Agarwood FAQ

What is agarwood? How do you create it apart from wild-harvesting?

Agarwood is an aromatic wood that can be used to make incense, perfume, and herbal medicine. Agarwood is produced when the agarwood tree is infected by a certain type of fungus. After infection, the agarwood tree produces a dark resin that permeates the wood, giving it a unique fragrance.

Many species of agarwood trees can be made into agarwood, but some species are used more commonly than others. The most common species used to produce agarwood include Malay agarwood (Malaysia), Thai agarwood (Thailand and Vietnam), and Indian agarwood (India).

Malay agarwood (Aquilaria filaria) is a common type of agarwood, found in Malaysia and New Guinea, while Chinese agarwood (Aquilaria sinensis) is found in China.

In nature, agarwood or ebony is very rare and occurs in the resinous heartwood of Southeast Asian agarwood trees or Gynopsis trees (closely related to the Aquilaria genus). Currently, many wild species of the Aquilaria genus are critically endangered.

To prevent these species from being overharvested, people have been cultivating agarwood for decades.

We have a fairly good agarwood plantation (we have about 400 hectares of plantations in China, and our partners have 600 hectares in Thailand and Laos). Additionally, for every tree cut down, we plant two replacement trees for future sustainable use. Moreover, there is a considerable number of wild agarwood trees on our land.

Agarwood trees are the trees that produce agarwood.

What does Agarwood look like?

The following agarwood resin comes from the infected heartwood and branches of infected agarwood trees.
The texture of agarwood is dark brown, and it is believed that the darker the color of the agarwood, the better it is.

I can’t smell agarwood beads.

Please note: Do not expect agarwood beads to always emit a strong fragrance, because agarwood only releases a strong scent when heated, and it will not do so at room temperature. If you want a constant divine fragrance, you can purchase agarwood oil or wood chips.

The scent of agarwood oil (oud oil) is very noticeable, as it takes about 1 ton of agarwood to produce 1 liter (this number varies depending on the distiller, sometimes more, sometimes less). Therefore, it is a very concentrated form. You will never miss it.

1x agarwood bracelet weighs about 20 grams; the amount of resin is unknown but relatively small. This item is more about spiritual practice and fashion. There is a scent, but it is faint, unless stored in a glass container or zipper bag for a period of time. True agarwood only has a light sweet woody aroma, while resin-infused agarwood will emit a stronger, richer fragrance.

A piece of agarwood wood chip weighs about 1 gram, but the resin content exceeds 60%. All white wood (odorless parts) is discarded. When you heat this wood chip with an electric incense burner or place it on charcoal, the high temperature releases the resin in the wood, producing a mesmerizing scent.

Why can’t I smell the scent of the agarwood bracelet/raw wood piece?

Please click here to get instructions on how to restore the fragrance.

First of all, all of our beads are made from genuine agarwood (whether cultivated or natural) (this will be indicated in the product information), so please have confidence in this.

• The fragrance of our beads has always been present, but it is not always noticeable. Just like perfume, when you get used to the scent for a few days, you might not be able to smell it, but it is actually there.
• If you cannot smell the fragrance of the beads, you can put them back into a sealed plastic bag and leave them for a few days before opening it again, and you will smell the fragrance again.
• When the weather is cold and humidity is low, it is difficult to smell scents. You can place the wristband on the keyboard for a few minutes, and the warmth from the wristband will ‘awaken the scent’.
• Even when using unprocessed raw materials, the aroma cannot be detected at room temperature in cold weather and on certain specific days (when humidity is low).
• Everyone has experienced this: if we often smell the same scent, we get used to it. A few days later, you try a new shampoo; you might feel that it isn’t as strong as the first time. When you walk into a spa, a hair salon, or a store with a strong smell, have you noticed how long it takes for you to ‘forget’ the scent? Try this: step out of the store for 10 seconds, take a deep breath outside, and then go back in. Is the smell back? Yes, because the scent triggers the brain again.

Why is agarwood so expensive?

