Agarwood is a Most costliest wood in the world. Agarwood is called as Woods of God and also known as liquid gold. It is native of South East Asia.
The scientific name of Agarwood is Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. It is belongs to family Thymelaeaceae. it is a medum to large evergreen tree growing up to 30 to 40m tall and 2 to 2.5m in diameter, found typically in mixed forest habitat at altitudes upto 900 to 1000m above Sea level.
There are 3types of species found in India.
1. Aquilaria malaccensis Lam
2. Aquilaria Khasiana (Khasi hills)
3. Aquilaria Microphyllus (Andamaan Nikobhar )
Some other Commercial names of Agarwood: Agarwood, aloeswood, eaglewood,gharuwood…
Agarwood is a fragrant dark resinous wood used in Aroma, Soaps, incense sticks, perfume, Bhakum and small carvings. It is formed in the heartwood of aquilaria trees when they become infected with a type of Fungal.
Agarwood is a valuable non-timber forest product used in fragrances and as medicine.
product is very common in many religious rituals. Wooden pieces and sculptures, beads and bracelets are highly appreciated goods in South and Southeast Asia. However, the major Use of agar wood is in the form of extracted essential oil as perfumes, other cosmetic products.
Agar oil is also used in traditional medicines and wine in China
and Korea and in ayurvedic medicine in India.
Agarwood is the infected wood of Aquilaria. These wild trees become infected by some molds or fungi called Phialophora parasitica and begin to produce Agarwood in heartwood due to unaffected response to this attack. As the infection progresses, it gives dark resin embedded in heartwood. This embedded wood is valuable. It gives remarkable fragrance and thus used in incense sticks,Aroma, and perfumes. These aromatic qualities are influenced by the different species, geographic location, Climatic conditions, Resin formulation by Natural or Artificially Inoculation, Harvesting Age of the tree…..etc.
Approximately 10% of wild mature Aquilaria tree can naturally produce resin..
Artificially Inoculation methode:
It includes only fungal inoculation, In this method, fungi can be induced in the Main branch ( xylem) of Aquilaria. Within a short period of time (3-4 hours), inducer gets transported to all the parts of the tree leading to wounds on the tree. After quite a 5 to 6 months, resinous wood forms around the wound in the parts of the tree like roots, trunk and branches. After initial treatment of few days, we can observe cross sections of all the branches. Resinous wood can be observed in the living tree after 6months. Soft scent can be obtained when the wood is baked with fire. At the time of harvesting, the root portion will be dug out and the resin can be segregated from the Aquilaria tree.
Health Benefits of Agar Tea:
Balance sugar levels
Improve Digestive System
Natural Diuretic
Reduce blood pressure
Improve Blood flow
Asthma control
