Where does oud come from?

Oud is one of the names of a rare oil that results from a beautiful, mysterious process of Nature. A tiny percentage of Aquilaria trees, native to Southeast Asia, undergo a process of infection due to insect infestation. That creates a fungal infection in the plant.

For many decades the best quality has lasted for abut 100 years in a process that darkens the infected wood known as agarwood which now produces the rich aroma distilled into oud oil. Oud is the Arabic word for this oil, and Arabian Oud has the most fame regarding its fragrance.

What makes oud so expensive?

Distillation of oil is extremely rare and expensive. Each tree with the infected wood will have only four kilograms on a good day. About 40 to 70 kilos of infected lumber is required for just 20 to 40 ml of oil.

What is the best way to wear an oud?

Oud is usually applied to the pulse area. On wrists, sides of the neck, and behind the ears. These places are warm, so the heat activates the long-lasting scent.

If the perfume is relatively transparent, you can carefully spray it on a dress, scarf, sleeve, etc., for a soft, long-lasting scent. You can spray a little on the hair from a reasonable distance.

Ready to dive into the world of ouds? Check out our favourite oud collection.