
Famed world over for its enticing earthy fragrance, “oudh” or agarwood essential oil, is in fact, obtained from infected tree bark and wood extracts, with the pure tincture being much more expensive than even gold. There are as many as 30 varieties of oudh trees and these can mostly be found across South-East Asia, in countries including India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. When the tall and healthy Agarwood or Aquilaria tree becomes infested with mould, it produces a dark, scented resin known as oud or oudh, also popularly termed as “liquid gold”. Oudh oil is prized for its rich fatty acid content and powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These work in synergy, to reduce acne, pimples besides controlling sebum production and defending skin against infection-triggering microbes. Washing the face, hands and body with a foaming cleanser, soap, hand wash or body wash containing agarwood essential oil extracts prevent skin ailments.