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Agarwood tea, derived from the Aquilaria tree in Southeast Asia, is distinguished by its aroma, flavor, and health benefits. It is known for enhancing mental clarity, boosting the immune system, and providing a calming effect. Rich in antioxidants, Agarwood tea aids in cellular rejuvenation.
‘Oud Essence Agarwood Tea’ and ‘Aqua De Oud’ are notable brands offering quality Agarwood tea. While the cost is higher due to the rarity of the source tree, many find the health and taste benefits to justify the price.
This guide aims to provide a balanced and practical insight into Agarwood tea, focusing on its benefits and options available in the market, ensuring an informed choice for both connoisseurs and new enthusiasts alike.
What is agarwood tea
Medicinal properties such as weight loss have made the tea highly sought after. The high demand in the market is one of the main reasons this product is relatively expensive. Another reason is the tea is highly refined and must undergo complex safety tests such as the skin sensitization test.
Agarwood tea is made from the Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees and is appreciated for its distinct aroma and flavor.
Characteristics and Preparation
The tea comes from the Gyrinops versteegii tree’s leaves. Fresh leaves produce a green, lightly flavored tea, while dried leaves, after losing about 60% of their water content, result in a stronger, bitter, reddish tea (“CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES“).
Health Benefits
Agarwood tea is rich in antioxidants and supports cellular health (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD). It’s also associated with enhanced mental clarity and immune system support (ScienceDirect).
Cost and Availability
The tea is more expensive due to the rarity of the agarwood trees but is valued for its health benefits and unique taste.
Pharmacological Properties of agarwood tea
Agarwood tea, sourced from Aquilaria and Gyrinops species, boasts several pharmacological properties:
1. Antioxidant Properties:
Rich in antioxidants, Agarwood tea combats free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage. It’s attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds in the tea (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA SPP.)).
2. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects:
The tea alleviates pain and inflammation, beneficial for arthritis sufferers (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA SPP.)).
3. Neuroprotective Effects:
Agarwood tea enhances mental clarity and cognitive functions and offers protection against neurodegenerative diseases (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA SPP.)).
4. Anti-diabetic Properties:
The tea is noted for managing and potentially lowering blood sugar levels (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA SPP.)).
5. Digestive Health:
Agarwood tea aids digestion and alleviates bloating and indigestion (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA SPP.)).
6. Cardiovascular Health:
The tea supports heart health, aided by its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA SPP.)).
7. Characteristics Based on Preparation:
Properties vary between fresh and dry leaves. Dry leaf tea has a stronger odor and slightly bitter taste due to tannins, while fresh leaf tea is milder (CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES).
8. Safety and Toxicological Aspects:
Understanding the effects and potential side effects or interactions with medications ensures safe consumption (Safety and Toxicological Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Agarwood Leaves).
How to Brew Agarwood Tea
- Selection of Agarwood Leaves: Select clean Agarwood leaves from the Gyrinops versteegii tree (Wangiyana & Sami’un, “CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES“).
- Preparation of Leaves:
- Fresh Leaves: Wash thoroughly before use.
- Dry Leaves: Air dry until they lose 60-70% moisture, avoiding direct sunlight (Wangiyana & Sami’un, “CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES“).
- Brewing Process:
- Fresh Leaves: Boil 20g in 1L of water at 100°C for 5 minutes.
- Dry Leaves: Brew 10g in 1L of boiling water for 5 minutes (Wangiyana & Sami’un, “CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES“).
- Sweetening (Optional): Add 7.5% w/v sucrose for a sweeter taste (Wangiyana & Sami’un, “CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES“).
- Serving: Serve hot and add natural sweeteners or herbs as desired.
- Storage: Store leftover dry leaves in an airtight container, away from light and moisture.
The tea’s characteristics vary between using fresh or dry leaves, with the former yielding a lighter, milder flavor and the latter a more robust, intense taste (Wangiyana & Sami’un, “CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES“).
Agarwood tea benefits
Agarwood tea offers several health benefits supported by studies and sources.
1. Antioxidant Properties
Rich in antioxidants, Agarwood tea neutralizes free radicals, aiding cellular rejuvenation and reducing oxidative stress (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD).
2. Mental Clarity and Calmness
It enhances mental clarity and provides a calming effect, aiding relaxation and stress reduction (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD).
3. Immune System Boost
The tea strengthens the immune system, with its antioxidant properties enhancing the body’s defenses against illnesses (HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGARWOOD).
4. Characteristics and Taste
Made from Gyrinops versteegii leaves, the dry leaf tea is strong and bitter due to tannin, while the fresh leaf tea is milder (CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES).
5. Safety and Toxicology
Agarwood leaves tea is safe for consumption, with no adverse effects on the liver and kidneys observed (Safety and Toxicological Evaluation of Agarwood Leaves Tea).
6. Traditional and Medicinal Uses
Agarwood is associated with traditional medicine, though more research is needed to confirm its health benefits (ScienceDirect).
7. Phytochemical Components
The tea contains biologically active phytochemicals that play a role in disease prevention and health promotion (Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of agarwood leaves).
Agarwood tea side effects
Potential side effects and considerations for Agarwood tea consumption include:
1. Allergic Reactions:
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Agarwood tea. Testing a small amount initially to observe any adverse reactions is advisable (Safety and Efficacy of Agarwood).
2. Tannin Content:
Agarwood tea from Gyrinops versteegii dry leaves can have a slightly bitter taste due to tannin content, potentially leading to stomach upset or constipation (CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES).
3. Drug Interactions:
Agarwood tea may interact with medications. Individuals on medication should consult their healthcare provider before consumption (Safety and Efficacy of Agarwood).
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
The safety of Agarwood tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not documented. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before consumption.
5. Quality and Purity Concerns:
Due to the rarity of Agarwood, ensuring the quality and purity of the tea is essential to avoid contamination or adulteration (Safety and Efficacy of Agarwood).
Agarwood tea price
I recently discovered Agarwood tea and was intrigued by its reputation for rarity and distinct aroma. I explored various purchasing options to understand its market value.
At Tea Haven, a 50g pack cost $30. Oud Tea Store offered it for $35, claiming superior quality. Agarwood Tea House priced their 40g pack at $28, emphasizing their organic and ethically sourced ingredients.
Online, listed Agarwood Oud Tea at $20 for 40g and Wild Agarwood Tea at $25 for 50g. On eBay, I found Agarwood Tea Leaves for $15 for a 50g pack.
With these options, I considered the balance between price and quality. Each product offered a unique appeal, and the decision now rests on prioritizing affordability, quality, or a blend of both.
Where to buy agarwood tea
Agarwood tea is available from:
1. Online Marketplaces:
- Amazon, eBay, Etsy: Search “Agarwood tea” to find various products.
2. Tea Stores:
- Visit local or international shops for a selection of Agarwood teas.
3. Manufacturers:
- Brands like ‘Oud Essence Agarwood Tea’ and ‘Aqua De Oud’ may offer direct purchases online.
4. Health Stores:
- Both physical and online shops stock Agarwood tea.
5. Scientific Publications:
- Studies like “CHARACTERISTIC OF AGARWOOD TEA FROM GYRINOPS VERSTEEGII FRESH AND DRY LEAVES” can lead to suppliers.
6. Specialty Stores:
- Online shops specialize in Agarwood products.
7. International Suppliers:
- Suppliers in Southeast Asia offer various Agarwood products. Refer to the ScienceDirect Article for insights.
Note:
Verify the tea’s authenticity and quality before purchasing.
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