Oud

Agarwood, aloe wood, wood of the gods, wood flowing in water ... Known in Asian countries by various names, oud (its Arabic name) has been used for centuries. In Muslim culture, it was considered as early as the 9th century as one of the fundamental ingredients of perfumery. Even today, the Middle East is bathed in oud for its woody-leathery-animal scent. Two or three varieties of tropical trees of the genus Aquilaria produce oud. They once grew all over the forests of Southeast Asia, but have been decimated. Only one in a hundred specimens contains the precious resin, a defense mechanism secreted by the tree when it is infected with certain fungi. But since it is impossible to guess which one, it is necessary to cut down a considerable number. These Aquilarias are now protected in many countries. To meet a growing demand, we cultivate the essences inoculated with the fungi. This does not prevent the poaching of wild plants or the "trafficking" of essential oil, obtained by distillation of the shavings.

It is one of the ingredients present in our Virgo fragrance!