What Stillpoint "Nose"

1. Pain Relief: Agarwood oil has been used traditionally to relieve pain, including headaches and arthritis.
2. Relaxation and Stress Relief: The oil has a unique and complex scent that is often described as calming and soothing. It's commonly used in aromatherapy for relaxation, stress relief, and as a sleep aid.
3. Digestive Issues: Traditional medicine systems in various cultures have used agarwood oil to treat a range of digestive issues, although the scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.
4. Respiratory Health: It has also been used to relieve respiratory conditions such as asthma and cough.
5. Antimicrobial Properties: Some studies have suggested that agarwood oil may have antimicrobial properties, potentially making it useful for treating or preventing infections. However, further research is needed to confirm this.
6. Skin Health: Agarwood oil is sometimes used in skin care products, with claims that it can improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and treat various skin conditions.
7. Emotional Well-being: The scent of agarwood oil is also believed to have a positive effect on emotional health and mood.

Traditional Use of Agarwood Subintegra - OUD - Vintage

1. Incense: This is one of the most common uses of agarwood, particularly in the Middle East, Japan, and other parts of Asia. The wood is often burned during religious ceremonies, spiritual rituals, or simply for the pleasant aroma it produces.
2. Perfumery: The oil derived from agarwood is considered extremely valuable, and is used in high-end perfumery. Its unique, complex scent is highly sought after.
3. Traditional Medicine: In various systems of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani, agarwood is used for a range of conditions. It's been used as a treatment for digestive problems, pain, and a variety of other issues. However, the effectiveness of agarwood for these uses has not been scientifically proven.
4. Carving and Artwork: The dense, resinous wood can also be used in carving and to create decorative pieces.
5. Meditation and Spirituality: Agarwood's unique scent is thought to promote relaxation and meditation. In some cultures, it's believed to have the power to purify and cleanse.
6. Beverage: In some regions, agarwood is also used to make a type of tea. This use is less common, but is a traditional part of some cultures.

Botany

1. Physical Characteristics: Aquilaria trees are fast-growing, evergreen trees that can reach up to 40 meters in height. They have straight trunks with a greyish bark and dense crowns.
2. Leaves: The leaves are simple and arranged alternately along the branches. They are typically elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-elliptic in shape, and have a shiny dark green upper surface with a lighter underside.
3. Flowers and Fruits: The Aquilaria tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that have a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open when mature to release the seeds.
4. Resin Production: The most important characteristic of these trees from an economic and cultural perspective is their ability to produce a fragrant, dark resin. This is a response to injury or infection by a type of mold (Phialophora parasitica). The infected wood undergoes a process of enzymatic oxidation, resulting in the formation of the fragrant agarwood resin.
5. Distribution: The Aquilaria species are native to Southeast Asia, particularly to countries like India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos. They prefer rainforest conditions with high humidity and temperatures.

Energetics and Chakras

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Agarwood Subintegra - OUD - Vintage

1. Meditation and Mindfulness: The unique scent of agarwood is often used to facilitate meditation and mindfulness practices. Its aroma is thought to help calm the mind, deepen focus, and promote a sense of spiritual awareness.
2. Energy Cleansing: Agarwood is sometimes used for smudging, a traditional practice believed to cleanse a space of negative energy. This use is particularly common in some Eastern cultures.
3. Balancing Chakras: In some traditional systems of energy healing, agarwood is used to balance the body's chakras or energy centers. It's particularly associated with the root or base chakra, which represents grounding and stability.
4. Grounding and Connection: In aromatherapy, agarwood essential oil is used for its calming and grounding effects. It's thought to help relieve stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve emotional wellbeing.
5. Spiritual Rituals: Agarwood has a long history of use in various spiritual rituals and ceremonies. For example, in Buddhism, it's believed to aid in achieving enlightenment, while in Islam, it's often used in the form of incense during religious observances.

