Oud is an alluring fragrance for perfume lovers. It has been conquering the scent world for ages with its sweet aroma. Also, the divine properties of agar oil have been widely used in various herbal medicine and spiritual cultures for thousands of years. However, Oud comes first when it comes to the world's most expensive, demanding and rare fragrances. But let's find out what oud fragrance is and its history. Stay tuned and learn about your favorite perfume.
What does Oud mean - History of Oud
Oud is a precious perfume derived from the agarwood plant. The history of this agarwood is very old. It has been associated with the culture and tradition of Muslims since 1400 BC. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), the last prophet of the Muslim Ummah, referred to it as a sacred object directly from Paradise. Prophet Muhammad used these pieces of wood to make incense and perform religious ceremonies. Muslims have been using it on special occasions since then. Also, Indian Sanskrit Vedas and the Hebrew Bible mention using this aromatic wood. On the other hand, its medicinal properties are known from some books that use it for aromatherapy. Even the most precious string of 108 beads in the Buddhist tradition is made of this agarwood.
The raw materials of Oud perfume come from Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, India, Laos, Thailand, and Burma. The US and Vietnam wars caused extensive plant damage. As a result, production later reduced production relative to demand. Its aromatic use has also boosted its market in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Interestingly, when this perfume spread to Europe, the French King Louis XIV (Sun King) was so enamored that he used to wash his clothes with this perfume.
How is Oud Made? - Where does Oud come from?
Agarwood is harvested initially from the Aquilaria plant found in Southeast Asia. Heartwood is a type of resin produced by this tree. This aromatic resin is collected and transformed into Oud through various processes. This perfume is made with time, labor and intensive care. So, let's see how this perfume is made.
How is Oud oil processed?
When an Aquilaria plant is 20 years old, resin builds up in the heartwood and is released after mold infection. 1/2 out of every 10 trees produces resin and is, therefore, a rare and sacred product. Experienced artisans find these infected rare trees. Aquilaria plants can be infected by artificial wounding, but the agarwood density obtained by this method is not obtained.
When artisans find suitable infected trees, they cut them down and collect them. They cut the agarwood into small chips and separated the unused wood. The chips are then sorted to make oud oil or incense. After sorting the wood chips, they should be soaked in water to soften them. You will be surprised to know that there are more than 150 agarwood grades, each with a different aroma. Each different grade of pure Oud extract is carefully crafted separately by skilled artisans. It is a well-crafted and extraordinary art.
Getting oud oil from the wood of the Aquilaria tree is a long journey. However, softwood chips must be soaked in enough water to ferment properly. The fermented wood chips are then heated to the desired temperature in a large steel tray filled with water and ignited. Now, due to the heat, the wood particles release the oud oil, and the oil is seen floating in the water. Basically, it is the desired oud oil. Now, take this oil mixed with water in a clean container and separate the oil from the water in the sun's heat to get pure oud oil.
What does Oud smell like?
Its mysterious and alluring scent sets it apart from other perfumes. Due to its rarity and seductive scent, it has created a huge demand in the world. However, some describe it as sensual, intense, warm and earthy. Many perfume lovers have compared its scent to fresh, slightly damp earth and sun-dried hay. On the other hand, some resins have a sweet aroma, others are smoky and more balsamic. In fact, the scent varies depending on the species of Aquilaria plant. However, the Oud has a definite profile and is slightly sweet and nuttier.
What does Oud bring to a fragrance? Why is Oud expensive?
The main reason Oud perfume is expensive is its scarcity and lengthy process. According to the Forest Department, agarwood is available from only 10% of mature Aquilaria plants. That means 1 in 10 trees contains agarwood. According to Rodrigo Floreaux-Raux, when a fungus infects the stem of a mature agar plant, the plant becomes sick. As a result of this fungal infection, the plant produces a quality and strong smelling extract. Then, it is suitable for Oud, and this process usually takes 20-50 years to complete. So, it is understood that this perfume is costly due to the long processing time.
Benefits and Uses of Oud
Agarwood oil has excellent medicinal properties that are very effective in increasing the internal energy of the human body. Tibetan monks use this oil to increase their inner strength and mental calmness. Agar oil also relieves arthritis pain. Mix two drops of oud oil with coconut oil and apply them to the painful area for quick relief. Ayurvedic doctors use this oil to improve stomach digestion, eliminate bad breath, and treat MCF-7 breast cancer.
How long does Oud perfume last?
The more concentrated this perfume is the more intense and long-lasting the scent. However, it lasts around 8 hours if used once a day.
Is Oud a Sandalwood?
Oud comes from the wood of the tropical Aquilaria tree, and sandalwood comes from the wood of the Santalum species. Agar and sandalwood are different, but both plants have different aromas.
