Agaru: Its Importance & Benefits

2021-12-20 16:26:40

Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha) is a fragrant herb that cures many diseases. Agaru has been used in India since ancient times. Its wood produces a gum-like resin that is rubbed on the body in the form of incense sticks and aromatic boiling.

What is Agaru?

Agaru is a medicinal herb that is native to regions of South-east Asia. It is also known as ‘Agarwood’, ‘Aloeswood’, ‘Eaglewood’, etc. in many places. In the present time, the paper is required for writing. Similarly, in olden times, the bark of the agaru tree was required to write.

In Ayurveda and traditional and Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a great importance of Agaru. Its leaves are thin, approximately about three inches in length. In many cultures, agarkshta is used to ward off evil energies. So, in many cases, its use is also beneficial for health.

Why is Agaru so special?

Agaru is an evergreen tree. Krishnaguru, Kashtaguru, Dahaguru, Mangalya Guru, etc. are the other known species of the tree. Among these, Krishnaguru is considered the best. According to research published by the Journal of Herbal Medicine, the leaves of agaru contain elements such as phenolic acids, chromosomes, alkanes, steroids, xanthonoids, benzophenones, terpenoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. These prove to be quite effective as an antioxidant, anticancer, antitumor and antimicrobial, to reduce pain and inflammation.

Agaru bark and leaves are well-known for the benefits they provide. Its leaves are used as a tea for treating various diseases. Elements such as squalene and hexadecanoic acid are found in the leaves of trees of this species. These are popular for their antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Benefits of Agaru-

Helpful in increasing appetite-

Agaru works to increase appetite by having a positive effect on the liver and stomach. It stimulates metabolism by improving liver functions. Agaru increases appetite by improving gastric discharge.

Help to remove bad odor and bad breath-

Agaru powder is the best to remove the bad smell of the mouth. Its antimicrobial properties cure problems related to gums and acts as a deodorant of the mouth. Apart from this, agaru is also a fragrant medicine, which also reduces the problem of bad breath. If the smell comes from the mouth, the stems of the agaru are used to brush teeth.

Beneficial in diarrhea-

Agaru has anti-diarrhea and antimicrobial properties which reduces the frequency of diarrhea and prevents the growth of microbes that causes the infection.

Able to reduce intestinal gas, inflammation and abdominal distension-

Agaru helps to excrete intestinal gas. To reduce intestinal gas, bloating and abdominal distension, a mixture of agaru, cumin, and celery is consumed. This mixture reduces the spasm and pain in the stomach due to gas.

Effective in fever-

Agaru works to reduce cold and fatigue. It reduces the thirst associated with fever. Taking Kadha made of Agaru provides relief in fever. Its intake also strengthens the immune system.

Help to relieve fatigue and weakness after fever-

Agaru relieves fatigue and weakness in the body caused due to fever. For this, agaru is used with a mixture of ashwagandha, asparagus, and Giloy. This mixture reduces fatigue, sluggishness, weakness, and body pain, making it as strong and powerful as before.

Beneficial in bronchitis-

Agaru reduces inflammation and irritation of bronchial tubes. It works by cleansing the lungs by diluting thick mucus. It helps in the treatment of chronic bronchitis.

Beneficial in asthma-

Taking a few drops of agaru powder, honey, and agaru oil along with betel leaf help in the treatment of asthma.

Effective in preventing hiccups-

Taking agaru powder with honey four to five times a day reduces the problem of frequent hiccups.

Beneficial in the problem of excess thirst-

Taking agaru powder with cardamom seed powder provides relief in excess thirst problems.

Useful in piles-

Powder of agaru and sugar candy together also provides relief in pain and treatment of piles.

Beneficial in enuresis (bedwetting)-

Agaru is considered a nerve tonic. It has positive effects on the nerves and bladder. It works by controlling the flow of urine and making the bladder strong in the event of frequent urination at night. It also treats the problem of excessive urination and bedwetting.

Beneficial in the problem of numbness and tingling-

According to Ayurveda, abnormal stinging and tingling occur due to disturbances in the Vata balance in the body. In such a case, the use of agaru reduces the tingling and numbness by having a positive effect on Vata dosha. For this, it is advisable to take agaru powder and dry ginger with Triphala Kadha. 

Effective in itching and allergic reactions-

According to Ayurveda, consuming agaru bark powder with cow's ghee reduces allergy and itching. Agaru also works to reduce the boils associated with hives.

Where is it found?

In India, Agaru is found in Meghalaya, North-Eastern Himalayas, Nagaland, Manipur. It is also found in the mountainous region of Tripura and West Bengal up to an altitude of about 500 meters in Assam.