The Journey of Oud Extraction

Extracting Oud Oil: From the Agarwood Tree to Luxurious Oil

What is Oud?

Oud, also known as agarwood, is a rare and precious resinous wood formed inside the Aquilaria tree. When the tree becomes infected or wounded, it produces a dark aromatic resin as a natural defense. This resin transforms the plain wood into fragrant agarwood, which is either burned as incense or distilled into the luxurious oil known as oud oil. For centuries, oud has been valued in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Southeast Asian cultures as a symbol of wealth, spirituality, and prestige.

Ever wondered where does oud come from? Oud is the name of the original agarwood tree from which the well-known fragrance oud oil (agarwood oil) is extracted.

The agarwood tree is considered one of the rarest and most expensive trees in the world. It is the primary source of both agarwood and oud oil, which are regarded as some of the most luxurious and precious aromatic substances.

Description and Growth

• Scientific Name: Aquilaria
• Evergreen tree, typically growing in tropical, humid regions.
• Height: can reach 20–40 meters, with a straight, strong trunk.
• Leaves: glossy green, with small flowers that are white or yellowish-green.

Native Habitat – Where Does Oud Come From?

So, where does oud come from originally? Agarwood trees thrive in tropical regions with humid climates and abundant rainfall. Countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are among the leading producers of oud.

In short, the original habitat of the agarwood tree is the tropical rainforests. These forests are the natural source of authentic oud. The tree is also known for its ability to adapt to harsh environments, making it a symbol of resilience and growth.

It mainly grows in Southeast Asia, particularly in:

• India
• Bhutan
• Thailand
• Cambodia
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Vietnam

Limited types are also found in China and the Indian subcontinent.

How Does Oud Form Inside the Tree?

Naturally, agarwood is plain, odorless wood.

When the tree gets injured (such as by the fungus Phialophora parasitica), it secretes a dark, resinous substance with a strong fragrance as a defense mechanism.

Over the years, the infected parts of the wood transform into aromatic agarwood, which is harvested and used as incense or distilled to extract oud oil.

How Oud is Extracted

The extraction of oud is a very delicate and complex process, which explains its rarity and high price. The process involves several stages from the tree itself until the agarwood or oud oil is obtained.

Stages of Oud Formation and Extraction:

1. Tree Infection
   • In its natural state, agarwood is odorless.
   • When injured or infected by fungi or bacteria, the tree secretes a resinous substance.
   • Over the years, this resin saturates the wood, turning it into fragrant, dark agarwood.
2. Tree Cutting and Inspection
   • Trees suspected of containing oud are cut.
   • The trunks, roots, and branches are examined, as oud can form in any part of the tree.
   • Skilled workers rely on scent and dark coloration to identify agarwood.
3. Cleaning the Wood
   • Ordinary, light-colored wood is removed.
   • Only the dark, heavy, resin-rich parts with a distinct aroma are kept — this is the real agarwood.
4. Drying and Grading
   • The agarwood is dried in shade or sunlight.
   • It is then divided into grades:
     • Large premium pieces: used as rare incense.
     • Agarwood powder (produced from leftover shavings).
5. Distillation (for Oud Oil Extraction)
   • To produce oud oil, water or steam distillation is used:
     • Resinous wood pieces are ground.
     • Soaked in water for weeks.
     • Placed in large distillation pots under high heat.
     • The aromatic oil evaporates with steam, then is collected and separated from water.
   • The final product is pure oud oil, one of the rarest and most expensive natural fragrances.

Important Notes

• Quality: The older the tree, the denser and richer the oud.
• Weight: Resin-rich agarwood is heavier than normal wood, and its quality can be tested by immersion in water.
• Rarity: Less than 10% of wild agarwood trees naturally produce oud.

Why Choose a Trusted Store to Buy Oud?

1. Authenticity and Quality Assurance
   • The market is full of fake or synthetic products.
   • Trusted stores like Oud Al-Maher offer 100% natural oud carefully sourced from the world’s best forests.
2. Variety of Products
   • A reliable store offers a wide selection, including:
     • Premium agarwood (Indian, Cambodian, Maroke, Kalimantan, etc.).
     • Pure, aged oud oil.
     • Luxury gift sets and bundles.
     • All oud accessories (incense burners, charcoal, sticks…).
3. Transparency and Credibility
   • A trustworthy seller provides clear details: weight, type, origin, and fragrance profile.
   • No exaggeration — customers know exactly what they’re buying.
4. Luxury Packaging
   • Oud is not just incense but also a refined gift.
   • Stores like Oud Al-Maher use premium packaging and elegant boxes, making their products ideal for gifting.
5. Customer Service and Reliability
   • A reliable store ensures excellent after-sales service and customer satisfaction.
   • Offers secure payment methods, fast shipping, and guarantees the product’s original condition.

Oud Al-Maher: A Model of Trust

The best oud store that combines authenticity and quality.

They provide carefully selected products with a luxurious touch that reflects heritage and craftsmanship.

Their slogan, “Oud Al-Maher: Skill and Authenticity,” perfectly embodies their philosophy of delivering genuine, high-quality oud to true connoisseurs.