USAGE OF GAHARU

Gaharu products are produced in three main forms, namely woodchips, sawdust and oil. (Lim HinFui, 2007). Usually, gaharu grade that has the low grade, which grade C and D were used to process oil through hydro-distillation technique to get the oil. In this distillation process, the final product was the gaharu oil and the gaharu sawdust as a byproduct

1.0 Medicine

Gaharu is also part of many traditional pharmacopoeias, dating back to medieval times and Chinese doctors still prescribe it for colds and digestion problem. (PT. RahayuEkaManuggal, 2009). Ancients have beliefs that gaharu aroma helps cleanse our body and mind and help us think clearly. Agarwood also has been used for traditional medicine, especially in Japan because of its effectiveness as a sedative in detoxifying the body and in maintaining stomach health (Akiko Ishihara, n.d).

2.0 Incense

 Gaharu has been used to make high-quality incense since antiquity. Chinese described its smell as a sweet, deep but balanced fragrance. As with Japanese incense, gaharu is the most important ingredients in Chinese's incense. Some other uses of this oil are in cooking. People have used it to add flavor to curries.

3.0 Perfume

 Oil extracted from gaharu is used in Arabic countries as a perfume as well ( PT. RahayuEkaManuggal, 2009). According to RK Sons & Company, the primary usage of gaharu is for incense, perfume and medicine. . In European perfume brands such as Fragonard Zizanie, Jacques Bogart One Man Show, La Prairie Silver Rain, Lacoste, Yves Saint Laurent M7 and Roberto Cavalli, gaharu essential oil is based in the perfume. Unlike many industrial perfumes, it is suitable for hot climates as the longer wear it, the better it smells ( PT. RahayuEkaManuggal, 2009).