This is a default, like a diamond; people know it is expensive just by hearing its name. Wild agarwood is almost extinct in nature and extremely rare; hunters risk their lives to collect it in the forest. Therefore, for future sustainable development, cultivated agarwood has been introduced, but please consider:

• Agarwood trees take an average of 5-7 years to grow before they can be inoculated with resin.
• After planting, an average of over 85% of the trees survive. In addition, it takes at least 2 years to produce resin (agarwood). However, for high-quality resin wood chips, it takes at least 3.5 years to harvest.
• Once the trees are cut down, new agarwood trees will be replanted, requiring the same process, and it will take another 10 years before they can be harvested.
• Large plantations are an advantage, but they involve more costs.
• In short, the production cost of agarwood is high, making it one of the most expensive woods in the world.
• If you buy sealed-packaged agarwood in a store, it is difficult to smell any scent. If you do smell a scent, it is very pungent, with a soap or chemical smell, weighs over 100 grams, and costs less than 100 dollars, then the product is very likely counterfeit.

Can I wear agarwood prayer beads while bathing or washing my hands?

• Please keep agarwood beads away from water. Some splashing is normal, but they cannot be submerged in water for a long time, because the fibers in the wood will absorb moisture, which may eventually damage the beads.
• Just like a Rolex watch (for those who don’t know what a Rolex is, it’s an expensive watch), although it is water-resistant (not waterproof), would you take it into the shower? So please cherish your agarwood prayer beads and take care of them.

Is your agarwood tea classified as medicinal?

• No. Our agarwood tea is purely made from dried agarwood leaves and contains no other substances. We claim, based on experience and research articles, that it helps with sleep and relieves constipation. Just like papaya, bananas, or even plums, if you eat it, you will have smooth bowel movements, because these fruits are not medicine and have a natural laxative effect.
• Please refer to the laboratory test results below, which include substances beneficial for diabetes, sleep aid, relieving constipation, and muscle mass building.

Why doesn’t my agarwood bracelet smell as fragrant as the wood chips? Is it fake?

• Please look at the pictures above comparison between woodchips and beads. Both are cica 0.3 g of wood. However, the infection area of woodchip is morethan 80% compared to wood beads of circa 10%. At room temperature, both would emit a light smell(need high concentration to detect. Howeve,ifthetemperature increased, n this case, under an electric incense burner, the woodchip started releasing a strong tragrance from its resin while the wood beadsmited a noticeable one. Woodchip comes n ay shape as its value ies on the scent In comparison, wood beads are dfferent you canno make one highresin beads and the other beads have none. he resin needs to spread out as even as possible. If you heat the whole 108 beads under the electic buner, thescent will be similar to woodchip
• Justlike al the necessity which has high volume in stock turn. woodchips and oud oil(agawod oil) the price of these items are often negotiable as they areonsumed in an almost daily basis. With aganwood oil lslam prays with it, Japanese, Chinese use itfor medicinal purposes for exampleto treat abdominal pain),Arabian uses it for manufacturing perfume. n contrast, agarwood beads are more in keep sake, ucky charm or spitual practice which last realy long.Stock turning isslower and hence, high overhead cost occurs. In addition, each bead is made individually with care, high labour cost
• We guarantee ouragarwood beads are genuine as they are from our plantation site. For wild aganwood beads, with experience, we verifed carefuly before
  putting them in the market for sale.

Is your ebony oil pure? How can I tell?

It’s very simple, we produce it ourselves. Our popular Evergren Superior planting oil has been tested in two different laboratories (one in China and one in Vietnam). Consumers are welcome to test it again in the laboratories to see if there are any other issues. Experienced users can detect whether ebony oil has been adulterated with other oils. If you want to learn more, please send an email to info@zenagarwood.com.

Is your bracelet genuine?

Why is there some white patch in the beads?

Did your beads get dyed?

Did you add artificial fragrance to your beads?

Yes, the agarwood beads we are talking about are real, without any added color or fragrance. Please see the pictures below.

