Oil Blends Well With
Agarwood essential oil blends well with just about any essential oil and tends to add depth and complexity to oil blends. It is mainly known for its exotic, woody scent and is commonly used in perfumes and colognes.
- Agarwood can be blended with other essential oils to create a variety of different scents. Sandalwood, patchouli and bergamot are all great choices since they offer deep, earthy tones that blend well with agarwood's warm aroma.
- Rosemary, lemongrass, black pepper and cedarwood also complement agarwood wonderfully to create an intricate blend of spicy notes.
- The timeless combination of agarwood oil and rose essential oil creates a deeply pleasant scent that is perfect for meditation or relaxation. With agarwood's full-bodied aroma combined with the sweet and floral bouquet of rose essential oil - it can't be beat!
When using essential oils topically, it is best practice to dilute them in a carrier oil first before applying to the skin. Jojoba and fractionated coconut oil are popular choices.
Ultimately, the sky is the limit when it comes to blending agarwood essential oil with other fragrances to make something truly special.
Agarwood Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
When using agarwood oil for aromatherapy, patience is needed. This rare oil is very thick and it can be slow to get a drop to come out of the bottle. Good thing is that one drop can really go a long way.
It is frequently used as a base when making natural perfume/cologne. Many also like to enjoy adding this calming oil to their meditation routine. Just inhale the aroma to help you to enter a deeply spiritual state.
- Strengthens concentration
- Promotes inner peace and balance
- Supports healthy digestion
- Enhances meditation
- Powerful natural aphrodisiac
- Soothes ongoing stress
- Inspires strength and clarity
- Supports greater personal awareness
- Eases muscle spasms
Where to Buy Agarwood Essential Oil?
This may be a highly coveted and pricey oil but users agree that it is worth every penny. When buying, it is important to buy from a sustainable source and a quality essential oil company, because of the high cost it may be adulterated.
Remember that the heartwood is used to create this oil, so that means the tree is cut down. It is important to ensure that it is ethically harvested and trees are being replanted when they are cut down.
If you are looking to buy this pure essential oil, here is a brand that I like to use.
Edens Garden - Agarwood Oud Oil:
How to Use Agarwood Essential Oil
Agarwood essential oil can be used in various ways to experience its beneficial effects. Here are three popular methods of using agarwood essential oil:
Topical application of Agarwood Essential Oil
To enjoy the therapeutic properties of agarwood, you can apply the oil onto your skin. Dilute a few drops of agarwood essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, before applying it to the desired areas.
Massage gently to promote absorption. This method is commonly used for treating skin conditions, promoting relaxation, and relieving muscle tension.
Inhalation of Agarwood Essential Oil
Inhaling the aromatic scent of agarwood essential oil can provide numerous benefits. You can add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply.
Alternatively, you can use an aromatherapy inhaler or diffuser jewelry. Inhalation of agarwood essential oil can help reduce stress, alleviate respiratory issues, and enhance mental clarity.
Diffusing Agarwood Essential Oil
Using an essential oil diffuser is a convenient way to enjoy the therapeutic aroma of agarwood throughout your home or office. Simply add a few drops of agarwood essential oil to your diffuser and let it disperse the fragrance.
Diffusing agarwood essential oil can create a relaxing atmosphere, promote better sleep, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Experiment with these methods to find the one that suits you best and enjoy the aromatic benefits of agarwood essential oil.
Agarwood Essential Oil Recipes
Looking for some ways to include this resinous oil into your DIY blends? Here are 3 simple yet effective agarwood essential oil blend recipes.
1. Oud Roll-on Perfume
Oud essential oil can be used to assist with situational anxiety and depression. Use this simple perfume roll on to enjoy a calm and balanced state.
- 5 drops Agarwood Oil
- 2 teaspoons Jojoba Oil
- 10 ml Roller Bottle
Directions: Add all recipe ingredients to the roll-on bottle. Shake to blend together, then roll onto pulse points and upper chest.
2. Agarwood Diffuser Blend - Scent of Nirvana
Diffusing agarwood allows its warm, grounding fragrance to relax both mind and body. Here is a blend that includes the power of just one drop of agar oil.
- 4 drops of Mandarin essential oil
- 3 drops of Blood Orange essential oil
- 2 drops of Pink Pepper essential oil
- 1 drop of Agarwood essential oil
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy.
3. Agarwood Inhaler Blend for Meditation
The ancient fragrance of Oud has been enjoyed in religious ceremonies for centuries to enhance centeredness and focus. Inhale this blend to improve meditation.
- 4 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops Copaiba essential oil
- 4 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Agarwood essential oil
- Blank Aromatherapy Inhaler
Directions: Add wick to a small bowl, drop essential oils onto the wick, using tweezers to pick up the wick, then get any oil residual left in the bowl onto the wick. Place the wick in blank inhaler and put on end cap (base). To use, place under nose and inhaler the aroma.
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Avoiding oral consumption of Agarwood Essential Oil
Due to its high concentration and potency, it is not safe to consume Agarwood Essential Oil orally. Ingesting the oil can lead to adverse effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or even toxicity.
It is vital to remember that Agarwood Essential Oil is intended for external use only, and swallowing it may pose serious health risks. Always keep the oil away from small children and pets.
Sourcing and Sustainability
Agarwood Essential Oil is a highly sought-after product with a rich history and cultural significance. However, there are concerns about the ethical sourcing and sustainable practices in Agarwood production.
Ethical sourcing of Agarwood Essential Oil
Ethical sourcing refers to the process of ensuring that Agarwood Essential Oil is obtained in a manner that does not harm the environment or exploit local communities.
It involves working closely with farmers, plantations, and suppliers to guarantee fair trade practices and the protection of endangered Agarwood species. By opting for products that prioritize ethical sourcing, you can support sustainable practices and contribute to the conservation of Agarwood forests.
Sustainable practices in Agarwood production
Sustainability in Agarwood production involves implementing methods that ensure the long-term viability of the industry while minimizing its ecological impact. This includes promoting responsible harvesting techniques, implementing reforestation programs, and supporting Agarwood plantations that prioritize sustainable cultivation methods.
By choosing Agarwood Essential Oil derived from sustainable sources, you are not only conserving the environment but also guaranteeing the future availability of this precious oil.
Conclusion of the Benefits and Uses of Agarwood
In conclusion, agarwood essential oil offers a multitude of benefits and is a highly sought-after product in the world of aromatherapy and natural healing. Throughout this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this precious oil.
We have covered the basics, such as what agarwood essential oil is, how it is extracted, and its various uses and benefits. Furthermore, we have addressed common concerns regarding its high price and potential side effects, clarifying that quality and potency are key factors to consider when purchasing agarwood essential oil.
We encourage you to explore the world of agarwood essential oil further, as its rich and woody aroma can enhance your well-being and bring a profound sense of calm and relaxation.
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