Agarbatti” also known as “Incense Sticks” are made from aromatic plants and essential oils extracted from plants or animal sources. When lightened, they release fragrant smoke which is used in religious activities, prayers, therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. The name AGARBATTI has been derived from Agar wood which has been used for burning. Agar wood is from trees of the genus aqualaria that grow mainly from northeast India down into Southeast Asia. The wood is heavy, dark and hard. When the tree is infected by a group of fungi it creates a resinous oil (apparently to defend against this fungi) which has a deep, dark, rich, beautiful, woody aroma. The wood is used as incense for both pleasure and spiritual enhancement. The essential oil distilled from this wood (known as Oud in Arabic) is used for the same reasons as well as a perfume and medicine.
