What is Thai Black Gold you ask? TBG is a ridiculously black, hard wood, with copious amounts of natural, magnificent mold. Yup, you heard it…mold. As you may know, in the aloeswood world, mold is a good thing. The moldier the better. Because the more mold the more scent. The more scent, the happier the oud-adept is, and the happier the oud-adept is, the higher stage of aloeswood-cognizance can be reached.

Mainly small pieces, TBG is super bubbly when burned. It produces a syrupy and aromatic smoke, starting with a sweet initial hit, mellowing into a thick, heady, organic scent, which is outstanding for scenting clothes.

Love yourself enough. Thai Black Gold.

$13/gram

First off, apologies for not having updated the blog recently. Just had a baby, Praise be to God, and as many of you know, it can take some of your free time! Nonetheless, I managed to go a hunting for scented wood and agarwood oil a few weeks ago, and found some lovely additions to the Oudimentary lineup.

Woods:

We  managed to pick up two new batches. The first, is our Burmese Royal. Its as good as the last batch of Burmese we carried. Super bubbly, fruity (dried- apricot), with hints of spice and caramel. 

The second is our Thai Black Gold. Its a ridiculously black, hard wood, with copious amounts of natural, funky fungus. It produces a syrupy and aromatic smoke, which is outstanding for scenting clothes.

Oils:

First off, we re-upped our supply of our now-famed KSSS oil. Theres plenty for everybody!

Next, check out our newly written description of our new Cambodi Tuk Kmum oil. Super thick and long lasting, with Cambodia hidden deep beneath the fruit and herbal notes.

Also, we picked up two new Assam oils, both outstanding. Bit of the barnyard funk in these two, not for weak of faith. 

Stay tuned for more details, descriptions, and prices.

Burn it Be it!

–SEAC

From this renowned Oud-producing nation comes our newest addition to the Oudimentary aloeswood-oil roster– Cambodi Tuk Kmum.

Tuk Kmum is Khmer language for honey. It actually translates as “Bee-Water” and we thought it is a very fitting title for this stunning oil. With an amazing viscosity, Oudimentary’s Tuk Kmum is by far the thickest, most syrupy oud oils we have available. It is super long lasting, and is sure to impress the most discerning of Oud-enthusiasts.

While it has sweet hints of the same family of notes as our now famed KSSS, Tuk Kmum has interesting top notes of herbs, with hints of sage-flower honey and amber. Its got a molasses-like kick with undertones of dried fruit and pipe tobacco.

Don’t miss out on this exquisite, unique Cambodi Oil.

$190.00 1/4 tola

“ The oil is just amazing! Incredible depth and lots of complexity. Your description on the site is amazingly accurate. I’ve never seen anyone describe an oud oil so precisely.  I just love it. The subtleties, the nuance.  It just dances around and continues to amaze as opposed to many oils that are quite linear. It also has amazing tenacity.  It lasted over 24 hours on my skin and not only does it last, it still radiates and projects for most of that 24 hours. I got some on my shirt as well as my skin and it almost acted like a Western perfume that has “sillage”.

I am truly impressed and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.   $250 is not a small sum to me but I have to say that the KSSS is worth every penny.” Best, Eric

“I must say that your product is truly amazing. I recieved my shipment and it was more then I expected. Mos definitely I will need to re-up.” –One happy Puerto Rican 

“Thanks Micah for this great link, and hooking up the perfect mix-bag! Could’nt have scored a better internship and advisor. That Assam was so smooth, I will definately be acquiring some more if oudimentary still offers it.”  :-) –Best, ~Dan

“ I was in Ibn Dawood searching for my yellow coffee and Ihram for Ummrah. When I heard an American accent ask for the yellow coffee I was intrigued and looked to see who was speaking. This is when I met Micah and realized we had one of many things in common. I had the privilige to pray with the brother in the sacred mosque and share meals. It was brother Micah who introduced me to the oud and gazelle musk. When I came home to Pennsylvania I enjoyed my oud as incense and my gazelle musk while also enjoying a cup of yellow coffee. But as most good things do, it ran out. Thanks to Oudimentary I am able to continue my enjoyment with burning oud and using gazelle musk. And more importantly I am joyful of my friendship with brother Micah. May Allah bless all those involved with this noble effort of maintaining an honorable tradition.”- Bruce Gipson

“Greetings my friend. The package arrived today. The Cambodi oil is fantastic and I can only imagine what the fahkair is like. It must be amazing. All the woods look really nice too. I haven’t burnt any yet but can clearly see the resin. I will be recommending you guys often, for sure. Please let me know when the Musk Gazelle comes in and whenever you get new stuff I would like to be notified. Thank you again and you will be hearing from me soon. ” -James Covington ]]> http://oudimentary.com/blog/uncategorized/customer-comments/feed/ http://oudimentary.com/blog/uncategorized/imam-shafii-on-oud/ http://oudimentary.com/blog/uncategorized/imam-shafii-on-oud/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:59:53 +0000 admin http://oudimentary.com/blog/uncategorized/imam-shafii-on-oud/ “Gold is just dust when still in the ground, and oud, in its country of origin, is just another kind of firewood.”

