Saffron wood is hailed as the "King of All Fragrances", being a solid condensate formed by the combination of resin secreted by the Diospyros kaki or the Agathis nootkatones tree after it has suffered trauma or been infected by fungi. Its formation takes several decades or even centuries, and its production is scarce and precious. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as a treasure for religious rituals, traditional Chinese medicine, and cultural collectibles. Saffron wood not only carries profound cultural connotations but is also highly esteemed for its unique aroma and medicinal value.
The scent of sandalwood
The fragrance of agarwood is complex and variable, significantly influenced by the production area, oil content, and aging time. It mainly presents the following characteristics:
1. Normal odor
When not burned, agarwood wood usually has a light odor, which is barely detectable, and can only be sensed as a slightly bitter and sweet woody aroma.
High-quality agarwood may emit a delicate sweet fragrance or frankincense-like aroma at room temperature, such as Hainan agarwood with a honey-like sweetness, while Star Island agarwood has a rich resinous aroma.
2. Odor during burning or heating
When burned, agarwood releases a complex aroma of coolness, sweetness, and frankincense, with a penetrating quality, which can soothe emotions, calm the mind, and aid in sleep.
Some top-quality agarwood (such as Cinnamomum) has a spicy sensation, with a slight numbness on the tip of the tongue when chewed, and the aroma has rich layers, with a finish like honey or alcohol.
3. Medicinal properties and flavor in the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that agarwood has a "pungent, bitter, and warm" nature. The pungent flavor can warm and promote yang qi, while the bitter flavor can nourish the kidneys and consolidate essence. It is often used to treat stomach coldness, kidney deficiency, and other conditions.
The benefits of wearing sandalwood
Wearing incense wood products (such as bracelets and pendants) is not only a cultural inheritance but also has both health-preserving and aesthetic values:
1. Soothing emotions and calming the mind for better sleep
The natural aroma emitted by agarwood can regulate the nervous system, alleviate anxiety and stress, and help improve sleep quality.
2. Health preservation and wellness
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, agarwood can warm and unblock meridians, promote blood circulation, and long-term wearing can help relieve joint pain and deficiency of the spleen and stomach.Its volatile components are believed to enhance immunity and even have a moisturizing effect on the skin, delaying aging.
3. Enhancing personal temperament
Agarwood bracelets or ornaments are elegant and classic, and the aroma naturally diffuses with body temperature, highlighting taste in a low-key way, and embodying the philosophical connotation of "calming and concentrating".4. Natural fragrance and magnetic field purification
The aroma of agarwood is elegant and long-lasting. It can replace artificial perfume. Meanwhile, in folk belief, it has the symbolic meaning of warding off evil spirits and purifying negative energy.
Note
- Avoid exposure to high temperature and humid environment to prevent the loss of fragrance or damage to the wood.
- When wearing daily, keep away from chemical detergents to avoid the decomposition of oils.
