Excited all fragrance lovers? As far as rich and elegant fragrance is concerned, the first name that comes to mind is Oud perfume for men and women. Oud or Agarwood fragrance features a rich history. Since its advent, the fragrance has evolved and has become a highly sought-after choice amongst perfume connoisseurs.
What is Oud Perfume?
Oud, or agarwood, is a strong aromatic essential oil that is obtained from the tree resin. When it is involved in the world of perfumery, it serves as the fundamental base note in most fragrances because of its rich and strong aroma. This rich fragrance is responsible for providing the highly talked-about sensual and woody vibes.
This essential oil is extracted from the fungus-infected, resin-based heartwood of the agar tree. These trees are predominant in the dense forests of Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, and India. The essential oil is extracted through the process of distillation from the wood or by melting the resin.
Out of every 10 trees in the wild, it is believed that only one will feature an infected heartwood. Expert perfumers search for these older trees as they deliver a superior richness to the aroma of the resin. However, a number of these older trees are in the category of threatened species.
It is believed that resin is formed as a result of mold infection. Moreover, it is estimated that only 2 percent of trees end up producing the resin. Due to these reasons, oud is regarded as one of the most expensive essential oils in the perfumery market.
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A Brief History of Oud
According to historians, the use of Oud traces back to the ancient times across various cultures. For instance, the Prophet is believed to have the tradition of fumigating with agarwood. The muslim community across the world practices this tradition even until now.
There are early records in Vietnam that date back to the 3rd century AD and mention the process of extracting Oud and exporting it to China and Japan. In these countries, agarwood was burned as incense for several centuries.
There is also a strong link between the use of this aromatic heartwood and the Fengshui tradition. In Buddhism, the most precious string of 108 beads is made up of agarwood. Throughout history, the Islamic nations have valued this resin both as a personal perfume and an essential oil.
How is Oud Used in Modern Perfumery?
Today, the world of perfumery contains complex formulations. In this context, Oud has become quite popular amongst perfume enthusiasts all around the world. As a matter of fact, some renowned designers of the world have revealed fragrances featuring this sought-after essential oil.
When Oud is used in the composition of a perfume, it is often utilized as a base note. Therefore, it remains on the skin for longer even after dissipation. As they form the foundation of the perfume, base notes tend to be quite rich, long-lasting (more than 6 hours), and heavy.
Oud, as a base note, tends to enhance the fragrance of supporting ingredients as well. In some cases, it delivers a unique fragrance on its own. Most woody notes are characterized by their earthly traits. Still, Oud is known to provide a pleasant scent throughout.
What are the Benefits of Oud?
This unique essential oil has a wide range of applications, ranging from medical to therapeutic and even spiritual. This scent is usually linked with emotions like serenity of the spirit and harmony. When you apply the same regularly, Oud is also believed to eliminate all negative and destructive energies around you.
Oud also serves as a highly effective aid for meditation. It boosts mental clarity and minimizes obsessive and neurotic behavior.
In the Middle East, both men & women burn agarwood chips to make their house and clothes fragrant. Some believe that when they pray with the scented smoke of Oud, their prayers go straight to the God.
Why is Oud Essential Oil Valuable?
It is believed that the annual Oud market shines at around $6 billion. The value is usually estimated as one-and-a-half times the gold’s value. Due to this reason, Oud is also known as “liquid gold.” According to a research by Forbes, it is estimated that Oud can cost anywhere around $5k per pound.
The fragrance itself features several diverse aspects. It is quite pungent, still very smoky and pleasing. The essential oil emanates warm notes with a touch of dampened wood. While it also features a subtle blend of floral and fruit, the predominant fragrance is sensual and musky.
The exquisite and complex fragrance of Oud is a rare and intriguing gift of nature. When mixed with other essential oils, it creates a great olfactory experience that effectively permeates the inner environment with a touch of elegance and luxury.
Types of Oud Perfume
There are several variants of this woody perfume that are quite famous across the world. Agarwood fragrance is available in different unique combinations that are some of the most sought-after perfume blends:
- White Oud: Oud is characterized by its soft and light fragrance. Most people prefer this woody perfume with a soft scent. However, if you prefer rich and potent fragrance, you can choose this variant. The fragrance blends citrus and fruity accords to impart a rich, softer touch.
- Black Oud: If you prefer more intense and bold scents, you can choose this option. Black agarwood is great for those who prefer smoky, rich, and potent scents. You can use it during evening or dinner-time get-together events.
- Tobacco Oud: This perfume features the perfect blend of agarwood and tobacco to deliver an earthly aura.
Conclusion
As you wish to understand the history of Oud perfumes, it spans a series of traditions, cultures, and time. From its use in ancient rituals as a primary luxurious component, Oud has a deep-rooted significance in the world of perfumery. As the demand for this essential oil grows, its legacy will continue as a symbol of luxury and timeless elegance.
