Agaru (Aquilariaagallocha)
Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
Agaruis commonly known as Eagle wood. It is also known as Aloe wood.Agaru is an evergreen large tree having a height of about 20 m. In India, it grows in hilly regions of North East. The wood is infected by a type of fungi and becomes black in colour and aromatic. This part of Agaruhasmedicinal values. It is also used in the preparation of perfumes and cosmetics.
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA conducted various studiesin Agaru to find out the therapeutic actions of the herb. Experts of IAFAhave successfully proven the actions like ulcer healing, analgesic,rejuvenative, anti-inflammatoryproperties of Agaru.
Actions of Agaru- Aquilariaagallocha
Agaru pacifies vatadosha and kaphadosha. As Agaru has aromatic property, it is used to remove bad smell. It is also useful in various discomforts including allergy affecting ears and eyes.Agaru helps to alleviate pain also. It has aphrodisiac and rejuvenativeproperty.
Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification
| Botanical name | Aquilariaagallocha |
| Family | Thymeleaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Agaru |
| Hindi Name | Agar,Kalagar |
| English Name | Eagle Wood |
| Malayalam Name | Akil |
| Tamil Name | Agaru,Agalicandana |
| Telungu Name | Agaru,Agaruchettu |
Ayurvedic Reference of Agaru – Aquilariaagallocha
Morphology of Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
- Large sized tree
- Leaves – linear lanceolate and obovate oblong
- Flowers are peduncled umbels, arising laterally from the younger branches
Geographical Distribution of Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
Eastern Himalaya region,Assam, Manipur etc.
Phytoconstituentsof Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
- Volatile oils,
- Resin
Parts Used of Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
- Heartwood
- Oils
Dosage of Agaru- Aquilariaagallocha
- Powder – 3-6gm
- Oil – 10-40 drops
Medicinal Properties of Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
- Twachya – good to skin
- Vathaghna– alleviates vathadosha
- Kaphaghna- alleviates kaphadosha
- Karnarogaghna -alleviates ear diseases
- Akshirogaghna. – alleviates eye diseases
- Swasaghna-alleviates ashtma
- Rasayana – rejuvenative
- Dushtavrunaropana- heals ulcers
- Durgandhanasaka- removes bad smell
Home Remedies of Agaru - Aquilariaagallocha
Agaru is used in India from ancient times. Accordingto acharyaCharaka,it is used as perfume, incenseetc.Agaru is used especially as an anti-microbial agent. Agaru can be used either alone or by combining with other medicinal herbs. Suitable adjuvants should be added along with Agaru.
- For Dhupana (fumigation) with Agaru has antimicrobial action- 5 gram agaruis taken in an earthen pot, mix it with coconut fibre and burn it. Once the smoke is settled we can fumigate the required area for five to ten minutes. This fumigation provides an antimicrobial activity
- Joint inflammation-Agaru wood is powdered and made into a paste by adding warm water and applied externally
- Fever – 5g Agaru powder is taken, boiled in 1.5 glass of water and reduced to 1 glass to obtain Kwatha. This can be given internally in fever.
- Giddiness– Agaru powder can be given with honey internally
- Hicoughandasthma– About 600mg of Agaru powder isgiven along with Honey
- Skindisorders– Taila (oil) is prepared using Agaru wood and applied externally at the site of skin disease.
- Headache – Agaru is mixed with Ishwaramula and made into a paste. This is applied over forehead for headache.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
Book on Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections.
