Agarwood tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made mostly from the leaves of the Aquilaria tree. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste with a soft woody finish. In Vietnam, Malaysia, and China, people drink it as an everyday calming tea.
You will find many bold health claims online. This guide sticks to what we know: what is in the cup, how to brew it well, and what the studies do and don’t show.
What is agarwood tea made from?
Most agarwood tea is made from the dried leaves of Aquilaria trees. Some blends add bark or small wood shavings for a deeper flavor. It is not made from the tea plant, so it has no caffeine.
The leaves come from the same trees that produce agarwood resin. On our plantation in Dak Lak, we harvest leaves from Aquilaria crassna trees grown without chemical inducers. You can see our tea on the Agarwood Tea Blog Page.
How to brew agarwood tea
Agarwood leaves are thicker than green tea leaves, so they need hotter water and a longer steep.
| Form | Amount per cup (250 ml) | Water temperature | Steep time | Re-steeps |
| Loose dried leaves | 2–3 g | 90–95°C | 5–10 minutes | 2–3 times |
| Tea bag | 1 bag | 90–95°C | 5–8 minutes | 1–2 times |
| Leaves with wood shavings | 2 g | Near boiling | 10 minutes | 2–3 times |
Each new steep tastes a little lighter and sweeter. The tea is nice plain, and some people add a slice of ginger or a little honey. You can also brew a large batch and drink it cold.
What does the research show?
Most agarwood tea research so far comes from laboratory and animal studies, not from people. That is the most important thing to know.
In lab tests, extracts of Aquilaria leaves have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Animal studies have looked at effects on digestion, including a mild laxative effect. These results are interesting, but they don’t prove the same effects happen in people who drink the tea. There are very few human trials.
So enjoy agarwood tea as a pleasant, caffeine-free drink. Don’t use it to treat or prevent any illness. Be careful with sellers who claim the tea cures disease or stops aging, because the research doesn’t support those claims.
Also read: Agarwood: A valuable flavor as well as a traditional remedy
Who should ask a doctor first?
Agarwood tea is widely drunk, but safety data in people is limited. Talk to a doctor before drinking it if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take regular medication, especially for blood sugar, blood pressure or digestion
- Have a sensitive stomach, since animal studies suggest a laxative effect
- Are buying it for a child
If you notice stomach upset, stop drinking it. Start with one cup a day and see how you feel.
How to choose good agarwood tea
Quality varies a lot. When you buy, look for:
- Clear origin: the tree species and the country or farm where it grew
- Clean growing: no chemical inducers or heavy pesticide use
- Whole, dry leaves: green-brown color with no musty smell
- No added flavors: real agarwood tea shouldn’t need them
If you are buying for resale, ask for lab test results and food safety certificates.
Also read: Global Agarwood Tea Supply Overview: Sourcing Standards, Product Types & Buyer Considerations
Stocking agarwood tea in your store? Request a sample or wholesale quote.
FAQs
Does agarwood tea contain caffeine?
No. It is made from Aquilaria leaves, not the tea plant, so it is naturally caffeine-free.
What does agarwood tea taste like?
It tastes mild and slightly sweet, with a soft woody finish. It is not bitter when brewed correctly.
Are there side effects of agarwood tea?
Human data is limited. Animal studies suggest a mild laxative effect. If you are pregnant, on medication or have a sensitive stomach, check with a doctor first.
How many cups of agarwood tea can I drink a day?
There is no official limit. Starting with one cup a day and seeing how your body responds is a sensible approach.
Is gaharu tea the same as agarwood tea?
Yes. Gaharu is the Malay and Indonesian name for agarwood.
