Lux vs. Low: MakeupJul.19.2020
Oud or agarwood is one of the most popular scents on the market today. Oud is said to be the most expensive wood in the world with its oil value is estimated to be 1.5 times the value of gold. So much so that it is sometimes referred to as ‘liquid gold’. The scent of Oud is instantly recognizable and prominent for its rich, powerful, and woody aroma. It is an unusual smell, but has become immensely popular in different cultures and religions, but why?
Oud is valued strongly for its warm sweetness mixed with woody and balsamic notes. The scent is very rich and powerful and is used in forms of oil, perfume fragrances, and by simply burning agarwood itself in the homes for religious and cleansing purposes.
Oud is actually thought to alleviate pain and is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial for many medical conditions from headaches to arthritis. When diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin, it can also help to reduce or even eliminate toxins in the body.
As early as the third century CE, in ancient Viet Nam, the chronicle of Nan Zhou Yi Wu Zhi (Strange things from the South) written by Wa Zhen of the Eastern Wu Dynasty, there is the mention of agarwood produced in the Rinan Commandery, now known as Central Vietnam, and stories of how it was collected in the mountains.
During the sixth century CE in Japan, in the recordings of the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), the second oldest book of classical Japanese history, Oud is once again mentioned in relation to how it is made with a large piece of fragrant wood – that is, agarwood. The Famous piece of wood still remains in Japan today and can be found in the Nara National Museum.
Oud is highly revered in the religion of Islam. The Fragrance is actually used and preferred over air freshener or air purifiers in many Arab households of those practicing the religion. Agarwood/Oud is mentioned several times in the book called “The Hadith Collection of Prophecies and Teachings” by The Prophet Muhammad.
Oud is not only the scent that The Prophet Muhammad was known to love and used daily in rituals of Islam but also a valuable remedy treatment for many diseases. Muslims believe that Oud is used not only to cure certain diseases for humans but also to connect spirituality. It is said that using Oud helps to connect aspirations with God faster and make wishes come true!
Though still used in religion in this day and age, Oud or the scent of agarwood is actually infused into many high-end fragrances and branded perfumes. Although, these perfumes are actually very rich and strong-scented, so it is only recommended to use one to two sprits’ or use the ‘walk through’ technique when applying it.
