Agarwood essential oil : Background
Since the primordial times, Agarwood has held value in many cultures and religions for its unique fragrance, which is a combination of “oriental-woody” and “fruity-floral” notes.
In early Chinese and Japanese civilizations, the wood was crushed and heated, and the resin extracted for use as perfume, while in ancient India, it was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of physical and mental conditions.
Today, the Agarwood tree is rarely found growing in the wild. Aquilaria malaccensis, the main oil-producing species is considered “threatened” by many conservationist organizations, and many countries have consequently made it illegal to cut down the tree in natural forests. As a result, the trees are now mainly cultivated and the resin created by artificial infection.
Because of its rarity, Agarwood essential oil is one of the most expensive natural extracts in today’s market. Moreover, its scent hasn’t been successfully replicated by processing any other similar species, or through known synthetics, which makes it very distinct.
Commonly sold by weight, one kilogram of the highest-grade oil can cost as much as $100,000. However, adulteration of the oil and wood has led to a broad diversification in quality, allowing for prices as low as $100 per kilogram.
Agarwood Essential oil : Benefits
Agarwood oil owes its enormous healing potential to its unique and generous chemical structure, which gives it a wide range of therapeutic properties.
The following are some of the common uses of Agarwood essential oil.
Healing the mind and uplifting the spirit
Agarwood essential oil is used in the treatment of many physical ailments, but it’s even more famous for its significance in matters of the mind and the spirit. The oil is favored among Ayurvedic practitioners and aromatherapists due to its emotional benefits.
When inhaled, the aroma of Agarwood oil relaxes the mind, elevates the emotional quotient, alleviates stress and anxiety, and instills positive energy. Religious leaders often use it in prayer and meditation to induce spiritual enlightenment. The oil’s fragrance is also known to focus the mind and strengthen the power of thought.
The valencanes in Agarwood are associated with promoting calm and deeper sleep, and can, therefore, help with insomnia and restlessness.
Relieving pain and rheumatism
For many years, Agarwood has been used as a natural reliever of pain and inflammation, especially that caused by muscle and joint problems like arthritis and rheumatism.
The oil can also reduce swelling and discomfort resulting from injury or infection. When diluted with a suitable carrier oil, such as coconut or almond, Agarwood makes an excellent pain-remedying massage oil.
Improves sex drive
Agarwood’s strength as an aphrodisiac is known to both men and women, far and wide. Inhaling the oil’s vapors has a stimulating effect on the endocrine system, which triggers the production of sex hormones: testosterone in men, and estrogen in women. Consequently, Agarwood enhances libido and promotes sexual desires.
Women going through menopause can also gain from Agarwood hormonal effects. The oil alleviates symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, and anxiety while encouraging sex drive.
Getting rid of toxins in the body
Agarwood essential oil is a strong diuretic, meaning it prompts frequent urination and increases the quantity of urine excreted. It, therefore, helps to detoxify the body by removing excess water, salt, and acids, which when left in the body can lead to several complaints.
Because of its detoxification qualities, Agarwood supports the health of the liver and kidneys and prevents disorders like cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Cures digestive problems
The anti-spasmodic, carminative and stomachic properties of Agarwood essential oil make it useful in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal issues. The oil is usually diluted in warm water or light tea to relieve unpleasant gas buildup and balance out the acid content in the stomach.
Massaging some Agarwood oil into the tummy vitalizes the secretion of digestive acids to offset indigestion and promote the steady absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
Revitalizes the skin
As a general tonic, Agalwood helps to nourish the skin and treat various conditions. The oil possesses antiseptic properties, which clear off harmful bacteria and fungi, protecting the skin from rashes, acne, and breakouts.
Furthermore, Agarwood exhibits rejuvenating characteristics, which assist in repairing damaged skin cells and generating new ones. It can also be used to treat multiple signs of aging, such as saggy skin and wrinkles.
Cancer Treatment
According to research, Agarwood is among the essential oils with the strongest antioxidant qualities. When its molecules find their way into the bloodstream, they are transported throughout the body where they reduce the degeneration of cells and tissue by getting rid of free radicals and ROS (reactive oxygen species).
Because of its anti-carcinogenic properties, Agarwood essential oil is sometimes used alongside chemotherapy, in the treatment of breast, lung, gastric, and abdominal cancer. It also helps to relieve some side effects of chemotherapy, such as pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, headaches, and chemo brain.
Additional Uses
While the above are the primary medicinal uses of Agarwood oil, its use can grant the body several other benefits. For instance, when inhaled by a person with epilepsy, the oil has a calming effect on the nerves, which prevents involuntary spasms and seizures.
The antimicrobial properties of Agarwood have led to its widespread use in the treatment of various infections, both internally and on the surface. It is particularly useful in fighting digestive bacteria and parasites, which compromise nutrient utilization in the body. Agarwood vapors can also be used to cure respiratory infections, such as influenza, colds, coughs and bronchitis.
Agarwood is occasionally diffused in childbirth to minimize labor pain and relax the mind. Moreover, massaging a few drops on the lower abdomen encourages even uterine contractions and quickens the birth process.
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