Home Blogs Herbs Agaru : Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Agaru : Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

By NS Desk | Herbs | Posted on :   03-Nov-2020

Agaru, as called in Sanskrit, derived from the term 'Aguru,' is more commonly known across the world as agarwood, aloeswood, eaglewood, or gharuwood. It finds maximum use among daily livelihood in incense sticks and perfumes. Hence it is quite understandable that it has fragrance properties within itself. The formation process is unique as it forms inside the aquilaria trees when they get infected by the mold Phialophora parasitica. In general, the aquilaria trees are odorless and light, but once infected by the mold, it becomes dark with magnificent fragrance.

This aromatic wood is highly valued throughout the Indian culture and its traditions. The quality of its fragrance properties is dependent on a few important parameters such as infected time, the origin of the root, processing and harvesting methods, geographic location, and a few more.

Top-grade agaru is a highly expensive natural raw material throughout the world. A major reason could be attributed to the depletion of Aquilaria malaccensis, the parent tree for producing agaru over the years.

Apart from its aromatic property, it is an ancient herb that has been used in various medicinal necessities. Recent studies have also cleared the air regarding its use in certain health benefits.

The properties of agaru apart from fragrance are heating, healing, anti-inflammatory, breath balancing, digestive, and anti-oxidation properties.

What are the synonyms of Agaru?

Lauha, Aquilaria agallocha, Krmija, Agarkashtha, Agar Chandan, Eagle Wood, Agar, Krishna Agaru, Akil, Ooda, Pharsi, Akil kattai, Ood.

Benefits of Agaru

Joint pain

Science

Ayurveda

Massaging the joints and inflammatory areas regularly with agaru oil or paste has shown immensely outstanding pain relief.

Agaru oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and Vata balancing properties. These properties help reduce the pain and inflammation of joint pain and arthritis.

Procedure:

●       Take a few drops of agaru oil into your hands.

●       Add a few teaspoons of coconut oil that is highly influential thanks to its healing properties.

●       Massage over the affected area mildly.

●       Do this once a day to see faster results and relief from joint pain.

Skin Rashes and allergies

Science

Ayurveda

Skin is a delicate and sensitive area, which requires the treatment of its infections by a healing substance without any side effects. Agaru oil is an excellent choice in treating eczema, rashes, allergies, rough skin, and bleeding. The application of agaru oil itself in the skin is also beneficial in the nourishment of the skin.

 

Agaru oil mixed coconut oil has been tested through time immemorial about their healing or ropan properties. Because the barknof the tree is bitter, it is an excellent choice for treating skin problems.

 

Procedure:

●       Take a few drops of agaru oil into your hands.

●       Add a few teaspoons of coconut oil that is highly influential thanks to its enriching properties.

●       Massage over the affected area mildly.

●       Do this once a day to have a check on the skin disease.

 

Sensitivity to cold

Science

Ayurveda

Sensitivity to temperatures slightly greater and lower than normal is often a common symptom and side effect of a major disease. The application of agaru as oil or a paste helps reduce the sensitivity to cold by applying it externally.

Agaru is also called 'sheet prashamnan,' which scientifically means the destroyer of cold. So it is commonly used for its healing effect.

Procedure:

●       Take a few drops of agaru oil or teaspoons of agaru powder as per requirement.

●       If making a paste, add water to the agaru powder.

●       Apply over the affected area.

●       Leave it for a few hours till the paste dries.

●       Wash it with water and find relief from the sensitivity of cold.

 

Cough and Cold

Science

Ayurveda

Cough and cold are very common during the seasonal changes and temperature fluctuations of the recent days. And often takes a hectic toll on the body, with an irritating feel of a runny nose throughout the day. Agaru controls cough and clears the air passages.

Agaru is a natural herb and highly effective for managing cough and cold. According to ancient medical terms, it has a Kapha balancing property that indicates its ability to help patients breathe freely.

Procedure:

●       Take ½ teaspoon of agaru powder.

●       Mix this with honey.

●       Have the mixture after lunch and dinner.

●       Continue this practice daily to stay away from the effects of cough and cold.

Ear, eye, nose, and throat disorders

Science

Ayurveda

The agaru oil is used for nasal drops in treating ear, nose, and throat disorders. It is also useful in treating eye disorders.

The use of agaru oil while gargling helps improve teeth and sense organs. The fragrance and utility of agaru are beneficial in treating ear, nose, and throat disorders, and is also used for her.

Asthma and Bronchitis

Science

Ayurveda

Breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis are very common and often cause concern in those who have it daily. The blockages in the lungs lead to bronchitis and breathing problems. Agaru helps in digestion and the elimination of waste hence removing the mucus from the lungs.

