A closer look at Agarwood the ‘Wood of God’

If there are any commodities in Asia with extremely high value commercially, culturally and religiously, Agarwood would have been among the top ten list. Traded heavily in the continent for centuries from the Middle eastern countries to the Buddhist cultured countries, the special wood is undoubtedly one of the most precious wood in the world, surrounded by heavy myths and strong historical precedences.

Often in Feng Shui, we hear about the mystical benefit of Agarwood. But what really is so special about this wood, and what can it benefit us from Feng Shui perspective? Here is some researches I found about the wood that may cost more than gold based on its weigh. The wood needs to be ‘sick’ in order to be highly potent.

The Agarwood, at a glance, is just an ordinary plant growing deep inside the luscious tropical forest. However the most valuable property of this wood is its resin, which can only be produced by the tree if it is infected by certain fungus. This residual oil or so called Oud, is priceless due to the complicated and expensive process to distill it.

Some piece of Agarwood are even more priceless especially when the piece is heavily infected by fungus and dark, thus producing more resin. It is very rare to have a piece of Agarwood trunk that is rich in Oud and its aroma, as it is believed to have a powerful healing energy just from its aroma alone.

Some facts on Agarwood

Agarwood as medicinal products

has been recorded in ancient bibles such as Sahih Muslim from 8th century and in the Ayurvedic medicinal text Susruta Samhita. Agarwood is used in Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and East Asian medical pratices. Traditional Chinese medicine uses powdered Agarwood as a treatment for cirrhosis of the liver as well as a director or focuser for other medicines.

Agarwood as therapeutic perfumes
This usage has been acknowledged for centuries and even recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is used intensively by the Middle Eastern and French perfumers; it is a tiny but essential component of some high class perfumes such as Zeenat and Amourage.

Agarwood as aromatic food ingredient
Agarwood is aphrosidiac, thus often used as a cleansing agent of the body organs and boost one’s energy. The diaphoretic property of the wood will make one sweat and assist in detoxification process. In Taiwan it is used in Chu-yeh Ching and Vo Ka Py wine.

Agarwood as religious properties
For centuries it used as incense in religious ceremonies by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. It may also be carved into praying materials such as sculptures, beads and boxes.

Agarwood in the health sector
The most important benefit of Agarwood lies in its healing property. Traced back over the centuries and across many countries, its theraupetic essence has been proven to heal many diseases, as well as improving mental clarity and calming one’s mind. In Feng Shui, we can use the wood to enhance our health sector. This will depend on the method you are using to analyze: for example in Eight Mansion, you can place this wood at the Tian Yi sector. Again, youmay need to consult a professional Feng Shui practitioner to get the best out of this wood’s healing property.

There are many things one can choose as Feng Shui items, be it enhancers or cures. With many items being sold in the market, getting an effective and truly valuable things can prove to be a challenge. With its high value and many healing benefits, Agarwood will be a considerable option for those looking for worthwhile Feng Shui items.