–Muhammad Ibn Idris al-Shafi’i

No other piece of oud paraphernalia holds a higher rank in the eyes of a committed oud-adept than the hallowed mubkhara, or Oud burner.  Their designs range from rustically simple to the most embellished, and as we shall see, have not changed much over thousands of years. Let us look more in detail at several different styles now.

Saudi Arabian

First off, and possibly most instantly recognizable, is the Saudi-style burner. This traditional style has a square metal base with inward sloping sides which support a square cup with outward sloping sides.  4 legs support the square cup on top. The top cup will be plated with metal, to be able to bear the hot coals. Variations on this model range from the simple, unadorned wooden or aluminum mass-produced models, to those made of precious metals, encrusted with jewels and/or emblems of royalty, which are works of art within themselves. Also of note here, are more modern versions of these burners, which are plug-in electrical requiring no coals, and even a small portable burner for the car, which plugs simply into a cigarette lighter! Apart from these new variations, these burners have remained virtually unchanged for 2,000 years.

Tarimi

Secondly, we have the traditional Tarimi-style burner. Its shape varies slightly from the Saudi burner in the fact that most Tarimi models come equipped with a handle. This handle is functional for frequent use in congregations, in which the burner is passed from person to person. In the common Yemeni style, these burners are much more rustic, and usually made of hand-carved wood, which gives each model a more unique appearance. They are quite lower in height and stubbier than the Saudi-style. Some come painted in muted colors, and other are simple wood tones. These examples of mubkhara are quite rare outside of Yemen or circles of Yemeni immigrant communities.

Moroccan

Last but not least, we have the refined beauty of the Moroccan-style Mubkhara. Perhaps the most visually striking and ornate, the Magribi-style mubkhara carries all the history and tradition of  Andalusian elegance. Most commonly made of pressed stainless steel, the Moroccan style burner usually has a wide hexagonal base on 5-6 small feet. Towering upwards, 4 more feet have been placed on the base holding the main burner, which has an ornate, domed (sometimes pointed), attached lid. They are commonly engraved and have intricate metalwork lattice surrounding the burner level and lid. When used, the lid is closed, and the smoke wafts upwards through the latticework creating a visual feast. Even the smallest versions are quite large, with the largest being too big to even be lifted!

No matter what the design may be, the revered mubkhara is always handy, patiently awaiting the next aloeswood burning session, and never leaves the side of the adept. For years on end they toil while demanding nothing in return, only to improve and deepen with age.

Who We Are: Oudimentary was founded for a single purpose-to make available the highest quality Aloeswood (Oud), Aloeswood oils, attars, mukhallat, and paraphernalia to the general public.

Founded in Oakland, CA. by fellow aloeswood enthusiasts Usama Canon and Micah Anderson in 2004, Oudimentary has helped shape the American marketplace for this rare wood, and the oil which is extracted from it.

We straddle the line between East and West, with Micah residing in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Usama living in the Bay Area of Northern California. Our network of buyers and oud-hunters live and have traveled to such countries as Laos, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, India, and Malaysia (among others) in search of this blessed wood, rare oils and attars.

We have long-established relationships with wholesalers in the famed aloeswood markets of Bangkok, Singapore, and Jakarta, as well as having purchased from more remote locations such as Jayapura, Sumatra, and Pattani.

We offer a range of woods and oils, and will gladly assist and help to find a match for you. From the humble beginner to the most advanced of aloeswood connoisseurs, we try to have something for everyone.

Oudimentary also offers a range of other high-quality oils including musk, amber, mukhallat, and rose attar, and will try to cater to individual requests for other products.

Since the company’s inception, Oudimentary gave birth to The Oudimentary Society of Aloeswood Enthusiasts (OSAE), an international fellowship of men and women united by their love for the use of aloeswood on physical, psychological, and spiritual levels.

 Oudimentary and OSAE are dedicated to the research and preservation of the ancient tradition of aloeswood use in a modern-day setting. Let us learn from each other, and together we can embrace this millennium-old sacred science of scent. Please let us know how we can be of assistance.

Questions: Your trusted Oud-adepts at Oudimentary will attempt to answer any questions you may have about your order, special requests, aloeswood, attars, burning, coffee, tea, oud-alchemy, or any other questions you may have about life in general. Feel free to ask.

Contact info: gaharuhunter@gmail.com. Half of the company is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the other half is in Jakarta, Indonesia. If you are blessed enough to live in one of these areas, and would like to place an order, try some samples, or just drink coffee and burn some oud, shoot us an email.

