Oud — also known as agarwood — is the resinous heartwood produced when a wild Aquilaria tree responds to a natural infection. The result is a dark, fragrant wood whose oil has been treasured across the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia for centuries.
Why oud is so valuable
Only a small fraction of wild trees ever develop the resin, and distilling a single tola of pure oud oil can take an enormous amount of wood. That rarity, combined with a scent profile that is impossible to fully recreate synthetically, is why fine oud is often called “liquid gold”.
How to wear it
A little goes a long way. Apply a single dab to the pulse points and let your skin warm the oil — within minutes the sharper top notes settle into a smooth, woody, slightly sweet base that can last all day. If you are new to oud, start with a blended attar where oud is balanced by rose, saffron or amber.
Leave a Reply