Agarwood (Oud) Essential Oil

Agarwood essential oil, also known as Oud, is one of the rarest and most precious aromatic materials in the world. Produced when the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a specific type of mold (Phialophora parasitica), the tree responds by producing a richly resinous, dark heartwood. From this rare material comes an oil of profound depth, history, and spiritual significance.

With its complex, smoky-sweet, balsamic aroma, Agarwood oil has been treasured for centuries in perfumery, incense, and sacred rituals. In the Middle East, India, Japan, and China, it has been revered as “liquid gold,” reserved for royalty, temples, and spiritual practices.

Aromatic Profile

• Top Notes: Bright, slightly fruity, green, and spicy opening tones.

• Heart Notes: Deeply balsamic, smoky woods, hints of leather and resin.

• Base Notes: Rich, warm, animalic-sweet, grounding, with lingering longevity.

The complexity of Agarwood is such that it evolves over hours on the skin, revealing new facets as it warms, making it an unmatched perfumery ingredient and meditative companion.

Traditional Uses & Benefits

• Spiritual & Meditative: Used in Buddhist and Islamic traditions for centering, prayer, and reaching heightened states of awareness.

• Emotional Support: Calming yet grounding, often used in times of grief, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.

• Perfumery: A fixative and centerpiece in high-end natural perfumery, where even a trace lends richness and longevity.

• Aphrodisiac: Historically considered a sensual oil, prized for its warm, enveloping qualities.

Blending Suggestions

Agarwood pairs beautifully with:

• Floral Oils: Rose, Jasmine, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang

• Resins: Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Labdanum

• Woods & Roots: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Patchouli

• Spices: Cardamom, Clove, Nutmeg

Even a minute dilution can transform a blend, lending it unrivaled depth.

Usage

• Perfumery: Use in high-dilution (0.1–2%) to anchor and enrich blends.

• Meditation/Anointing: Apply diluted in a carrier oil to pulse points or diffuse sparingly.

• Ritual Use: A single drop in an oil burner or diffuser creates a deeply grounding space.

Safety & Precautions

• Always dilute before skin application.

• Avoid use during pregnancy unless under professional guidance.

• Due to the extreme potency and rarity of Agarwood, use sparingly and respectfully.

Technical Details

Appearance: Dark amber to deep brown viscous liquid

Note: Base

Shelf Life: 6–8 years if stored properly (cool, dark place in airtight container)

Plant Part: Resinous heartwood

Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Origin: Southeast Asia

A true treasure of the natural world, Agarwood essential oil is not just an aroma, but an experience. Sacred, rare, and deeply evocative, it connects the wearer to centuries of tradition, meditation, and perfumery mastery.