Shipping policies: Oudimentary will attempt to process and ship all orders within 3 business days. Upon receipt of a new order, we will contact you within 48 hours to inform you of total costs, including shipping and handling. All orders over $250 include free shipping. We ship USPS. Rush service is available, please let us know. Insurance is extra and recommended. For all international orders (including Canada), please contact us first before placing your order.

Returns: Oudimentary takes pride in being the best place (online or otherwise) for aspiring oud-adepts to learn about and acquire oud, attars, and related paraphernalia. We believe in our woods and oils, and we wouldn’t sell something that we wouldn’t use. Your happiness is our happiness.

That said, due to the highly personalized nature of oils, they may not be returned once purchased. Woods on the other hand, may be exchanged or returned if you are unsatisfied with your acquisition. If in the rare event (yet to happen) you buy wood that you are unhappy with, we will do our best to replace it with something more suitable to your taste. Please let us know within 1 week of receiving your order.

Wholesale orders: Oudimentary offers wholesale discounts to buyers looking to purchase woods in large amounts. Please contact us for more information.

Oudimentary Cultural Exhibitions: Whether you and/or your companions are blossoming Oud-Adepts, mid-range burners looking to graduate to the next level of oud-understanding, or Gaharu-Pundits scouring for that final frontier of scent, and are located in the San Francisco Bay or Greater Jakarta Areas, Oudimentary will be happy to send a qualified Aloeswood-specialist to you to give one of our famed Oudimentary Cultural Exhibitions.

For a reasonable per-person fee, the OCE will present the refined rituals pertaining to aloeswood use for you in your very home. During the several hour OCE, we will show the ins and outs of the Oudimentary Science of Scent–how to choose the best aloeswood and oils, the layering of fragrances, the use of coals and mubkharas, the history and culture of aloeswood use, Arab-style coffee roasting and preparation (including organic dates) or Moroccan tea preparation and service, and much more. Step up your expertise to the next level– book an OCE today. Contact us for more information.

The society was founded in 2004 to provide a community for like-minded aloeswood aficianados where they could learn, teach, assist, and serve this rapidly-growing alliance of aloeswood burners. 

OSAE is dedicated to the research and preservation of the ancient tradition of aloeswood use in a modern-day setting. 

We hope this group will provide a platform where interested people can get and share information, ideas, stories about this blessed wood, which is known by many names, including agarwood, oud, oudh, aloes, gaharu, eagleswood, or as the “Bubble Love-Love.”

In these days of high-paced workweeks, drive-thus, and what seems like constant bombardment of technology, we find it important to carry on a respected, almost primal tradition in the midst of it all. Wood. Fire. Smoke. Scent. 

From the gathering of friends, to the lighting of the coals, to the journeying to higher levels of understanding, to the remembrance of the Divine; all are a part of this sacred heritage in which we embrace wholeheartedly, and hope you will as well.

If like us, you feel the quest for the better burn is perpetual, we request for you to join OSAE.

Oud burners of the world unite! Burn it, be it.

(For more information, see http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43094005847)

For many, the thought of an oud-burning session with friends would be incomplete without the beverage that goes back as long as aloeswood use itself—coffee. Let us look now at the use of coffee in the tradition of mystics, and it’s connection with aloeswood use.

Coffee use can be traced at least to as early as the 9th century, when it appeared in the highlands of Ethiopia. According to legend, Ethiopian shepherds were the first to observe the influence of the caffeine in coffee beans when the goats appeared to “dance” and to have an increased level of energy after consuming wild coffee berries. 

The legend names the shepherd “Kaldi.” From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Egypt and Yemen. It was in Arabia that coffee beans were first roasted and brewed similarly as they are today. By the 15th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and Northern Africa.

Legend has it that a great Sufi Mystic from Yemen was traveling in Ethiopia when he was introduced to the edible beans and the fact that they promoted wakefulness. He brought the beans back to Yemen with him, in hopes the new brew could assist his fellow mystics staying awake during late-night sessions of Remembrance of God. His hopes were fulfilled.

The use of coffee spread all over the Arabian peninsula, reaching the Holy cities of Medina and Makkah where we have this quote from an early Arab historian, Jaziri-

“…It was drunk in the Sacred Mosque itself, so that there was scarcely a dhikr or mawlid where coffee was not present….”

Another 16th century historian, Ibn ‘Abd al-Ghaffar, talks about the use of coffee in Cairo;

“They drank coffee every Monday and Friday eve, putting it in a large vessel made of red clay. Their leader ladled it out with a small dipper and gave it to them to drink, passing it to the right, while they recited one of their usual formulas, mostly “La illaha il’Allah (There is no reality apart from God)…”

To accompany an oud-burning session, the adepts at Oudimentary prefer the traditional Arabian-style coffee, which is favored on the Arab peninsula. When brewed, the coffee is the color of hay, a greenish-yellow brew. In actually it is closer to what many would think of as a tea rather than a coffee, since the traditional dark-roasted appearance and flavor is completely gone. Its tones are quite organic tasting, and its effect is quite grounding. Yellow coffee has hints of grass, a slight bitter taste, and for many, after one sip they are hooked.

