Agarwood, a valuable aromatic resin, is primarily sourced from Aquilaria trees, specifically Aquilaria Crassna Pierre ex Lecomte, belonging to the Thymeleaceae family. Vietnam is the leading country in agarwood distribution, followed by Laos, India, and other nations. In Vietnam, natural agarwood can be found in various regions, including Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Dak Lak, as well as other areas in the Central region.
These agarwood-producing trees thrive in tropical moist forests, typically found at elevations between 1,000 to 700 meters above sea level. They can withstand hot temperatures and exhibit excellent natural regeneration capabilities. Agarwood trees prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a mix of sand, and their blooming season occurs from July to August, with fruits ripening in September to October.
A healthy Aquilaria tree typically exhibits a mild scent and light-colored wood. Upon exposure to external factors such as mold, mechanical injuries, or prolonged infections, the tree produces a resin to heal the wound, resulting in the formation of agarwood. This unique, dark, aromatic substance forms a solid, black core within the tree's heartwood.
As the tree ages and eventually dies, the outer shell decomposes, revealing the irregularly shaped agarwood. The appearance of agarwood can vary, resembling eagle-shaped formations or aloe resin. Agarwood can be soft or hard, light or heavy, with colors ranging from glossy maroon, brownish-brown, reddish-brown, to dark brown with iridescent veins or spots. These variations contribute to its distinct fragrance.
Agarwood found in living trees is referred to as "live agarwood," while agarwood collected from decayed, blackened, dead trees is called "rotten agarwood." In some cases, the surrounding wood of an Aquilaria log can also develop the agarwood effect, resulting in a fragrant substance known as "fast agarwood." Agarwood is categorized into two main types: Agarwood and Calambac. Among these, Calambac is considered the superior variety.
Calambac is further divided into four types based on traditional medicine classifications: Bach Calambac (white, type I, very rare), Thanh Calambac (blue, type II), Huynh Calambac (yellow, type III), and Hac Calambac (black, type IV). These distinct variations contribute to the diverse characteristics and uses of agarwood in various applications.
Agarwood, with its diverse qualities, has been utilized across various sectors for centuries.
Spirituality: The unique, distinct aroma of agarwood has been highly valued by ancient cultures, leading to its integration in religious rituals and spiritual activities. Spanning from Asia to Europe, major religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism have employed agarwood in their worship. The ancient belief is that the captivating scent of agarwood serves as a bridge connecting them to the spiritual realm they revere. The Indian Vedas, the oldest surviving human literature, document the use of agarwood. In many spiritual practices, the burning of incense marks the commencement of formal rituals.
In Medicine: Agarwood has been extensively researched and used throughout different eras and cultures as a remedy for various ailments or as a dietary supplement, providing health benefits. Ancient medical texts contain recipes incorporating agarwood as a treatment for traditional diseases. The Sahih Muslim, an eighth-century Islamic text, and the Ayurvedic medical literature Sushruta Samhita both mention the medicinal value of agarwood. Modern medicine has also taken interest in the therapeutic properties of agarwood, with Japanese and Vietnamese scientists leading research on new compounds in agarwood oil that positively impact the central nervous system, opening up new avenues for its use and the incense industry.
Art: The use of agarwood in art is a natural extension of its established value in ancient cultural practices, particularly in spiritual activities. At its highest level, these artworks are often created with the intention of serving spiritual purposes. Given the rarity and unique physiological properties of agarwood, which are difficult to replicate, agarwood art is highly valuable. In many cases, it becomes a national gift or protected object. Agarwood is often incorporated into engraved statues, jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces, or preserved in its original form alongside other precious materials, displayed in temples, museums, or private residences. The appreciation of agarwood's fragrance has also been elevated by Japan as a refined art form of incense enjoyment.