White oud

Types of white oud

Natural white oud oil is extracted from the resinous heartwood of the agar tree. Unlike other ouds, white oud comes from a particular tree species called Aquilaria crassna. This species is mainly found in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Some of the most recognized types of white oud include:

• Burma oud

  Burmese white oud is exported from Myanmar. It’s regarded for its smooth, deep fragrance. Often understated, this oud is sometimes hard to find, increasing its value and desirability. Burmese oud is mostly used in making perfumes.

• Thai white oud

  Presenting a clean and slightly sweet aroma, Thai white oud is renowned for its purity. It’s extracted from Aquilaria crassna trees found in the northern regions of Thailand. This is where most artisans handcraft the Oud oil.

• Laos oud

  Laotian white oud is popular for its rich and full-bodied fragrance. It has a blend of earthy and woody notes. Laos oud oil comes from trees growing in the laos forests. The country’s ideal climatic conditions facilitate the growth of high-quality agarwood.

• Vietnamese oud

  Regarded for its intense and powerful aroma, Vietnamese white oud often has strong earthy and rich balsamic notes. The oud oil is made from deep-resinous-agarwood trees that are highly valued in the market.

• Cambodian oud

  The white oud from Cambodia is renowned for its complex scent profile. It has a smooth and refined fragrance. Cambodian oud is often compared to high-quality Oriental Arabian oud because of its deep and rich aroma.

• Indian oud

  Indian white oud is extracted from agarwood trees found in the forests of Northeast India. While less common as a commodity, it still offers a unique fragrance characterized by its calming and soothing notes.

How to use white oud

Buyers should first understand that white oud refers to both the agarwood itself and the oil extracted from it. The uses of oud perfume include:

• Oud chips

  Oud chips are used to produce fragrant smoke when burned. This creates a calming and aromatic atmosphere. The smoke from agarwood is thick and heavy but turns to ash quickly, leaving behind a rich scent in the space.

• Agarwood incense

  Agarwood incense sticks and cones are popular for spirituality and healing purposes. Many people burn this incense during meditation or prayer to create a peaceful environment. This helps them relax and feel focused.

• Oud oil for attachment

  Oud oil is usually applied to the pulse points, where the fragrance can be diffused gradually, creating a subtle and lingering scent. Some people mix it with carrier oils to enhance its application on the skin or extend its longevity. The oil is concentrated, so users apply just a few drops to make it last longer.

• Agarwood for rituals and ceremonies

  Oud is often used in religious rituals, cultural ceremonies, and royal events in many Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian societies. It’s burned to honor guests, especially the ones from royal families, to create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. In some cultures, it’s a tradition to offer agarwood chips to visitors as a sign of hospitality.

• Aromatherapy

  Oud oil is diffused in aromatherapy to instill feelings of peace and mental clarity. This helps reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts and creates a serene ambiance for relaxation and meditation. Many people find the aroma grounding and use it for spiritual purposes.

• Health and healing practices

  In traditional medicine, agarwood is believed to possess healing properties. It can be used to treat respiratory issues, digestive problems, and inflammation. In some cultures, nephrologists boil oud chips or sprinkle powder on them to make a tea called "eau d'agar." They drink the tea for its purported health benefits.

• Agarwood for house and personal items

  Agarwood is used to make various items such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. These are valued for their beauty and cultural significance. Many artisans craft inlay work or carvings using agarwood to reflect cultural art.

• Oud for luxury perfumes and cosmetics

  Agarwood is a sought-after ingredient in high-end perfumes due to its rich, complex, and long-lasting scent. Most people use Arabian musk mixed with oud because of its powerful allure. Cosmetics like lotions and candles also use oud to appeal to consumers who like opulence.

Benefits of white oud

Some of the benefits of agarwood oil include:

• Spiritual and meditative benefits

  Burning oud incense promotes deep meditation and connection, making it an ideal companion during spiritual practices. It's often used in rituals and ceremonies to create a sacred atmosphere. The calming nature of the scent helps practitioners focus on their inner self.