Saudi-style coffee will contain ground cardamom, possibly a pinch of saffron, and will be served with dates to counter the slight bitterness of the brew, for no sugar is added to the coffee. In the traditional Yemeni style, sugar and ground ginger are added, possibly with a pinch of clove or cinnamon, depending on personal taste and preference.  Both are served in copious amounts in small cups. Also, an Arab-style coffee pot (dallah) is most often used. It has a rounded bottom with a curved, pointed pourer.

Desert tribes traditionally would begin a coffee session with the unroasted beans. A fire pit in the sand would be made, and the beans would be roasted to a mustard yellow tone. Hand ground, the beans then would be brewed with the appropriate mixture of spices, and depending on which region you were in. Coals would be used directly from the fire to burn the hallowed aloeswood in this circle of companions. In this tradition, coffee and aloeswood would almost always accompany each other. Long sessions of drinking and burning would continue in to the night. Friends would tell stories, bond, and always remember the Divine.

At this juncture, it is of interest to note another time-honored tradition that also goes hand in hand with oud burning–and which Oudimentary strongly endorses–Moroccan tea service. Tea preparation in the Moroccan style is as important and ritualized to Moroccans as yellow coffee preparation is to Gulf-Arabs. Unlike other tea styles in the Arab and larger Islamic world, Moroccan tea is exclusively made with loose Chinese green gunpowder tea. Because of this, Morocco is the largest importer of Chinese green tea in the world. Also of note, Magribi tea is always consumed with generous amounts of freshly cut mint (never dried!), and most prefer their brew with liberal spoonfuls of sugar as well. While the actual preparation may vary slightly, the result is always clearly Moroccan! Historically Moroccans are also avid Oud-users, and Oud and Moroccan mint tea often stand shoulder to shoulder in many different gatherings.

The modern day aloeswood-alchemists at Oudimentary and the OSAE have carried the combination of these traditions into the 21st century. We maintain this ritual of coffee or tea preparation during our oud-burning sessions. Although taking place in a modern environment, our intentions remain focused on the heart of the experience–companionship, tradition, and wisdom. They go hand in hand for us, and hope they will for you as well. We invite you to join us.

The modern aloeswood-adept means to preserve this age-old practice in full awareness that technology can not replace it.  Now more than ever in our societies, this aid is needed for grounding and introspection, and from this, our modern civilization can be healed from it’s current state of ignorance.

Two particular spiritual sources in which aloeswood use has been mentioned and referenced stem from Abrahamic traditions-Christianity and Islam. Let us take a moment to look at these in more detail.

Aloeswood and Hadith

Hadith are the words and actions relating to the Messenger and Prophet of God, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. We will look at two separate hadith here in which aloeswood has been mentioned.

1. Book 27 of Sahih Muslim, #5601

Nafi’ reported that when Ibn Umar wanted fumigation he got it from aloeswood without mixing anything with it, or he put camphor along with aloeswood and then said: This is how Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) fumigated. 

2. Book 55 of Sahih Bukhari, #544

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “The first group of people who will enter Paradise, will be glittering like the full moon and those who will follow them, will glitter like the most brilliant star in the sky. They will not urinate, relieve nature, spit, or have any nasal secretions. Their combs will be of gold, and their sweat will smell like musk. The aloes-wood will be used in their centers. Their wives will be houris. All of them will look alike and will resemble their father Adam (in statute), sixty cubits tall.” 

3. Book 26 of Sahih Muslim, #5487 

Umm Qais, daughter of Mihsan, the sister of ‘Ukasha b. Mihsan said: I visited Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) along with my son who had not, by that time, been weaned and he pissed over his (clothes). He ordered water to be brought and sprinkled (it) over them. She (further) said: I visited him (Allah’s Apostle) along with my son and I had squeezed the swelling in the uvula, whereupon he said: Why do you afflict your children by compressing like this? Use this Indian aloeswood, for it contains seven types of remedies, one among them being a remedy for pleurisy. It is applied through the nose for a swelling of the uvula and poured into the side of the mouth for pleurisy.

Aloeswood and the Bible

There are 5 separate places in the bible where aloeswood is mentioned. In older oral traditions, aloeswood is sometimes referred to simply as aloes (not to be confused with aloe vera). 

1. “Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters. (Numbers 24:6)

2. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. (John 19:39)

3. “I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.” (Proverbs 7:17)

4. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. (Psalms 45:8)

5. Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices. (Solomon 4:14) 

Conclusion

From these 7 examples, we can see with certainty that modern-day aloeswood-alchemists are following an unmistakable prophetic tradition, and that they are tapping into boundless spiritual energy by doing so. By employing these traditions, they carry on a living, breathing, ancient tradition.

