21+ Great Benefits of Agarwood that you must know

For thousands of years, agarwood has been known as “The Wood of the Gods.” First-grade agarwood can cost as much as $100,000 per kilogram, making it one of the most expensive raw materials in the world. But for this tree to produce any agarwood, it must first become infected with mold. So, how does this infection process work? What is agarwood used for? And what makes it so valuable? What are agarwood benefits? 

I. Overview of Agarwood

Deep in a Far Eastern jungle, an evergreen tree is attacked by fungus-carrying insects that bore into the tree. Much like our bodies’ immune system produces white blood cells, the tree starts producing a substance to combat the infection. Over the years, the infection grows – as does the substance the tree produces. This is oud, or agarwood. When it is distilled, oud oil is derived.

There are few natural aromatics that have as complex a scent spectrum as oud. Natural ambergris, musk and sandalwood also rank as some of the most valuable natural fragrances, but none come close to oud in the sheer transcendence and sublimity its fragrance boasts. More than just a scent, oud can be mentally and spiritually engaging. In fact, ouds from different regions also seem to have different effects on a person’s emotions. Indonesian oils induce joy and frivolity, while Vietnam oils have a deeply pacifying quality which makes them popular for use when meditating.

II. 21+ benefits of Agarwood for health and human life

1. Agarwood benefits – Reduce arthritis

Agarwood is known for its effective anti-inflammatory effects, from which it helps to reduce swelling caused by arthritis very well. Many scientific studies also show that Agarwood can also prevent the release of leukotrienes (compounds that cause inflammation in the body).

2. Reduce nervous system disorders

One of the great effects of Agarwood for human health is that it contributes to effective neurological disorders. When used with aromatherapy, Agarwood essential oil can offer the potential to treat stress, anxiety, depression, or other neurological disorders.

3. Agarwood benefits – Support intestinal function

With anti-inflammatory properties, Agarwood also helps support intestinal function very well. A scientific study in 2017 said that it is possible to use Agarwood in combination with some herbs to relieve abdominal pain, reduce bloating and reduce anxiety and depression for users very well.

4. The scent of Agarwood improve asthma

Until now, Agarwood is often used in Traditional Medicine with great effects to treat bronchitis and asthma. A scientific study shows that compounds in the scent of Agarwood help block the production of leukotrienes (the agents that cause the bronchial muscles to contract).

5. Agarwood benefits – Support oral health

In one study, Agarwood essential oil contained the boswellic acid in agarwood, which had strong antibacterial properties that were effective against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a bacteria that can cause gum disease. Therefore, the effect of Agarwood is also recognized to help improve oral hygiene as well as prevent gum disease for humans.

6. Increase concentration in meditation

Agarwood is also one of the very effective elements in meditation and yoga because it helps to increase concentration and relieve stress and fatigue. The effect of Agarwood incense is most appropriate and popular in this field. The pure, impurity-free scent of this product will help you feel more balanced, lighter and more relaxed.

7. Agarwood tea helps detoxify, reduce stress

In the world, the effect of Agarwood in the tea ceremony is extremely important. Agarwood tea has a quite characteristic aroma and very strong taste of agarwood and tea. It is known as a high-class item, agarwood tea is often chosen as a gift, giving to customers and relatives on important occasions.

In Oriental Medicine, agarwood is considered a rare and peaceful medicinal herb. Agarwood is especially used to treat sedative diseases, dispel fatigue. In addition, the use of agarwood in Eastern and Western medicine is also known for its great health benefits such as: used as medicine to help relieve pain, aid digestion, kidney tonic, etc.

8. Agarwood benefits – Agarwood jewelry brings good luck

Agarwood ring is a luxurious and aristocratic jewelry, adorning the appearance more delicate and outstanding. In addition, agarwood bracelets also help the wearer attract fortune, so business people are very fond of agarwood bracelets.

9. Agarwood health benefits – Skin health

Agarwood can help to improve skin health by having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It can also help to heal wounds, scars, acne, and other skin problems.

10. Agarwood health benefits – Pain relief

Agarwood can help to relieve pain and inflammation in the muscles, joints, and nerves by having analgesic and anti-rheumatic properties. It can also help to ease headaches, menstrual cramps, and toothaches.

11. Agarwood health benefits – Immune system

Agarwood can help to boost the immune system by having antioxidant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. It can also help to fight infections, allergies, and fever.