According to Ayurveda, these problems are a repercussion of digestive problems and are known as kasroga. The resulting from the wrong diet and incomplete elimination of waste leads to the formation of toxic remains that lead to mucus within the lungs.

The heating effect and Kapha balancing properties have already been mentioned, and these properties are the reason behind the elimination of these diseases.

Procedure:

●       Take ½ teaspoon of agaru powder.

●       Mix this with honey.

●       Have the mixture after lunch and dinner.

●       Continue this practice daily to see results and get relief from bronchitis, asthma, and other breathing difficulties.

●       Applying a few drops of agaru oil over bettle leaf and chewing is also a way to use agaru for relieving asthma and bronchitis.

Loss of appetite

Science

Ayurveda

As explained before about the properties of agaru in eliminating bronchitis. It eliminates waste and improves digestion. The loss of appetite is majorly due to weak digestion.

Daily intake of agaru helps in digestion and restores the appetite.

As per Vedic medicinology, loss of appetite is caused due to the exasperation of Vata, pitta, and Kapha, which ultimately leads to digestive problems. This, in turn, leads to the insufficient secretion of gastric juices in the body leading to loss of appetite. Because of the healing properties of agaru, it stimulates the digestive fire in the body and increasing appetite.

Procedure:

●       Take ½  teaspoon of agaru powder.

●       Mix this with lukewarm water.

●       Have the mixture after lunch and dinner.

●       Continue this practice daily to increase your appetite from being lost.

Liver

Science

Ayurveda

A healthy liver is a precursor to a healthy digestive system and a Healthy Lifestyle.

Agaru protects the liver against any damage. The free radicals from agaru with anti-oxidation properties help reduce inflammation in the liver.

Procedure:

●       Take ½  teaspoon of agaru powder.

●       Mix this with honey.

●       Have the mixture after lunch and dinner.

●       Continue this practice daily to stay away from damages to the liver.

Sinus

Science

Ayurveda

The use of agaru has broadened with its use in cases of chronic sinuses, rhinitis, and allergic problems.

The mention of agaru is found in charak samhita for curing sinuses. The cure to this is done by inhaling the smoke of agarwood.

Blood purification and improve the smell of breath

Science

Ayurveda

Agaru has anti-oxidation properties; hence the bark can be used while making tea. This improves in blood purification.

The bark of agaru can also be chewed to reduce bad breath.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING AGARU

Breastfeeding

There is hardly enough scientific evidence to advise the use of Agaru during breastfeeding. So it is advisable to avoid Agaru by mothers who have given birth to a newborn. If you wish to use it for relieving you from the conditions agaru works on, consult a medical expert for supervision.

Diabetes

Once again, there is not enough scientific evidence claiming the positive use of Agaru if you are on any anti-diabetic drugs. Avoid agaru under these conditions at best. If not, take them only under medical supervision from an expert.

Heart disease

Not advisable in the intake of agaru if you are using anti-hypertensive drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Agaru or use only under medical supervision in such a case.

Pregnancy

Not recommended under ancient medicinal practices nor any recent medical studies support the use of Agaru during pregnancy. So it is advisable to avoid Agaru or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Agaru be used for reducing swelling?

Yes, but do so by diluting Agaru oil with coconut oil or olive oil. It is the best practice because of the heating property of agaru. The inflammatory properties work wonders on the swelling area by inhibiting the mediator's cytokines.

Can Agaru cause hyperacidity?

Although Agaru helps reduce the loss of appetite by improving the digestive fire and maintain a healthy digestive system. But if you have hyperacidity, it is recommended to avoid or, if necessary, use it in small quantities. Because of the heating property, it may aggravate the digestive problem.

Can Agaru enhance sexual power?

It has not been established by medical experimentation about the role of Agaru in enhancing sexual power. However, studies have indicated its ability to improve sexual desire due to aphrodisiac property.

Is Agaru beneficial in fevers?

Yes, Agaru is known to and proven to help manage fever as it has antipyretic property. Because of this property, it helps to lower the temperature. Agaru oil can be used internally or applied to the body to manage fever.

( Disclaimer : The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or ayurvedic doctor. )

Tags

NS Desk

Are you an Ayurveda doctor? Download our App from Google PlayStore now!

Download NirogStreet App for Ayurveda Doctors. Discuss cases with other doctors, share insights and experiences, read research papers and case studies. Get Free Consultation 9625991603 | 9625991607 | 8595299366

Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.