Founded in Oakland, CA. by fellow aloeswood enthusiasts Usama Canon and Micah Anderson in 2004, Oudimentary has helped shape the American marketplace for this rare wood, and the oil which is extracted from it.

We straddle the line between East and West, with Micah residing in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Usama living in the Bay Area of Northern California. Our network of buyers and oud-hunters live and have have traveled to such countries as Laos, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, India, and Malaysia (among others) in search of this blessed wood, rare oils and attars.

We have long-established relationships with wholesalers in the famed aloeswood markets of Bangkok, Singapore, and Jakarta, as well as having purchased from more remote locations such as Jayapura, Sumatra, and Pattani.

We offer a range of woods and oils, and will gladly assist and help to find a match for you. From the humble beginner to the most advanced of aloeswood connoisseurs, we try to have something for everyone.

We also offer a range of other high-quality oils including musk, amber, mukhallat, and rose attar, and will try to cater to individual requests for other products. 

Since the company’s inception, Oudimentary gave birth to The Oudimentary Society of Aloeswood Enthusiasts (OSAE), an international fellowship of men and women united by their love for the use of aloeswood on physical, psychological, and spiritual levels.

Oudimentary and OSAE are dedicated to the research and preservation of the ancient tradition of aloeswood use in a modern-day setting. Let us learn from each other, and together we can embrace this millennium-old sacred science of scent. Please let us know how we can be of assistance by contacting us at gaharuhunter@gmail.com.

Sour — Resembles the smell of plums or other acidic foods.

Hot — Resembles the smell of red peppers when put in a fire.

Salty — Resembles the smell of a towel after wiping perspiration from the brow or the lingering smell of ocean water when seaweed is dried on a fire.

Bitter — Resembles the smell of bitter herbal medicine when it is mixed or boiled.

After several years of searching, Oudimentary is happy to announce that we have finally found an aloeswood oil to rival our famous KFF Cambodi oil.

If you are familiar with our KFF oil, you will be quite pleased with our presentation of KSSS. Think KFF, only stored and aged for years to make all subtleties stand out more.

With aloeswood oil, ageing is a refining process, and that the longer you let oils hang around without being used, the better they get. They are literally allowed to marinate and steep in itself deepening the scent without you having to do anything except be patient (not always an easy task).

It is not unusual for aloeswood adepts to have several bottles stashed away for years (or decades) at a time, patiently waiting for the alchemical process to turn that simple aloeswood oil into an immutable, inextinguishable, immortal nectar which grants realization of the divine. Being the nice guys that we are at Oudimentary, we took that long step out for you so you can time travel to the straight funk.

KSSS has all the beauty you would expect in classic Cambodi oil, but without any harshness found in less quality oils. Ages very nicely on skin, deepening as the day or night goes on. At the base there are foresty notes, mahogany and dried berry.  Top notes indicate apricot, pipe tobacco. It is pure bottled subtlety.

The tireless scent-hunters at Oudimentary are proud to present this fine example of a timeless classic. Long has the rose been a symbol of the mystic path. From it’s long stem with thorns representing the pitfalls of the seeker on his journey, to the perfection of a beautifully formed flower at the end of that stem mirroring the perfection of the universe, the rose has been the topic of centuries of admiration and praise. It’s scent embodies these aspects for daily use. 

Roses also play a psychological role; it has a calming effect for grief, resentment, anger and depression. Rose attar has a sedative effect, which can be used to ease nervous tension and stress.

The learned teacher and Sufi master Shaykh Hakim Chishti says, “Rose is the most superior of all scents in the floral realm. Rose works simultaneously on the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, purifying and uplifting all three.”

Oudimentary backs this claim.

Oudimentary’s Isparta Rose Attar was uncovered by our worldwide network of zealous comrades, some of which currently reside in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s scent is a timeless classsic.

This latest batch has strong hints of apple and lemon on top, with a lingering, classic rose sweetness that mellows very nicely. It’s a heady scent that pairs well with our recent Burmese aloeswood. Quite addictive.

Medicinal Uses of Aloeswood

Medicinal uses of the heartwood, bark, resinous stem, resinous wood and aloeresin, prepared from Aquilaria spp., have been recorded in traditional medical systems including Chinese (TCM), Tibetan, Ayurvedic (Indian) and Unani (Greek derived Islamic). External and Internal preparations have been used citing a variety of Aquilaria species.

These traditional medical systems have been used for indigenous health-care for thousands of years and can stand up on their own merits, because of the general non-scientific ‘universal truths’ on which all these systems are based, there are inevitably similarities in some major classifications. We can therefore also see similarities in uses:

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbs are classified by the way that they reorganise the body constituents to a state of balance (Qi, moisture and blood) and classified into five tastes (closely linked to smell) not disimilar from the five basic odour classifications of agarwood incense listed in the previous section, of sour, bitter, sweet, spicy and salty. TCM recognises primal forces which govern the body of which fire is the force that has an eliminative action which discharges qi downwards.

