The Most Valuable Wood in the World: Agarwood

Agarwood, known as ཨ་ག་རུ་ in Tibetan (literally “a-ga-ru”) is widely treasured for its magnificent and luxurious aroma. When the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a particular fungus (Phialophora parasitica), it produces a waxy resin known as aloes. This substance is used quite commonly in high-end incense and perfumes (known as “oud” or “aloes”), but unfortunately over-harvesting has severely threatened Aquilaria in the wild. Not all trees produce aloes, so farmers in Southeast Asia have started agarwood plantations on which they artificially infect the trees with the parasite and harvest the resinous wood. While I have a tiny bit of wild agarwood, this tiny chip is from a cultivated tree, making it much more sustainable for use in incense.
While we use agarwood in many healing incense blends (it’s a principal ingredient in our proprietary Shrīmālā incense), agarwood has way more to offer than pleasant scents. In Tibetan Medicine, a handful of our most important and effective medicines are agar-based remedies, using a variety of different grades of agarwood for it’s incredible medicinal qualities. It’s primary function is to alleviate cardiac inflammation and wind/rLung, a leading factor in many forms of emotional and psychological disturbance. It also offers some of these qualities when burned, making agar incense a kind of traditional aromatherapy for nervousness, sleeplessness, and an unsettled heart.
This particular incense setup is Japanese style, with a bamboo charcoal buried in a mound of rice ash with a mica plate on top. This indirect heating method is the best for releasing the more delicate volatile components of aloes. However, high-quality Shrīmālā Incense will soon be available in classic stick form, with various blends and grades for both casual users and incense connoisseurs.
Do you use incense? What are some of your favorites?