HISTORY OF AGARWOOD
Agarwood, also known locally as gaharu and internationally as oud, has been revered for centuries across Asia and the Middle East for its unique aroma, spiritual significance, and medicinal value. Its origin traces back thousands of years, with references found in ancient Sanskrit scriptures around 1400 B.C. In Chinese history, agarwood was used during the Tang Dynasty for incense and healing, while in the Islamic world, it is regarded as a sacred scent, with historical use by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and references in Hadith. The resin forms naturally when Aquilaria trees are infected or wounded, producing a dark, fragrant wood highly prized for its rarity and depth of aroma.
Throughout history, agarwood was a key commodity along the Silk Road and Maritime Silk Route, traded by Arab merchants, Indian herbalists, and Chinese nobles. It was so valuable that it was often priced higher than gold. In Japan, agarwood appreciation developed into an art form called Kōdō, where the fragrance is quietly savored as a meditative experience. Across various religions—Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism—agarwood continues to hold spiritual importance, commonly used in religious rituals and sacred ceremonies.
In the modern era, agarwood remains a luxury resource, especially in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Due to overharvesting, wild agarwood has become increasingly rare, leading to the rise of sustainable plantation-based cultivation. Malaysia, home to native Aquilaria species, has emerged as a leader in gaharu research and plantation development. The country also plays a vital role in the global trade of high-value gaharu varieties, including the ultra-rare Kynam—a type of agarwood once reserved only for emperors and now considered one of the most expensive natural resources in the world.