Likewise, Tibetan medicine recognises similar primal forces that govern the body but has six tastes sour, bitter, sweet, salty, hot and astringent. Selections of herbs are made based on their taste and potency with regard to the primal forces for re-balancing and restoring health – fire being the force that transforms.

In Ayurveda, there are five primary categories of matter (which combine to create 3 doshas or forces), five attributes and five elements. Fire is the element that transforms. Ayurveda recognises six tastes - sour, bitter, sweet, salty, pungent and astringent.

Unani medicine recognises the four humors which have elements, body substances ~ blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile and qualities ascribed to each humor. These classifications are based on temperament both of people and the humors themselves. Temperaments of humors and person need to be diagnosed so that humors of plants can be prescribed to bring the body back to a state of balance.

TCM

Aquilaria-derived formulations in general seem to relieve spasms and other forms of stagnant or stuck energy particularly in the digestive (stomach, kidneys, liver, bowel) and respiratory systems. The warming properties of Aquilaria derived medications has been noted. In TCM it warms the kidneys (Subhuti Dharmananda), In Ayurveda it is similarly recognised for It’s warming properties, In Tibetan medicine and in the Unani system It is balancing.

Shizen Li notes that agarwood [Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg.] is mentioned in ancient Chinese Herbals in 1596 (Li, 1596), being sought after for it’s physical therapeutic and energetic applications. Hsu (1996) notes that Aquilariae Lignum (aloeswood) in his Chinese Materia Medica consists of the heartwood containing the dark-brown resin which is derived from:

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg. in Kuanung Province and Hainan Island

Aquilaria agallocha (Roxburgh) in Vietnam & Malaysia

Excoecaria agallocha L. in India. (N.B. – this Indian mangrove tree although susceptible to soft rot, is not usually associated with gaharu formation).

Its use was first recorded in Ming i pieh lu, Agarwood being the heartwood that emits fragrance and sinks in water, from which the drug gets its name. The Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province (1995) considered a decoction of A. agallocha to have slight warming properties, to lower energy (activity), reinforce the kidneys, to regulate the central organs and to alleviate pain. The authors recommend use in abdominal pain, tightness of the chest, vomiting and regurgitation, diarrhoea and asthma. [Authors note – the statement 'lower energy' above is a poor translation, rather: 'to move energy down towards the kidneys where it can continue to be utilised efficiently by the body'].

Ayurveda

Similarly, in the Indian Ayurvedic healing system, the burning of agarwoods has a warming and centering effect on the chakras and promotes a deep meditational state.

Agarwood heartwood is used in various Ayurvedic formulas including Chyavanprasha, Arimedadi Taila and Mahanarin Taila (Anon 1978: The Ayurvedic Formulary of India Vol 1). Its uses ["A. malaccensis Lam. syn. A. agallocha Rox."] have been described as a cardiac tonic, carminative & refrigerant (Natarajan & Purushothaman 1991). In the Unani herbal medicine it is used as a stimulant, stomachic, laxative (purgative in large doses) and as an aphrodisiac. It is also used in the Ayurvedic system against skin diseases (Anon 1985: The Wealth of India - Raw Materials Vol 1), and powdered heartwood is given for treatment of diahorrea, dysentery, vomiting and anorexia (Anon 1969: Bhava Prakash Nighantu, pub Chaukhamba Vidya Bhawan, Varanasai pp195-6). Agarwood oil, mixed with essential oil from Piper betel is used against bronchial asthma (ibid) [ - through Indian Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Facing Genetic Errosion – CIMAP, Lucknow 1978]. It is also reported as being used by the traditional vaidyas as a contraceptive (Nagarjun 1979-80 23,9), and the leaves boiled in oil used to remove fish bones stuck in the throat (Bull. Bot. Surv, India 1980 22,161).

Tibetan Medicine & Ethinic Psychiatry.

Oleoresin, wood and oil are used in Tibetan medicine and incense, especially prized is “black aloeswood”, (Aquilaria agallocha) which Clifford (1984) describes as being relied on by contemporary Tibetan doctors for treatment of a whole range of nervous and emotional disorders. Clifford further describes black aloeswood as the most commonly used minor tranquilliser.

Aromatherapy, Incense.

Although there are fewer documented folk-uses of agarwood essential oil in Western medicine, Franchomme & Peneol (1990) in their treatise on aromatherapy consider the oil of “Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. agospirolifera” to be a decongestant for the lymphatic and venous systems, and to be indicated for venous insufficiency & malaria. Miller and Miller (1995) in their book Ayerveda Aromatherapy describe the energetic warming, balancing effects of oud (:oil of A. agallocha), and its’ energy purifying and balancing, relaxant, rejeuvinative, transformative, clairvoyant and transcending actions.

