Agarwood

(Eagle-wood)
Sanskrit: अगरु • Botanical: Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.

Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha, Fam. Thymelaeaceae) is Agarwood or Eagle-wood, one of the most prized aromatic woods. Found in Northeast India (Assam), Myanmar, and Southeast Asia. The fragrant resinous wood forms when the tree is infected by a specific fungus (Fungi Imperfecti — hence the name 'Krimija' meaning 'born of worms'). Healthy trees produce no fragrant wood. The infected resinous heartwood sinks in water, while uninfected wood floats. This is a key identification test. Agaru is hot in potency, aromatic, and used in heart diseases, cough, asthma, and Vata disorders. The oil is used in perfumery and incense. It is burned as dhoop (incense) in temples. Multiple grades exist — Krishna (black) Agaru is the best. Various types are described based on region of origin. The wood and oil command extremely high prices due to rarity. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 22-23.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Agarwood oil (0.5-2.1%), containing Sesquiterpenes (Agarospirol, Jinkohol), Chromone derivatives. The resinous wood is formed by fungal infection (Fungi Imperfecti).
Also Known As
English: Eagle-wood, Agarwood, Aloeswood
Sanskrit: अगरु, अगुरु, कृमिज, राजार्ह, लोह, प्रवर
Hindi: अगर, ऊद

What is Agarwood (Agaru / अगर)?

Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha, Fam. Thymelaeaceae) is Agarwood or Eagle-wood, one of the most prized aromatic woods. Found in Northeast India (Assam), Myanmar, and Southeast Asia. The fragrant resinous wood forms when the tree is infected by a specific fungus (Fungi Imperfecti — hence the name 'Krimija' meaning 'born of worms'). Healthy trees produce no fragrant wood. The infected resinous heartwood sinks in water, while uninfected wood floats. This is a key identification test. Agaru is hot in potency, aromatic, and used in heart diseases, cough, asthma, and Vata disorders. The oil is used in perfumery and incense. It is burned as dhoop (incense) in temples. Multiple grades exist — Krishna (black) Agaru is the best. Various types are described based on region of origin. The wood and oil command extremely high prices due to rarity. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 22-23.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Sugandhi (aromatic/fragrant)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Deepana (digestive stimulant)
  • Vata Shamaka (pacifies Vata)
  • Kapha Shamaka (pacifies Kapha)
  • Tvachya (beneficial for skin)
  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Shoolahara (pain relieving)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Hridroga (heart diseases)
  • Kasa (cough)
  • Shwasa (asthma)
  • Vamana (vomiting)
  • Kushtha (skin diseases)
  • Vataroga (diseases of Vata)
  • Krimi (worms — ironically, the resin forms due to fungal infection)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Agarwood by Condition

Explore how Agarwood is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Agarwood for Digestive Health
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Agarwood for Heart Health
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Agarwood for Joint Pain & Arthritis
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Agarwood for Male Sexual Health
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Agarwood for Parasites & Worms
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Agarwood for Respiratory Health
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Agarwood for Skin Disorders

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.