If you love fragrances, you may have probably heard of Oud and its distinct aromatic qualities. Agarwood, also commonly called oud, is a fragrant wood with many qualities. It is unarguably one of the priciest fragrances in the world. In ancient times, agarwood was highly appreciated for its long-lasting characteristics and was used for incense and diverse luxury items.
However, beyond its aroma, agarwood has also been noted for its medicinal advantages for many years and continues to be a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. In this comprehensive guide, we examine the uses and health benefits of agarwood. Read along!
What is agarwood?
Agarwood, or oud, originates from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees. These trees primarily belong to the family trees of Gyrinops and Aquilaria and are native to diverse countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and some parts of India. The development of agarwood relies on the transformation process that happens in the Aquilaria tree.
Agarwood is formed by the attack of fungus-carrying insects that bore into these trees. Much more like how the human immune system reacts to an infection, the tree produces a resin called aloes as a defense against the infection. Before this infection, the tree was odorless, pale-colored, and had no medicinal advantage. However, as the infection persists, the tree continues to produce resin. This resin accumulates and gradually transforms into agarwood. This resinous wood is what is then used in the production of aromatic fragrances, incense, carvings, and tea. Agarwood tea is aromatic and offers a lot of benefits like agarwood oil.
Oud has been highly-priced since ancient times due to its long-lasting aroma and use in perfumes, incense, tea, and luxury décor. Its distinctive aroma includes a blend of fruity, smoky, and woody notes. In South Asian countries, agarwood possesses a religious significance and is used for wooden sculptures, meditation necklaces, and bracelets. However, beyond the well-known use of agarwood in the perfume industry, it also offers diverse health benefits.
Six agarwood health benefits
1. Support for the immune system
Some studies have shown that the extracts of agarwood leaves can enhance the functions of the immune system. A strong immune system helps to prevent and ward off infections. So, the body can eliminate disease-causing pathogens before they multiply and bring about severe sickness. Agarwood possesses immunomodulatory qualities, which means it has the potency to fight against infections and diseases.
The regular consumption of agarwood tea made from its leaves can help to fortify the body’s defenses and maintain overall health.
2. May benefit the digestive system
For decades, especially in Ayurveda medicine, agarwood has been valued for its digestive system support qualities. The herbal infusion of agarwood tea can help to soothe diverse problems that are associated with the digestive system such as stomachaches, discomfort, and bloating. Moreover, the use of agarwood in aromatherapy practices can aid the relaxation of the digestive muscles and reduce the symptoms of indigestion.
Traditional medicine suggests that agarwood might possess antispasmodic effects, which means it can help alleviate muscle spasms in the digestive tract. This could be advantageous to individuals battling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diverse issues like dehydration, gas, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome can cause abdominal spasms. One of agarwood tea's health benefits is that it supports healthy bowel movements. Moreover, because agarwood possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, it can offer protection to the gastric mucosa, the innermost layer of the stomach wall, thereby contributing to the alleviation of gastric ulcers.
3. Stress alleviation and improved sleep
One major health benefit of agarwood is its potency in reducing stress and contributing to relaxation. No wonder it is popular in aromatherapy. The aroma of agarwood enhances emotional well-being and reduces stress. Apart from the distilled oil of agarwood that is used to produce essential oils, people also use the wood to produce agarwood tea.
Agarwood tea health benefits contribute to stress relief as well. Unique compounds like agarospirol can provide a calming effect to the body, thereby causing relaxation. Adding agarwood tea as part of your stress-relief diet can ultimately help you alleviate stress and promote overall mental well-being. Moreover, agarwood tea leaves contain terpenoids which are great for improving sleep as they possess sedative effects. These tea leaves contain no caffeine, and their unique herbal infusion can help you have better sleep.
4. Antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities
Oxidative stress is one of the notorious culprits that causes diverse neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, memory loss, depression, and Parkinson’s. The neutralizing qualities that antioxidants possess can be used to alleviate and protect the body from oxidative stress. Agarwood contains antioxidants such as agarospirol, agarotetrol, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that can eliminate harmful radicals and prevent oxidative stress. By preventing the activities of harmful radicals, agarwood can improve cognitive well-being and enhance mental sharpness.
Furthermore, due to its thick composition of antioxidants, agarwood also possesses antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties and this extends to agarwood tea as well. Regular consumption of herbal tea can help the body maintain a good microbial balance, thereby contributing to optimal well-being and preventing the occurrence of infections.
5. Support heart health
The powerful antioxidant composition in agarwood can offer potential benefits to heart health. Agarwood contains antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which can help the body combat oxidative stress. When oxidative stress and free radicals are unchecked in the body, they can elevate the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, antioxidants like flavonoids can reduce inflammation thereby reducing the progression of diseases like atherosclerosis. Flavonoids can also help to prevent inflammatory issues in the cardiovascular system.
In addition, agarwood may offer the blood vessels vasodilatory advantages by helping the vessels relax, thereby enhancing blood flow. Improved circulation can help ensure that the heart gets enough supply of nutrients and oxygen that it requires. This benefit can also help maintain blood pressure and reduce heart strain. Furthermore, agarwood can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), which is associated with an elevated risk of heart disease.
6. Beneficial for respiratory health
As stated earlier, agarwood or oud oil is common in aromatherapy because of its unique fragrance. Inhaling its scent can be beneficial for the respiratory system. Its aroma can have a soothing effect on the respiratory tract, thereby helping to clear congestion. Moreover, due to the anti-inflammatory and calming qualities of agarwood oil, it can aid in the reduction of inflammation in the airways, calm irritated mucous membranes, and free the airways, which can facilitate better breathing.
Apart from the use of oud oil for respiratory health, agarwood tea health benefits also contribute to this advantage. It can be used to get relief from clogged airways and breathing difficulties. Inhaling the steam of agarwood tea can give you the positive effects that this natural remedy has on the respiratory tract.
Conclusion
Beyond its unique and incredible fragrance, agarwood, or oud as it is popularly called, offers a wide array of health advantages. The agarwood health benefits include alleviation of congestion in the respiratory tract, prevention of oxidative stress, support for the immune system, and improved digestive health. These benefits can be acquired not just from the distilled oil of agarwood, but also from agarwood tea, which is an incredible herbal infusion of diverse nutrients and antioxidants. Other health benefits of agarwood tea include pain alleviation and improved cognitive function.
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