Agaru (Agaru)
A large evergreen tree, 20-30 m tall, with a trunk diameter of about 70 cm. Bark is smooth, grayish-brown with delicate vertical cracks, and sometimes...
Botanical name: Aquilaria malaccensis. Also known as: Agarwood, Eaglewood, Aloeswood.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Sedative, Anti-atherogenic
Dosage
Powder: 250 mg to 500 mg, once or twice a day. Decoction: 50 ml to 100 ml, once or twice a day. Oil: 2-5 drops
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: Ushna (Heating)
- Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)
Benefits
- Additional research indicates potential anti-inflammatory, digestive support, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and respiratory benefits
- However, standardization and further clinical trials are needed to strengthen these findings
- Responsible sourcing and consultation with qualified healthcare practitioners are recommended before use
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
Traditional uses
- Joint pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin diseases (eczema, urticaria)
- Cough and cold
- Asthma
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: aggravating
Preparation methods
- Powder (Churna): Standard preparation as per API.
- Decoction (Kwath): Standard preparation as per API.
- Oil (Taila): Standard preparation as per API.
- Paste (Lepa): Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Pitta disorders with ulcers, gastritis, or hyperacidity
- Pregnancy in first trimester, unless under strict professional guidance
- Lactation—use minimal dose under supervision
- Concurrent use with anticoagulants (agarwood may influence platelet aggregation)
- Individual sensitivities should be considered
Side effects
- Agaru's ushna nature can aggravate pitta, manifesting as heartburn, acidity, or skin rashes if overdosed. Possible side effects include: Gastric irritation (if taken without adequate anupana). Dry cough (rare, due to over-clearing of mucus). Allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to tree resins. Unsafe only if taken undiluted. Immediate symptoms might be chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing/breathing where emergency medical assistance might be required. Take under medical supervision only, if suffering from diabetes or heart disease.
Interactions
- Agar may decrease absorption of oral medications if taken at the same time. Take agar at least one hour after oral medications.
Clinical evidence
A randomized controlled trial in Kerala (2021) demonstrated that inhaled agarwood oil reduced self-reported stress scores by 25% compared to placebo, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. Additional research indicates potential anti-inflammatory, digestive support, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and respiratory benefits. However, standardization and further clinical trials are needed to strengthen these findings. Responsible sourcing and consultation with qualified healthcare practitioners are recommended before use.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antimicrobial
- Carminative
- Digestive
- Rejuvenating
- Nervine stimulant
- Expectorant
- Cardiac stimulant
- Anti-atherogenic
- Anti-hyperlipidemic
- Anti-thrombotic
- Tonic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-dysentery
- Depurative
Classical clinical indications
- Joint pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin diseases (eczema, urticaria)
- Cough and cold
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Fever
- Sensitivity to cold
- Nervous disorders
- Bad breath
- Intestinal worms
- Cardiac weakness
- Persistent hiccups
- Enuresis
- Chyluria
- Diseases of male reproductive system
- Stress and anxiety
- Insomnia