Where Does Oud Come From?

Oud, often hailed as the “Wood of the Gods,” is one of the most luxurious and enchanting ingredients in the world of fragrance. Revered for its rich, deep aroma that combines smoky, woody, and sweet notes, oud has become a staple in high-end perfumes and lifestyle products. But where does it actually come from?

Oud: The Story Behind the World’s Most Luxurious Wood

The answer begins in the lush forests of Southeast Asia. Oud is produced by the Aquilaria tree, which grows in countries such as India, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Not every Aquilaria tree creates oud, however. The resinous heartwood, prized for its deep, smoky, and sweet aroma, forms only when the tree is naturally infected by a particular type of mold. In response, the tree secretes a dark, fragrant resin as a defense mechanism—nature’s way of turning adversity into beauty.

So why has oud captured the imagination of people around the world? Its allure lies not just in its scent but in its cultural and spiritual significance. For centuries, oud has been used in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian traditions. It is burned as incense during religious ceremonies, used in rituals to purify spaces, and worn as a personal fragrance to convey sophistication and status. Today, oud’s influence has crossed into the global luxury market, appearing in perfumes, candles, skincare products, and even home décor, appealing to those seeking a sensory experience that is both timeless and exotic.

How is oud harvested, and why is it so precious?

Extracting oud is an intricate, labor-intensive process. Trees may take decades to mature, and harvesting requires careful selection of the resin-infused wood to preserve its complex aroma. Because of its rarity and the meticulous work involved, pure oud is one of the most expensive natural substances in the world, sometimes fetching thousands of dollars per kilogram.

When did oud become a lifestyle phenomenon beyond its traditional roots? While it has been cherished for centuries in Asia and the Middle East, the 21st century saw a surge in global appreciation. Luxury brands, perfumers, and lifestyle curators have embraced oud, turning it into a symbol of elegance, mindfulness, and sensory indulgence.

In essence, oud is more than a fragrance; it is a story of nature, patience, and tradition distilled into a scent. From the forests of Southeast Asia to the shelves of high-end boutiques worldwide, oud continues to captivate those who seek beauty, rarity, and a connection to something timeless.