What is Agarwood?

Agarwood forms as a resinous substance deep inside some kinds of trees from Southeast Asia. Many cultures prize agarwood, which isn't wood at all, as incense and perfume oil to use during religious ceremonies at temples and mosques. Excessive harvest of agarwood from supposedly protected forests has made the resin rare as well as endangered many species of host trees.

Also known as aloeswood, heartwood, or eaglewood, agarwood resembles amber resin. It is sticky and malleable, but not naturally produced by trees like most kinds of sap. It only forms within a small percentage of trees from the Aquilaria family, called thymelaeceae, that used to grow across the temperate and rainforests in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. These tropical trees actually grow very quickly in poor soil, so long as they have enough water.

Unfortunately, the trees aren't valued for their prolific lumber, but rather the anomalous substance of agarwood that seems to arise as a result of an infection or genetic mutation. Sadly, one cannot tell which trees might yield a hefty harvest of agarwood until they are felled and split open. Foresight may have allowed them to be monitored as a renewable resource, yet over-harvesting has all but eliminated the Aquilaria trees in most countries. Repopulation at this point is probably not tenable.

Agarwood, mostly from Vietnam, exported to other countries might find itself being burned as a medicinal smoke, wrapped with prayer shawls to scent them, or pressed to extract the potent oil. Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine value the smoke as healing because it rebalances chi. In Korea the "kanam" gets burned for the black smoke, just like the "kanankoh" in Japan.

Holy places of Islam, Shintoism, and Buddhism use distilled agarwood oil as temple offerings and incense. The lauded smell from the "wood of the Gods" can be placed on altars as well as dotted on skin to bring out the rich scent. Even soaps and perfumes have incorporated agarwood's distinctive aroma.

Agarwood, also known as oud, is a rare and precious resinous heartwood formed in the Aquilaria and Gyrinops tree species. It develops as a response to an infection or injury, where the tree produces a fragrant resin to protect itself. This process can take decades, making agarwood highly valued for its distinctive fragrance and scarcity.

Agarwood's value stems from its rarity, unique scent, and the lengthy process required for its formation. It is sought after for use in high-end perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines. According to the International Journal of Forestry Research, top-quality agarwood can fetch up to $100,000 per kilogram, reflecting its status as 'liquid gold' in the fragrance world.

In perfumery, agarwood is prized for its complex, woody, and resinous aroma with hints of smoky, musky, and sweet notes. Perfumers use it as a base note to provide depth and longevity to fragrances. Its oil, known as oud oil, is a luxurious ingredient that anchors and enhances the overall scent profile of a perfume.

While agarwood is traditionally sourced from wild trees, overharvesting has led to its endangerment. To combat this, sustainable cultivation practices have been developed. Trees are now being planted and intentionally infected to produce agarwood in a controlled environment, helping to preserve wild populations and meet the ongoing demand.

Agarwood-producing species are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to regulate their trade and prevent over-exploitation. Conservation efforts include sustainable farming, habitat protection, and enforcing legal trade to ensure the survival of these valuable trees in the wild.

Consumers can look for certifications indicating sustainable sourcing when purchasing agarwood products. Reputable sellers should provide information about the origin of the agarwood and whether it complies with CITES regulations. Supporting companies that invest in sustainable cultivation and ethical sourcing practices helps protect natural agarwood resources and the environment.