Traditional Folklore

1. Arabian Nights: Agarwood and its oil have a strong presence in Middle Eastern culture and are often mentioned in Islamic texts. The "One Thousand and One Nights," also known as the Arabian Nights, a famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, frequently refers to agarwood where it was used for perfuming and fumigation.
2. Buddhism: In Buddhist tradition, it's believed that the scent of burning agarwood can guide the mind towards clarity and help attain enlightenment. Some folklore suggests that the Buddha's personal perfume was oud.
3. Biblical References: Agarwood, referred to as 'aloes' (not to be confused with the succulent plant Aloe vera), is mentioned several times in the Christian Bible. In the Gospel of John, Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint the body of Jesus.
4. Chinese Folklore: In Chinese folklore, the Aquilaria tree is known as the 'Wood of the Gods' and has been highly prized for centuries. The Chinese value it for its use in traditional medicine and as a prestigious incense for religious ceremonies.
5. Japanese Kōdō Ceremony: In Japan, agarwood plays a crucial role in the traditional incense appreciation ceremony known as Kōdō. It's considered one of the three elements of classical Japanese arts, along with flower arranging (Ikebana) and tea ceremony (Sado).
6. Islamic Traditions: Agarwood holds a special place in Islamic traditions. Prophet Mohammed is said to have been fond of the fragrance of oud. In the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed), agarwood is mentioned as a perfume used in the highest paradise.

Therapeutic Benefits of Agarwood Subintegra - OUD - Vintage

Aroma-Chemistry of Agarwood Subintegra - OUD - Vintage

1. Sesquiterpenes: These are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and have the molecular formula C15H24. Examples in agarwood include α-agarofuran, β-agarofuran, agarospirol, kusenol, and jinkoh-eremol.
2. Chromones: Chromones such as 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones are key compounds contributing to the quality and fragrance of agarwood oil. The diversity and concentration of these chromones can vary significantly based on the species of Aquilaria tree, geographical location, and how the agarwood is produced.
3. Phenylethyl Chromones: These are specific types of chromones that are particularly important in the scent of agarwood oil.
4. Terpenoids: Other terpenoids, which are large, diverse classes of organic compounds produced primarily by a variety of plants, are also found in agarwood oil.
5. Alcohols, Esters, and Acids: Smaller amounts of various alcohols, esters, and acids are also present.

Aroma of Agarwood Subintegra - OUD - Vintage

Recipes and Blends

1. Meditation Blend
   • 2 drops Agarwood Oil
   • 3 drops Sandalwood Oil
   • 2 drops Frankincense Oil
   • 1 drop Myrrh Oil

2. Relaxing Blend
   • 2 drops Agarwood Oil
   • 2 drops Lavender Oil
   • 2 drops Roman Chamomile Oil
   • 2 drops Sweet Orange Oil

3. Luxurious Perfume Blend
   • 5 ml Jojoba Oil (as a base oil)
   • 2 drops Agarwood Oil
   • 2 drops Rose Oil
   • 1 drop Jasmine Oil
   • 1 drop Bergamot Oil

4. Grounding Blend
   • 3 drops Agarwood Oil
   • 2 drops Patchouli Oil
   • 2 drops Cedarwood Oil
   • 1 drop Vetiver Oil

Blends Well With...

Safety Information for Agarwood Subintegra - OUD - Vintage

1. Skin Irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions from agarwood essential oil, especially if it is used undiluted. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. A patch test is recommended before full application.
2. Internal Use: Essential oils, including agarwood, should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider or an expert in essential oils who understands their potential risks and benefits.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of agarwood essential oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-studied. It's generally recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any essential oils during this period.
4. Children: Essential oils should be used with caution around children. Always dilute the oils and keep them out of the reach of children.
5. Medication Interaction: If you're taking any medication or have an existing health condition, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using essential oils, as they could potentially interact with certain medications or exacerbate health conditions.
6. Quality: Because agarwood is rare and expensive, it's often adulterated. It's crucial to buy essential oils from reputable sources to ensure their purity and quality. Synthetic or adulterated oils may not provide the same benefits and could potentially cause harm