History of Agarwood, Aloeswood or Eaglewood !

Agarwood (also known as Jinko, Aloeswood, Agarwood or Oud) is one of the ancient incenses, which is also considered as the most invaluable incenses of all time. Agarwood is basically resinous heartwood, which is carved from Aquilaria trees. Aquilaria trees are of the Aquilaria genus, Thymelaeceae family, originally found in South and Southeast Asian regions.

The high altitude of the trees, makes them is easily identified from any distant location. The Aquilaria trees, generally, grow at the average altitude of 400-600 meters from the sea-level. Till date, approximately 15 species of Aquilaria trees have been discovered, which are extensively used for extractions of Agarwood. Aquilaria achalloga is one of the most common species widely found in the Indian subcontinent.

Agarwood: A 'Magical' Occurrence
You will not believe that Agarwood, the most bewildering fragrance, is the result of the infection of parasites. The Agarwood, normally, form in trunk and root portion of the Aquilaria trees, which have been tainted with parasites like ascomycetous mold, Phaeoacremonium parasitica, also known as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus). In a reaction to the unprecedented infection, tree yields a resin, which is comprised of volatile organic compounds. The resin is supposed to curb the infection. The resin, further, augments the mass and density of the affected wood. In addition, the previous colour (a pale beige) is changed into dark brown or black. The thick resin is the final raw Agarwood.

Nowadays, artificial extraction of Agarowood is also possible. In the artificial process, the trees are manually infected with the fungus.

European History
Apart from Asia, Agarwood is also popular in European countries. According to ancient records, Agarwood, locally known as Lignum aloes or Aloeswood, was extensively used for several purposes. However, the matter is still debatable, as Aloe is a different species, mainly used for medicinal uses. Some of the mythologists belive that the Aloes of the Old Testament (Num. 24:6; Ps. 45:8; Prov. 7:17; and Cant. 4:14) and of the Hebrew Bible (ahalim in Hebrew) were actually Agarwood, carved from Aquilaria malaccensis.

*It is also known as Lignum aquila (eagle-wood) or Agilawood.*

Mythological History
Several cultures and religions mention Agarwood and its several product as integral part of them. Some of the people went on to describe the precious incense as 'Wood of God in Asia'. Ancient scriptures of Japanese and Chinese dynasties also mention the uses of Agarwood while its also enlisted in the Christian holy book-Bible. As aforementioned, the aloe mentioned in Bible is actually Agarwood. However, the common thing remains that it is considered as spiritual incense. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most sought after incense and perfumes in the world.