There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard of agarwood oil. It’s one of the most luxurious essential oils out there. A small 5 ml bottle will set you back by 400 dollars! Yes, you read that right.
Also known as oud oil and aloeswood oil, agarwood oil is truly unique. It’s made from the heartwood of an agarwood tree, which can be found around India and Southeast Asia. When it becomes infected, agarwood turns into a dark and fragrant resin. This is what the essential oil is extracted from. It can take years for this resin to form. No wonder it costs a pretty penny.
Agarwood oil contains antioxidants like phenolic acids and helpful plant nutrients like mangiferin, terpenoids, and curcurbitacins.1 This is probably why in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, agarwood is prized. Check out these 9 benefits of agarwood oil.
1. Promotes Sleep
Can’t stop tossing and turning? Agarwood oil is a natural sedative.2
To use the agarwood oil, add it to a diffuser or take whiff from the bottle. It works even better when blended with oils like lavender, cedarwood, valor, and chamomile.
2. Soothes Joint Pain
As an anti-inflammatory, agarwood oil has been traditionally used for joint pain.3 This makes it an excellent natural remedy for arthritis.
Before applying agarwood to your joints, dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut, sunflower, safflower, or grapeseed oil. For every 1 tablespoon of the carrier oil, use 3 drops of agarwood oil.
3. Relieves Allergies
Agarwood also has anti-allergic properties.4 So if you’re dealing with allergy symptoms, aromatherapy with agarwood may help. Its anti-inflammatory abilities ease sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, irritation, and runny nose.
4. Aids Digestion
For centuries, ayurveda has used agarwood oil to help digestion. It is a natural laxative, diuretic, and anti-diarrheal. So if you’re having tummy troubles, rub agarwood oil on the stomach. It can also improve symptoms of flatulence or gas.5
5. Increases Sex Drive
Aromatherapy with agarwood oil will also boost your sex drive. After all, this special oil is considered to be an aphrodisiac. It will have a positive impact on a poor libido caused by stress, menopause, or other complications.
6. Fights Cancer
According to an experiment in Pharmacognosy Research, agarwood oil is a powerful anti-cancer agent. Researchers found that it prevents breast cancer cells from spreading. Better yet, agarwood can kill the cancer cells.6
However, more studies are needed to determine how it can be used for cancer protection.
7. Soothes Skin Irritation
Since agarwood oil is an anti-inflammatory agent, it can also benefit skin flare-ups. Use it for conditions like eczema, rosacea, allergic reactions, bug bites, and sunburns. As always, don’t forget to dilute it in a carrier oil.
8. Treats Acne
If you’re dealing with a breakout, try agarwood oil. The anti-inflammatory properties will calm down your skin! The oil also has antimicrobial powers, which will help fight the bacteria that’s causing your pimples.7
9. Repairs Skin
Thanks to the anti-oxidants in it, agarwood oil will make your skin glow.8 You’ll get protection from sun damage and free radicals; so skin cancer will be less likely. There will also be a lower risk for wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots.
If you’re lucky enough to have agarwood oil, use it wisely. This is a magical oil that’s worth every penny. For a more affordable option, buy an agarwood blend. A 5 ml bottle of a 10% dilution will cost just about 50 bucks.
References