The use of agarwood as an incense ingredient is recognised in written works from Japan, China and elsewhere but in the main, it is through the means of oral tradition that the secrets that accompany use of materials such as agarwoods lie. From welcoming ancestors long departed, to stilling the mind, through to stopping the spread of infection where large groups of people are gathered, Incense is burned for energetic, cleansing, mental, physical & spiritual effect. As is the case with certain grades of musk and ambergris, the high prices that can be achieved internationally for certain grades of gaharu is often based on availability rather than quality.

Tony Burfield and Kendra Kirkham

Rikkoku (Six Countries)

During the Kamakura period, (1185-1333) the Japanese began using raw woods as incense, and to present these woods in casual settings as well as in formal entertainment and religious ceremony.

In Hong Kong, Kyara is often divided into four types: Yellow, Black, Green, and Iron. However, this is not a scientific grouping. Kyara, according to the Japanese expert Professor Yoneda, is a different scientific group than other Jinko, with a different chemical responsible for the aroma. Although most aloeswood is today called Jinko, it really only refers to aloeswood that sinks in water, and is not Kyara. Aloeswood that does not sink in water is more properly classified as Senkou or Oujuku-koh. Senkou is believed to come from the trunk and Oujuku-koh from the root part of the Daphne species which produces agarwood resin under certain conditions.

In addition, agarwood or aloeswoods from Indonesia and that from Indochina are also different scientific groups with different aromatic chemicals. Indonesian varieties contain Jinkohol and Jinkohol ii where Indochinese contains Dihydrokaronone.

From the early incense contests mentioned in “The Tale of the Genji”, we go to the naming of the six varieties, or aromas of Aloes wood, the Rikkoku. This occured sometime later, perhaps even as late as the Edo period, and may have been devised by the Kodo genius Yonekawa Johaku. But this is not for certain according to Japanese expert, Professor Jinpo. Rikkoku literally means “Six Countries.”

The classifications are:

Kyara

Kyara is thought to be from Vietnam (Annam) and is sometimes called Kinam Koh, or Kannam.

According to Kyozaburo Nakata of Baieido Ltd., the name Kinam comes from the local language of the Champas of South Vietnam who were early traders of Kyara. The name derives from the combination of the Sanskrit word for black “Kala” and the Chinese word for tree “Bak.” Together they formed Kalambak and later the name was changed to Kinam.

The Rikkoku description of Kyara:

“A gentle and dignified smell with a touch of bitterness. The fragrance is like an aristocrat in its elegance and gracefulness.”

Manaban

This is a tricky one. Nanban means Southern Barbarian and seems to be a reference to a general area of Southeast asia around the 15th century. It also has references to Western traders around that time, such as the Portugese. It’s reference is probably more to a particular type of aloeswood than a geographic distinction. Manaban can not be located today, and new Rikkoku sets apply Jinko with similar characteristics, so it is not known at this time in which region it originated.

The Rikkoku description of Manaban:

“Mostly sweet, the presence of sticky oil on a mica plate is often present after smoldering Manaban. The smell is coarse and unrefined, just like that of a peasant.”

Sasora

Like Manaban, the origination of Sasora is not certain, and in modern Rikkoku, jinko with a similar aromatic property is used. Some say it was originally from the Assam region of India.

The Rikkoku description of Sasora:

“Cool and sour. Good-quality sasora is mistaken for kyara, especially at the beginning. It reminds one of a monk. Sometimes very light and disappearing.”

Rakoku

Rakoku is from Laos or Thailand, several books mention Rakoku is from Siam. (old name of Thailand)

The Rikkoku description of Rakoku:

“A sharp and pungent smell similar to sandalwood. Its smell is generally bitter, and reminds one of a warrior.”

Sumontara

Sumontara refers to the Sumatra Island in Indonesia.

The Rikkoku description of Sumontara:

“Sour at the beginning and end. Sometimes mistaken for Kyara, but with something distasteful and ill bred about it, like a peasant disguised as a noble.”

Managa

Managa refers to the Port of Mallaca in Malaysia.

The Rikkoku description of Managa:

“Smells light an enticing, changing like the mood of a woman with bitter feelings. The fragrance is of good quality if it disappears quickly. None of the five qualities are easily detectable.”

Incense continues to be a major part of the Japanese culture. Kodo has seen some restoration, and nearly all temples in homes in Japan participate in either casual enjoyment, or its use in religious ceremony.

We should mention the ancient incenses still preserved in various Japanese temples, and of the famous fragments of Ranjatai. The paper on Ranjatai mentions three parts were cut. One by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, one by the Daimyo Oda Nobunaga, and one by the Meiji Emperor.

It is common even today for incense masters to give a name to piece of Aloes wood, and it is a great honor to be the recipient of a gift of fine Aloes wood or Kyara whether it is from a piece carrying such a title or not. It is truly a gift from the heart!