The red circle indicates the bipolar pattern of the beads. When you see these bracelets, you will find that they are 100% made of cultivated agarwood. Wild agarwood does not have such consistent patterns. This is completely normal and not dyed. These beads usually cost less than $100. Similarly, the scent will only accumulate when stored in a sealed container or zipper bag, because once you wear it, the scent molecules escape into the air, giving off a very faint fragrance; this explains why people cannot smell anything after wearing the bracelet. The scent is still there, and you can place the bracelet in a sealed glass container or a simple zipper bag to restore the fragrance.

Does Australia allow the use of agarwood?

Yes, as long as you have the correct documents, there is no problem. For more information, please visit

https://www.environment.gov.au

Is it safe to apply agarwood oil directly on the skin (pure application)?

In general yes, unlke otheressential oils requiring carier oil to prevent bunt or skin iritation agarwood loud) oilcould be applied to the human skin directy Cheatappication). Howeve, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY A SMALL DAB (a patch test TO ENSURE YOUR SKIN HAS NO ADVERSE REACTION. Belw are the sumaly from age190 of the Essential Oil Safty -Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young.

Agarwood, also known as agar, ales wood, eaglewood. lignum aloe, of ood, is a type of wood fom the Aquilaria malacensis Lamk tre This tree is also refeed to byother names such as Aquilaria agallocha Roxb, Agalochum malacense Lamlk) Kuntze, and Aquilariella malaccensis (Lamk)v.Tieghem. It belongs to theThymelaeaceae family.

wood that has been infected by fungus. Key components of the oil from Vietnamese agarwood include:
The essental oi derived from this wood is one of the most costly aromatic substances, priced 10- 15 times higher than jasmine absolute This oi is only extracted from

– 2-(2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)ethyl) chromone (21.2-33.0%)- 2-(2-Phenylethyl) chromone (16.1-23.6%)
– Oxo-agarospirol (1.4-5.3%)
– Guaia-1(10),11-dien-15-oic acid (less than 4.7%)- 6-Methoxy-2-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl) chromone (2.0-3.7%)

The ol is considered safe as there are no known hazards orcontraindications. Studes have shown that inhaling the vapours of agarwood oil can have a sedative effecton mice

Although there is no specific data on toxicity and carcinogenicity, agarwood oil does not contain any known carcinogens. In addition, there are CO2 extracts of this oil.

Agarwood is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, indicating that it is not currently in danger of extinction, but if trade is not properly managed, it could become endangered. Other analyses have shown that the chemical composition of agarwood oil from other regions such as India and Bangladesh is different.

Can I ‘drink’ agarwood essential oil?

You should not drink agarwood oil. Generally, we do not recommend using agarwood oil in aromatherapy.

You can add a few drops of agarwood oil to the diffuser to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Agarwood oil will help you relax and improve your mood. Do not ingest agarwood oil.

What are artificially cultivated agarwood beads? Are they real agarwood?

Cultivated agarwood beads refer to agarwood beads made from agarwood planted in our plantations, not wild ones. All beads are made by our craftsmen from genuine agarwood, whether wild or farm-planted (cultivated).

The material for making beads is selected from agarwood (infected agarwood trees) and then spun individually.

A agarwood tree needs eight years to grow, and it takes two years for agarwood to form inside the tree.

Do you provide free samples?

Yes, we do provide samples.

No, we will not provide it for free

Why not?

If you are in Australia, you can drive to McDonald’s to ask if you can get ketchup for free.

Or ask for free plastic bags at Coles and Woolies?

What is your view on synthetic oil and natural oil? Is using synthetic oil harmful or unsafe?

Please read here

Your products are good, but the price is unreasonable. I saw some 3ml ebony essential oil selling for $20.

You might be right. Some ebony 3 ml sells for 20 dollars, but is it ebony oil, ebony perfume, or something else? By the way, you are welcome to buy from other sellers.

If the oil contains 1% or less of genuine agarwood oil, for marketing purposes, it can be called oud perfume or even oud oil. Here is an analogy: if you go to the supermarket to buy a bottle of almond milk, check the actual percentage of almonds in the ‘milk’ (usually only about 1% to 5%). The same principle applies here.