12. Agarwood health benefits on Respiratory system

Agarwood can help to improve respiratory health by having expectorant, bronchodilator, and antitussive properties. It can also help to clear congestion, cough, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

13. Agarwood health benefits – Cardiovascular system

Agarwood can help to improve cardiovascular health by having anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-ischemic properties. It can also help to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood circulation.

14. Agarwood health benefits on Nervous system

Agarwood can help to improve nervous system health by having neuroprotective, nootropic, and anti-convulsant properties. It can also help to enhance memory, cognition, learning, and mood.

15. Agarwood health benefits – Endocrine system

Agarwood can help to improve endocrine system health by having hormone-balancing and anti-diabetic properties. It can also help to regulate blood sugar, insulin, thyroid, and adrenal functions.

16. Agarwood health benefits on Urinary system

Agarwood can help to improve urinary system health by having diuretic and anti-lithiatic properties. It can also help to prevent and treat kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder problems.

17. Reproductive system

Agarwood can help to improve reproductive system health by having aphrodisiac, fertility-enhancing, and anti-impotence properties. It can also help to increase libido, sexual performance, sperm quality, and ovulation.

18. Detoxification

Agarwood can help to detoxify the body by having hepatoprotective, anti-toxicity, and anti-carcinogenic properties. It can also help to eliminate toxins, free radicals, and cancer cells from the body.

19. Agarwood spiritual benefits

Agarwood can help to enhance spirituality by having psychoactive, mystical, and meditative properties. It can also help to induce altered states of consciousness, visions, and transcendence.

20. Aromatherapy

Agarwood can help to provide aromatherapy benefits by having a pleasant, woody, and musky fragrance. It can also help to create a positive, peaceful, and harmonious atmosphere.

21. Cosmetics

Agarwood can help to improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails by having moisturizing, nourishing, and beautifying properties. It can also help to prevent aging, wrinkles, and hair loss.

22. Perfumery

Agarwood can help to create exquisite perfumes by having a unique, complex, and long-lasting scent. It can also help to enhance the quality, character, and value of other fragrances.

23. Agarwood scent benefits – Incense

Agarwood can help to produce high-quality incense by having a rich, smoky, and sweet aroma. It can also help to purify the air, repel insects, and attract good luck.

III. 7 Myths about the benefits of Agarwood Benefits

Agarwood is a fragrant resinous wood that is highly valued for its distinctive aroma and use in traditional medicine, incense, and perfume making. Here are some amazing facts about agarwood:

• Prevents diabetes: Some small studies show that Agarwood can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes as well as control diabetes.
• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression: Agarwood can reduce depressive, anxious, and nervous behaviors in rats. However, more studies in humans need to be done.
• Prevents heart disease: Agarwood has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation common in heart disease. Some studies have suggested the cardioprotective effects of Agarwood, but more evidence is needed.
• Promotes smooth skin: Agarwood oil is considered an effective natural acne and anti-wrinkle remedy. A recent study showed that Agarwood essential oil has skincare potential, but very few other studies support this use.
• Improves memory: Studies show that taking large doses of Agarwood can enhance memory in rats. However, more studies in humans need to be done.
• Balance hormones and reduce PMS symptoms: Agarwood is said to delay menopause and relieve menstrual pain, nausea, headaches, and mood swings. Recent research shows that certain essential oils increase the amount of estrogen in a woman’s saliva, thereby reducing menopausal symptoms. However, more studies are needed to confirm this benefit.
• Enhances fertility: Agarwood supplements may increase fertility in rats, but there is currently little research on this issue.

IV. What affects the value of Agarwood?

The amount and quality of the oil inside the wood give the Agarwood different scents leading to different selling prices. The oil inside the Agarwood wood is influenced by its origin, period of formation, where Agarwood accumulates in the tree (stems, branches, roots), and the formation process (tree alive, or a dead tree), …

V. Could agarwood be faked?

Agarwood is a special kind of wood, and some types have a higher price than gold. This attracts many people, who have spent a lot of time studying the way to benefit from Agarwood improperly. Many pieces of poor quality Agarwood have been added in color, chemicals to enhance the scent or lower quality Agarwood oil to look like a premium one.

Techniques of counterfeiting or increasing the value of Agarwood are more and more sophisticated, and many people with long experience in the industry can still misjudge the quality of incense. The sad thing is that quite a lot of the Agarwood sold in the market has been created this way.