Agarwood essential oil is also known as Oud essential oil and Aloeswood essential oil. Is one of the rarer essential oil, and is quite expensive as a result.
The tree that the essential oil is sourced from, the agarwood tree, is native to India and Southeast Asia.
The interesting part of the process is that the oil is actually extracted from a part of the tree when it’s infected. It produces a darker resin, and the process takes some time, hence the rarity.
You will find some cheaper oils on the market labeled as agarwood, oud, or aloeswood. It’s important you find 100% pure therapeutic grade oils to get the real thing though.
The brand I used as feature here is from Healing Solutions. I’ve used loads of their oils and always been very happy with them, and they produce therapeutic grade oils at a good price – so it’s all good.
Contents
What Is Agarwood Oil Used For?
The properties of agarwood, or oud, include:
- Antirheumatic
- Anti-stress
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-asthmatic
- Anticonvulsant
- Aphrodisiac
- Carminative
- Diaphoretic
- Digestive
- Carminative
- Psychoactive
- Tonic
Agarwood Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
Natural Sleeping Aid
Oud oil contains a compound called valerian which is known to be a natural sleep aid. Anyone with insomnia will know how difficult it is to sleep and how draining it is being sleep deprived.
Try diffusing a little agarwood essential oil in your bedroom as you go to sleep. It’s incredibly relaxing and you can even mix with lavender to combine to oils that aid sleep.
Spiritually and Emotionally Balancing
Agarwood has a rich history of being used for its spiritual and emotional benefits. It’s used in ayurvedic medicine and is believed to strengthen one’s thoughts and meditation.
By inhaling directly or diffusing you can absorb the properties in the oil. Try and set the scene to relax if you’re using it to meditate or strengthen your mental focus.
Soothes Digestive Issues
Agarwood is effective at soothing digestive issues. If you suffer from trapped wind, bloating, and painful stomach cramps after eating a large meal you can find some relief with this oil.
Massage a little directly into your abdomen mixed with a carrier oil. Or relax somewhere quiet and diffuse the oil.
Nourishes and Strengthens Skin
A lot of essential oils are great for skin and with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties oud oil can help strengthen, nourish, and reduce the effects of aging.
Add a couple of drops to an unscented lotion for a ready to go moisturizer, or you can make your own lotion with fractionated coconut oil.
Agarwood Essential Oil Blends Well With
Agarwood, or oud oil has a warm, woody, and rich aroma. It blends well with floral, spicy and woody oils. Try blending with some of the following:
Ways to Use Agarwood Essential Oil
Diffusing – Try diffusing the oil with a diffuser like the Radha Beauty Diffuser to create a fine mist around your home. This is the preferred method of use for emotional and mental wellness.
Topically – Mix with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil and massage into your skin. You can use on painful areas to relieve pain and inflammation, or on your stomach to ease digestion and relieve stomach pain.
Aromatic Bath – Using essential oils in the bath is one of the easiest ways, as well as one of the most relaxing. Just put a couple of drops in as you’re filling with hot water and you’ll get the aroma in the steam and the oil on your skin.
Wearing – There is a lot of decent essential oil jewelry. The benefits of wearing agarwood bracelet being you can inhale it whenever you want throughout the day. The bracelet below is similar to the one I have:
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Bracelet
If you’ve not used a bracelet before for your oils, all you have to do is add a couple of drops onto the pad provided and place it in the locket.
You can open the locket and take a whiff whenever you want. Most of the time you will have a faint aroma around you too which is great if you’re using a nice smelling oil.
Agarwood Essential Oil Side Effects and Precautions
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should avoid contact with essential oils. When using topically always test a small area of skin first for any sensitivity issues. Always dilute with a carrier oil when applying topically.
In Summary
Agarwood essential oil is a really special oil. With a rich history for spiritual applications and having been used for thousands of years by monks, and spiritual practitioners.
It’s even said to have been used to open up the crown chakra, help Qi flow, deter negative energy, and help the user purify their emotional and spiritual being.
Whatever your beliefs, the warm, spicy scent is very enticing and intriguing.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.
