Aloeswood is one of the most rare and precious woods in the world, prized for its rich and wonderful fragrance. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is believed to have both mental and physical medicinal benefits with properties balancing the mind and body and relieving pain. Clinical testing at the Medical Department of Akita University, Japan, has proven that Aloeswood incense affects brain wave patterns by increasing alpha-waves, thus creating a feeling of deep relaxation and tranquility.

Botanical Information
Aloeswood, sometimes referred to as agarwood, belongs to the genus Aquilaria and to the species Agallocha. It is native to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and Northern India, although resources in many of these areas have suffered from unchecked exploitation in recent times.
The tree that produces the aloeswood resin is a large evergreen, usually around 20 meters tall, but it can reach up to 40 meters. Aloeswood is not related to Aloe Vera (Latin name: Aloe barbadensis).


The Formation of Aloeswood
Aloeswood occurs as a result of a complex, natural defense mechanism in a tree. After it has been infected by a fungus, which attacks through wounds on its trunk, the tree begins to produce a resin within its limbs and trunk. Aloeswood is formed by the maturing of this resin, a process that can take anywhere from several decades to hundreds of years.


Different Grades of Aloeswood
There are many different grades of aloeswood, which are determined based on the density of resin and the type and intensity of the aroma it produces. The lower grades are often used in essential oil, while the higher grades are mainly used for incense. Generally, like fine wine, the ones with the longest maturing time have the greatest aroma. The highest grade of aloeswood is called Kyara, which means "precious" in ancient Japanese, and it is more expensive per ounce than gold.