AGAR WOOD OIL
What is Agarwood?
Agarwood, also known as oud, aloeswood, or gaharu, is one of the rarest and most precious woods in the world. It is formed when trees of the Aquilaria genus become infected by a particular type of mold or bacteria. In response to the infection, the tree produces a dark, aromatic resin as a defense mechanism, which gradually saturates the heartwood. This resin-impregnated wood is what we call agarwood.
Naturally occurring agarwood is extremely rare, as the formation process depends on unpredictable environmental factors. As a result, it has historically been valued for centuries in religious, spiritual, and medicinal practices, especially in Asia and the Middle East. In Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions, agarwood is used as incense during prayer and purification rituals. It is also a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, believed to have calming, digestive, and anti-inflammatory effects.
The fragrance of agarwood is rich, deep, and complex — often described as woody, sweet, and slightly spicy with earthy undertones. Its unique scent profile makes it one of the most sought-after ingredients in high-end perfumery.
Due to its rarity and high market value, agarwood has unfortunately been subject to overharvesting in the wild, leading to the Aquilaria tree being listed as a threatened species. Today, sustainable cultivation and artificial inoculation methods are helping to preserve this remarkable natural resource while meeting global demand.
Production process
The production of agarwood is a delicate and time-consuming process that combines agricultural science, environmental care, and artisanal knowledge. It begins with the cultivation of Aquilaria trees, which typically take several years to mature. These trees are native to Southeast Asia and thrive in tropical climates.
Once the trees reach a suitable age (usually 5 to 7 years), they are artificially inoculated to mimic the natural infection process. This is done by introducing specific types of fungi or bacteria into the tree’s trunk through small incisions. The tree responds by producing resin to defend itself, gradually transforming the inner wood into agarwood over a period of 1 to 3 years, sometimes more.
After sufficient resin has formed, the trees are harvested and processed. Skilled workers separate the resinous wood from the non-resinous parts, often by hand. The resulting agarwood is then graded based on resin content, color, and scent intensity. High-grade agarwood is dark, dense, and aromatic, and commands premium prices.
From here, the agarwood may be used in various forms: raw wood chips for incense, oil extracted through steam distillation, or ground into powder for traditional medicine and cosmetics. The entire process requires deep expertise and patience, making each piece of agarwood a labor of both nature and human craftsmanship.
Agarwood Production in Thailand
Thailand has emerged as a significant player in the global agarwood market, thanks to its favorable climate, agricultural expertise, and strong cultural appreciation for natural wellness. The country is home to several species of Aquilaria and has invested heavily in sustainable cultivation practices over the past two decades.
Thai agarwood farms are often located in the lush, humid regions of the north and the south. These farms operate under strict guidelines to ensure that production is both ethical and environmentally responsible. Thai farmers use modern inoculation techniques that improve resin yield while preserving tree health. Unlike some other countries, Thailand has focused on quality over quantity, gaining a reputation for producing premium-grade oud oil and wood.
Thailand’s government has supported the industry through training programs, scientific research, and by facilitating legal export under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. As a result, Thai agarwood is now exported worldwide for use in perfumery, aromatherapy, and religious rituals.
Moreover, Thailand’s unique approach often integrates traditional wisdom with modern agricultural methods. This balance helps ensure that agarwood production remains a sustainable economic activity that benefits both local communities and the environment. Thai oud is particularly appreciated for its smooth, warm, and slightly sweet fragrance profile, making it highly desirable among collectors and perfumers.
The vision of Saengcha Farm
At Saengcha Farm, our vision is rooted in respect for nature, commitment to sustainability, and a passion for excellence. We believe agarwood is not just a product — it is a bridge between tradition and innovation, spirituality and science, humanity and the earth.
Our farm, located in the heart of Thailand’s agarwood-producing region, is dedicated to cultivating Aquilaria trees with care and integrity. We use state-of-the-art inoculation methods developed in collaboration with botanists and researchers to produce high-quality resin while maintaining the health of our trees. Our approach minimizes environmental impact and maximizes the purity of the oud we offer.
Saengcha Farm is more than a business — it’s a community. We work closely with local farmers, providing education, fair wages, and opportunities for long-term growth. Our goal is to empower rural communities while preserving the biodiversity of our land.
Quality is at the core of everything we do. From the first seed to the final distillation, we monitor every step of the process to ensure that our agarwood meets the highest international standards. Our products are 100% natural, ethically sourced, and traceable from tree to bottle.
Looking to the future, Saengcha Farm aims to be a global leader in sustainable agarwood production. We envision a world where luxury and responsibility go hand in hand — where each drop of oud tells a story of harmony between people and nature.
Thai agarwood farms are often located in the lush, humid regions of the north and the south. These farms operate under strict guidelines to ensure that production is both ethical and environmentally responsible. Thai farmers use modern inoculation techniques that improve resin yield while preserving tree health. Unlike some other countries, Thailand has focused on quality over quantity, gaining a reputation for producing premium-grade oud oil and wood.
Thailand’s government has supported the industry through training programs, scientific research, and by facilitating legal export under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. As a result, Thai agarwood is now exported worldwide for use in perfumery, aromatherapy, and religious rituals.
Moreover, Thailand’s unique approach often integrates traditional wisdom with modern agricultural methods. This balance helps ensure that agarwood production remains a sustainable economic activity that benefits both local communities and the environment. Thai oud is particularly appreciated for its smooth, warm, and slightly sweet fragrance profile, making it highly desirable among collectors and perfumers.