Many thanks to Kyozaburo Nakata of Baieido for most of the information here about Aloeswood and the Rikkoku.

Picking the choice wood from the bunch

1. On the most rudimentary level, it provides a perfume for the wearer and others to savor and enjoy. A sweet smokiness. An earthy, almost leather-like tone. A hint of berry or dried apricot. These are just some of the descriptions used in attempting to describe the different types and grades of Aloeswood. Each individual oil and wood reacts differently to each individual, therefore giving each individual a highly personalized scent.

2. On the secondary level, the culture surrounding burning Aloeswood acts as a social gathering point; the bringing together of friends to enjoy the burning of this sacred wood can provide the bonding and nurturing of friendship. Friends compare and share different oils and woods. Coals are lit, smoke rises, stories are shared, and ultimately relationships are deepened.

3. Next is the level in which the medicinal properties of this rare wood begin to work their magic. In many traditional medicine systems including Chinese, Tibetan, Unani, and Ayurveda, Aloeswood has been highly prized for its healing properties. It is known to reverse rebellious chi, and to help the body’s circulatory system. And of course, because Aloeswood is highly psychoactive, it is used to treat nervous disorders such as neurosis, obsessive behavior, and exhaustion.

4. On the most enlightened level, it creates an environment, which encourages spiritual remembrance. It is known and taught by the spiritually awakened that the burning smoke from the Aloeswood plant not only repels negativity but it calls for angelic beings to come to the place where the scent is emitted. This is a powerful spiritual tool to have, especially in these times of challenge and uncertianty. It creates an environment conducive to spiritual insight and gnosis, and this environment can be carried with the user at all times, creating a spiritual armor of sorts.

In the words of one of our teachers in the blessed city of Fez, Morocco, “In the old days, no one would even think of leaving their house without scenting their garments with Aloeswood first.”

The process of creating this aura of scent is a simple one-the layering of essential oil extracts from Aloeswood (or another attar or extract) on to the body and clothes in which afterwards the fragrant smoke of burning Aloeswood is then put into the clothes, garments, etc. This process leaves a sweet smelling scent, which can last for days. It surrounds the wearer with a type of “aura” that is carried from home, to the workplace, or to wherever the person may go in this vast world.

To assist those interested in this ago-old science, Oudimentary has created what we call the 5 “Oudiments.” These Oudiments are 5 simple steps to Oud Understanding.

Oudiment 1: A wood of your choice. From an unpretentious, earthy Thai wood, to a long-burning heady Burmese, to the finest, sweetest of Oud Cambodi, Oudiment number 1 is the foundation of all other Oudiments, and is the foundation to the existence of the Oud-alchemist.  Burn it, be it.

Oudiment 2: A fine oil or attar, be it Aloeswood, musk or some other personal favorite. Walk the middle path of moderation with this one. Not too little, not too much. Usually a moderate-sized “swipe” does the trick, applied firstly to the outer right hand, then dabbed behind the ears, in the facial hair, then the rest rubbed between your hands and applied to the rest of the body-arms, clothes, etc.

Oudiment 3: A mubkhara (oud burner) used exclusively for aloeswood. When embarking on the path to Oud mastery, this is your most prized accessory and dear companion on the path to oud understanding. It is always at your side, patiently waiting for its counterpart-which brings us to Oudiment number 4.

Oudiment 4: A high quality coal on which to burn the hallowed wood. Flame should be applied to the coal for at least 30 seconds and then a time of at least 5-10 minutes should pass before attempting to place any wood on the coal. A think layer of ash on the coal tells when the time for burning has begun. Light ‘em up, and then wait for the culmination of the  first 4 Oudiments to take place.

Oudiment 5: Companions. Perhaps the most important. As stated above, The Oudiments are always best served in the company of friends and companions. Enjoy, talk, drum, breathe, learn, remember, pray, laugh, be. Essential.

Beautiful Burmese

In these days of high-paced workweeks, drive-thus, and what seems like constant bombardment of technology, we find it important to carry on a respected, almost primal tradition in the midst of it all. Wood. Fire. Smoke. Scent. From the gathering of friends, to the lighting of the coals, to the journeying to higher levels of understanding, to the remembrance of the Divine. All are a part of this sacred heritage in which we embrace wholeheartedly, and hope you will as well.

First off, there is a top-notch Malay wood from the Thai border on the peninsula. Lots of black in this wood, beautiful pieces with a typical Malay style– some hard long grainy pieces, and some other caps of various sizes. It’s scent is classic Malay. Great for fumigation of clothes, long lasting sweetness with hints of molasses and peach tobacco. It’s affordable as well. Price to come.

On to the Burmese. Whoo-haa! Quite possibly one of the highest quality woods we have offered so far during Oudimentary’s illustrious history. From the Burmese-Thai border, this wood is only available in for a limited timeThink fruity (apricot), bubbly, with hints of spice and caramel.