• Emotional balance and mental clarity

  The rich and grounding aroma of white oud helps reduce anxiety, stress, and negative emotions, creating a harmonious environment. The calming scent can improve concentration, minimize distractions, and instill a sense of peace. This makes it useful when studying or working in meditation.

• Home ambiance and culture

  Burning oud creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which many people find comforting. It leaves a lingering, luxurious scent that reflects cultural traditions and values of hospitality. In some cultures, offering agarwood to guests is a sign of respect and generosity, which strengthens social bonds.

• Luxe appeal

  Oud's deep and complex fragrance is associated with luxury and sophistication and is often featured in high-end perfumes and cosmetics. The scent is distinguished and easily recognizable, helping users create a unique and memorable presence. Many people equate the oil to powerful allure and appeal, particularly in social and professional settings.

• Traditional medicinal properties

  Agarwood has been used for centuries in various cultures for its potential healing properties. It can help treat digestive issues, respiratory ailments, and inflammation. Some cultures believe that oud smoke can ward off evil spirits, leading to protection and safety.

How to store white oud

Store white oud incense in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Buyers can use airtight glass jars, metal tins, or sealed plastic bags to effectively protect the agarwood from moisture and air exposure.

Maintain a consistent level of humidity to protect the oud from drying out or becoming too moist and moldy. Keep the oud away from any strong-smelling items like spices, herbs, or other woods to prevent the agarwood's aroma from being compromised. Buyers can periodically check the oud for mold, moisture, or any signs of pest infestation to ensure it remains in optimal condition. Freshly cut agarwood lasts for many years when properly stored. Therefore, buyers should take enough precautions to preserve its quality for as long as possible.

Here are more storage tips depending on the type of oud:

• Oud oil

  When stored properly, Oud oil maintains its quality and potency for several years. Store the oil in dark glass bottles to protect it from light exposure. Keep the bottles in a cool and dry place, as heat can degrade the oil's composition. Seal the bottle tightly to prevent air from entering, as oxygen can reduce the oil's fragrance and effectiveness. Properly stored, high-quality oud oil can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more.

• Agarwood powder

  Store agarwood powder in airtight containers such as glass jars or sealed metal tins to prevent moisture and air exposure. Keep the container in a cool, dark place, as light and heat can degrade the powder's aroma and potency. Avoid storing the powder in plastic containers for long periods, as certain plastics can interact with the powder and affect its quality. Properly stored agarwood powder can last 2 to 3 years before its fragrance diminishes.

• Agarwood seeds

  Store agarwood seeds in a cool and dry place to maintain their viability. Keep the seeds in an airtight container or envelope to prevent exposure to moisture, as湿气可以减少它们的活力。避免將種子暴露在陽光下，因為紫外線可以損害它們的生存能力。適當存儲的綠色植物種子可持續3至5年，具可存活性。

• Agarwood incense

  Store incense sticks or cones in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air exposure, which can cause them to become brittle or lose fragrance. Keep the container in a cool, dark place, as heat and light can degrade the scent. Avoid storing incense near strong odors, as the agarwood will absorb these scents. Properly stored incense sticks or cones can last 2 to 3 years before the fragrance begins to fade.

Q & A

Q. What is white oud good for?

Organic White oud is good for creating calming and relaxing atmospheres. When burned, the wood releases smoke that drives away insects and pests. It’s also used in meditation to ground the spirit and create a sense of peace. Additionally, it’s burned during prayers in many cultures as an offering to connect with the divine.

Q. What does white oud smell like?

Oud has a rich, deep, and complex scent that varies depending on its origin. Most of them have earthy, woody, and slightly sweet notes. Some may have floral or spicy undertones, giving them a more nuanced and refined character. The fragrance is often very strong and long-lasting because it’s a highly concentrated aroma.

Q. Is white agarwood the same as oud wood?

No, White agarwood and oud wood are not the same. While both come from the same species of tree, the term "oud" refers to the resinous heartwood created when the tree produces agar. This is to protect itself from mold. White agarwood, on the other hand, refers to the non-resinous parts of the wood that may not have the intense aroma associated with oud.