How to identify Agarwood tree? 4 ways to identify Real Agarwood

Agarwood – a unique and rare natural product – is increasingly favored for its great uses. However, because of its high value, Agarwood market is increasingly fierce and there are countless fake products to deceive customers. There are different types of agarwood on the market. Therefore, those interested in products from agarwood need to immediately know how to identify fake Agarwood to avoid buying the wrong quality goods. Here are four ways to identify real vs fake agarwood. Follow Thien Moc Huong and find out in this article!

I. Introduction of Real Agarwood

1. What is Real Agarwood?

Original Agarwood, also known as oud or aloeswood, is a fragrant resinous wood that is highly valued in many cultures for its unique and complex aroma. It is produced by the Aquilaria tree species when it is infected by a type of mold. The tree produces a resin to fight the infection, which gradually darkens and hardens to become agarwood. Due to its rarity and high demand, original agarwood is considered a luxury item and can be quite expensive. It is commonly used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines.

There are 4 types of agarwood divided into Ky Nam, Natural Agarwood, Toc Agarwood and Artificial agarwood . Out of the four, Ky Nam is the most premium, generating the highest economic value.

Agarwood is very rare and high value. People use agarwood to create feng shui products, good for health. These include burning incense, incense bracelets. Besides, the health benefits such as curing headaches, aches, stress, nausea, … Agarwood is also said to bring fortune, ward off evil, …

Because of the “miraculous” uses and rare properties. Agarwood’s value is being pushed higher and higher. Many people take advantage of this opportunity, produce and trade fake agarwood  for profit. There have been many people losing money because they don’t know how to recognize real agarwood.

2. Importance of identifying original agarwood

Identifying original agarwood is important for several reasons. Firstly, agarwood is a valuable and expensive commodity, and there are many counterfeit products on the market. 

• By identifying genuine agarwood, buyers can ensure that they are getting what they paid for and avoid being scammed. 
• Original agarwood has a unique and complex aroma that is highly prized in many cultures. 
• Besides, customers can be assured that they are experiencing the true aroma and therapeutic benefits of the wood by identifying original agarwood. 
• Finally, agarwood is a rare and endangered species, and identifying original agarwood can help promote sustainable harvesting practices and conservation efforts.

II. Characteristics of Original Agarwood

1. Color of original agarwood

The agarwood comes from the Aquilaria Crassna Plant and contains a variety of resins (essential oils). As a result, the Agarwood resin determines the color of original agarwood.

It is a light, soft, and dark-white type of wood. The bead gets darker and heavier when more agarwood oil is added. Agarwood will float on the surface of water when there is a particular concentration of agarwood oil – typically over 40%.

2. The value and use of agarwood

Agarwood is a highly valued resinous wood that comes from the Aquilaria tree species. It is prized for its distinctive aroma, which is often described as woody, earthy, and musky, and is used in various cultural and religious practices, as well as in perfumery and traditional medicine.

Agarwood has been used for centuries, and the Chinese, Hindu, and Arab cultures all held it in high esteem. Agarwood has a relaxing impact on the mind, aid in pain relief, and foster mental clarity in traditional Chinese medicine. Moreover, it is used to treat digestive difficulties, respiratory problems, and skin issues in Ayurveda medicine.

Furthermore, agarwood also holds important cultural and religious significance across the globe. Agarwood is burned as incense during religious rituals and meditation exercises in various Buddhist and Hindu cultures. It is frequently given as a gift on special occasions and is also utilized in Islamic culture as a symbol of richness.

In conclusion, real agarwood is widely prized for its distinctive aroma and cultural significance, as well as a range of other purposes. It is a sought-after item in the fragrance market due to its scarcity and complexity, and in many cultures it is a representation of luxury and spirituality.

3. Distribution of agarwood all over the world

As we know, agarwood is formed as a natural defense mechanism of the tree against the fungus, and it can take several years for the resin to form. Therefore, products made from original agarwood are rare and sought after all over the world

The distribution of agarwood is mainly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. According to recent studies on the wood by scientists in China and Japan, Vietnamese agarwood has the best distinctive quality. Besides, natural agarwood also originated from other countries such as: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, India,…

In addition, agarwood is also found in some African countries, such as Tanzania and Madagascar. However, the quality and quantity of agarwood produced in these countries are relatively small compared to those in Asia and the Middle East.

It’s important to note that the harvest of agarwood has led to overexploitation and depletion of some species of Aquilaria trees. In many countries, there are regulations and laws in place to control and monitor the harvesting and trade of agarwood to protect the species from extinction.

III. Is there a cheap agarwood bracelet?

It is not difficult to catch the rampant ads on social networks that sell agarwood bracelets at super cheap prices. From $10, $15 … While natural agarwood price is known for its “expensive” price. A natural agarwood bracelet price often start from over $56 depending on the size, the type, the origin, and the charm.