You need to compare apples with apples. In other words, you need to compare two kinds of ebony oil, not pure essential oil and blended fragrance oil.

How do you extract agarwood oil?

There are several ways. to produce Agarwood oil.

We usualy distil our oil (also known as oudh oi by fydro (water) or steam distltion because these method alow chemical bonds to be broken and reformed. This
process makes our oil smell special.

The Term essential oil is strictly limited to steam distilates or hydro -distilates Water distllation). Oudh Oils obtained from the Super Fluid Extract or Solvent Extract
method are not called essential oil.

Oud oil (Oudh Oil) distilled from Water and Steam Distillation is called Agarwood essential oil.

Oud oil extracted from supercritical fuid extraction (SFE)is not called essential oil. This SFE is also pure Oud oil justanother way to produce pure oud oil.

Which method of extraction provides better Agarwood oil?

It depends

fyou wan an oudy woody smel he Co2 extraction would be beter because the amount of oleoresins in the oud ol is higher than the hydro distlation method
However, the aroma is not as complex as an essential oil.

Co2 oud oils smell woodier but are less complex than Agarwood essential oil.

On the other hand, Agarwood essential oil has more volatile organic compounds, so you will feel different layers of smell.

What are agarwood prayer beads? Are they real agarwood?

Cultivated agarwood beads refer to agarwood beads made from agarwood trees planted in our plantations, rather than wild ones. All beads are made by our craftsmen using real wild or plantation-grown (cultivated) agarwood.

The material for making the beads is selected from agarwood logs (infected agarwood trees), and then spun individually.

A agarwood tree takes eight years to grow, and it requires two years of wound treatment inside the tree to form agarwood.

What’s the difference between the ‘Alcohol’ & ‘Alcohol-free batch of Glory of The Pain perfume?

Different bases. One uses alcohol. The first spray can produce a ‘tingling’ sensation. The alcohol-free one is oil-based. It is less ‘exciting’, but lasts longer. Oil does not evaporate like alcohol. International orders will use alcohol-free or oil-based formulations.

To ship perfume containing alcohol, we need to use courier services that can handle hazardous materials. This option is very expensive. Currently, we do not offer this option for orders outside of Australia. Reason: Alcohol is classified as ‘hazardous material: flammable liquid.’

What percentage is the perfume concentration? EDP?

15%-20%.

Do you have perfumes that contain wild ebony oil?

Wild ebony itself is a kind of perfume. Generally speaking, people who buy wild ebony only want pure wild ebony. They do not want anything else in it. Moreover, wild ebony is not sustainable. It is disposable. If it is used to make perfume, it can only be done once or twice.

Try it and you will understand what I mean.

Do you plan to offer an ‘installment payment’ option on the website? It’s really great that ordinary consumers can try a variety of high-quality products without spending too much money.

Unfortunately, no. Having this option means we have to raise the price.

Lay-by means paying in instalments.

On average, Lay by senvice providers charge 30 cents 6% commision on the merchant In addition, there would be another charge of 2% 30 cents by the e
commerce platform.

Some of our products are over $1000, so it is not feasible to do so.

A 1.ml bottle of Oud coud last months and months,for cutivated Oud, on average,it is around $70. Let’s say you use a smallwooden stick (toothpick, for example
You dab in it the vial and dab in your hand. And you do it daily. It will take around 4 months to finish it

But let’s say you get bored and leave itaside. Normal perfume would go offbecause it passed the expiy date. Wood essential oildoes not. Itis getting beter ifyou
leave it aged. So, a question for you.

“For a 1.5ml bottle that literaly has no expiration. Beter yet its aroma improves with age.And you could use it for months. Is that worth $7o AUD to you?”

What are the benefits of agarwood oil?

What is the difference between agarwood oil and other essential oils?

Agarwood oil has a wide range of benefits, including:

-It can help to improve your mood

-It is believed to be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and depression

-It makes you smell good

-It can be used as an insect repellent

-It can make your perfume last longer

What is the difference between ebony and agarwood?

Oud and Agarwood mean the same thing: products made from the resin of the agarwood tree.