A cheap agarwood bracelet that always has many doubts. Because the bracelet feels loose, pale. Fake agarwood has already cost a lot of money. However, fake agarwood bracelets are another type of product that deceives customers. Cheap bracelets, fake incense, which is made from wood sawdust, wood chips, plywood, pressed wood. Material with low price, mass processing by workers. The more production cycle, the less capital is spent. They are impregnated with different aromas and promote the bracelet as real agarwood with the ability to spread the scent. Such a bracelet, sold for a few hundred dollars, is still very profitable for them.

IV. How to identify real vs fake agarwood?

How do you know if agarwood is real? Fake agarwood is increasingly popular and sophisticated, so we should equip ourselves with full knowledge of agarwood as well as how to identify fake agarwood to buy quality products to avoid harming our health. Following Thien Moc Huong will suggest to you 4 simple ways to identify real or fake agarwood:

1. Through surface of the wood

One of the ways to identify agarwood is to observe the wood’s surface. Agarwood bracelets are always genuine natural colors, not glossy. A closer look will see the oil veins lining the wood fibers. The more fruiting incense contains the more essential oils.

Frankincense incense is often impregnated with other dark brown or black woods because it is dyed to look like real incense, looks beautiful, shiny, so you can not see the oil layer on the wood, holding uncertain hands and lighter than real incense.

2. Through the smell

You can also distinguish agarwood from fake smell. Natural agarwood always has a faintly subtle scent. Not passionate but fragrant and very pleasant. While counterfeit goods will smell like perfume, sometimes cause discomfort when smelling. Natural agarwood often has a faint, gentle agarwood. Agarwood, cheap frankincense, initially smells very intense when there is no temperature effect because it is soaked with essential oil or chemical aromas.

Shop now: Buy agarwood oil at the best price 

3. By burn

In addition to smell, you can burn incense samples to smell the wood because natural agarwood, when burning directly, will give a pleasant aroma and less smoke. Meanwhile, fake chemicals so, when exposed to high temperatures, will have a strong, unpleasant smell. Even cause eye irritation and shortness of breath when inhaled.

4. Check with the electric heater

Another way to identify real agarwood is to scrape frankincense into powder. Put in an electric heater, then the smell of incense will exude and no smoke. This is the main test when people test incense compared to Ky Nam.

Currently, on the market, fake agarwood appears a lot with a very sophisticated appearance. Difficult to detect or distinguish real or fake incense. Therefore, you should find out reputable and quality products from agarwood. Thien Moc Huong is always proud of being a supplier of products from 100% natural agarwood. Finely crafted craft with 35 years of working experience.

How to check agarwood quality? Agarwood is a very expensive and sought-after wood that is used in many different traditional and religious rituals because of its distinctive scent. One should consider characteristics like the scent, resin content, texture, and color of the wood while evaluating the agarwood’s quality. High-quality agarwood has a potent, recognizable, and enduring aroma, and its high resin content gives it a darker, oilier texture. Agarwood should have a smooth texture and be a dark brown or black color with occasional white veins. To guarantee the validity and caliber of the wood, one can also speak with a specialist in agarwood identification.

V. Product made from real agarwood

1. Real agarwood bracelet

Wearing a natural agarwood bracelet can provide various benefits. Agarwood has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have therapeutic properties. The fragrance of agarwood is calming and can help reduce stress, anxiety, and nervous tension. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can be used to alleviate pain and swelling. Wearing an agarwood bracelet is also said to improve focus and concentration, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being. Additionally, agarwood is a natural and sustainable material, and wearing an agarwood bracelet can be an eco-friendly and stylish choice.

2. Real agarwood incense

Not only helps living space and the workplace to reduce sadness and bad luck, natural agarwood incense also transmits good energy, making the living space meet many happy and lucky things in life as well as happiness for business.

Today, many traders burn Agarwood incense during the day, especially in the morning at the place of business to make business smooth and convenient for trading.

It is also for this reason that Agarwood is also used to make many figurines of fine art to display feng shui. Bracelets made from Agarwood are both fashionable jewelry and bring good things to the owner.

Note:

There are a number of articles that distinguish the natural agarwood bracelet by “putting it into water and boiling for 30 minutes, which makes the water yellow, brown is fake”. This is a mistake. Agarwood is really just like a medicinal plant in oriental medicine, boiling for a long time will turn into color, the color is agarwood oil mixed with oil secretion. Agarwood has many ways to distinguish. You need to choose orthodox and effective ways. Do not believe in false information.

Thien Moc Huong – Reliable place to buy Original Agarwood

Thien Moc Huong is a reliable and trusted place to purchase original agarwood products. We specialize in sourcing high-quality agarwood from the most reputable plantations and forests in Vietnam. Our products range from raw agarwood chips to finished agarwood oil, incense sticks, and even jewelry. Thien Moc Huong takes great pride in our dedication to authenticity, and we guarantee that all of our products are 100% pure and natural. We also offer excellent customer service and support, ensuring that our customers are satisfied with purchases. If you are looking for a trustworthy source for original agarwood products, Thien Moc Huong is an excellent choice.