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(Bencao Mingyi Bie Lu, Upper Grade)
[Flavor and Property] Bitter and acrid, slightly warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats toxic swelling caused by wind-water [pathogens], removes foul qi and latent corpse-pathogens [referring to chronic, intractable diseases or ghost-related ailments], and itching toxins from urticaria. Ru Xiang (Frankincense) has the same efficacy.
[Analysis] It is said: Xun Lu Xiang comes from the west, specifically India (Tianzhu), and south, such as Persia. It grows in sandy deserts; the tree resembles ancient pines, and its leaves resemble those of the pear-leaf crabapple. In midsummer, resin overflows on the bark surface. When peeled off together with the bark scales, it is called "Xun Lu"; when dripping down from the overflowing resin spots into nipple shapes, it is called "Ru Xiang" (Frankincense); when chopped from the tree and flowing into blocks, it is called "Jian Xiang" (Selected Incense); when caught in bottles for storage, it is called "Ping Xiang" (Bottle Incense); when dripping to the roots mixed with sand and gravel, it is called "Ru Ta"; when black in color, it is called "Hei Ta"; when soaked in water causing discoloration and odor change, it is called "Shui Shi Ta"; when chopped into mixed fragments, it is called "Za Mo"; when winnowed into dust, it is called "Chan Mo". The variety known as Xun Lu is hard to obtain nowadays. If one can obtain the originally collected, naturally dripping nipple-shaped pieces that are round, smooth, and lustrous, they are considered most precious. Therefore, Buddhist scriptures call it "Tian Ze Xiang" (Heavenly Moisture Incense), indicating its moist and lustrous nature. Those from India are yellowish-white, while those from Persia are purplish-red. Pieces stored for a long time have overlapping resin layers, forming clusters rather than nipples, which are then classified as Jian Xiang. For processing, place it in a silk bag, hang it near a window crevice for a long time, then grind; it will not stick and is easy to crush. Alternatively, grind it with wine into a paste, use the water-calcination method [water flying] and dry it; or add a few grains of glutinous rice, a few stems of Juncus effusus [rush pith], or 2-3 pieces of human fingernails, grinding them together makes it easier to achieve fine powder.

[Commentary] It is said: Fire smoke rising upward is termed "Xun" [smoke/incense]; places where sun and moon traverse the four directions are termed "Lu" [land/continent]. Combining its generation and function, it is named Xun Lu. However, in midsummer, resin overflows on the skin surface, mirroring the mechanism of summer yang floating on the skin, seemingly abundant like all things, loving what is external. Thus, it treats conditions where the natural mechanism is reversed, moving from below to above, from inside to outside, leading to blocked communication between interior and exterior, inability to disperse foul qi, irregularity of wind and rain, and stagnation withering without nourishment. It enables the body to follow the floating and sinking within the gate of growth, thereby exerting its function.

(Bencao Mingyi Bie Lu, Upper Grade)
[Flavor and Property] Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats difficult labor in women. Grind into a fine powder, take a small amount, and swallow with fresh well water; the fetus will be delivered immediately.
[Analysis] It is said: Long Nao Xiang [Borneol], commonly known as Bing Pian [Ice Piece] or Mei Hua Nao [Plum Blossom Brain]. It originates from countries such as Bulu [Brunei/Palembang], Moluo Duanchi, etc., and is also found in deep mountains and valleys of the South Sea. The tree is named Bolü, also known as Gu Bu Bulü. It is 7-8 zhang high and 6-7 chi in circumference, resembling aged cedar wood, but with sturdy side branches and perfectly round leaves, green on top and white underneath. It flowers and fruits. Trees with rough, scale-like bark and seeds resembling Amomum villosum [Sand Ginger] are robust. Robust trees produce resin called Polü Gao [Balm of Camphor Tree]; if the tree is cut, resin flows to the root. If the upper part is cut and resin overflows at the branch tips, it exists only if the branches and trunk have not been disturbed; otherwise, the qi leaks and it disappears. Trees without flowers or fruits are thin. Thin trees produce fragrance called Long Nao Xiang. After many years, on clear windy and bright moonlit nights, the fragrance may spray like falling snow, scattering on the tree. Before this happens, spread cloth under the tree, shake the tree to make it fall; the resulting pieces resemble bees or butterflies, which belong to the highest grade. Recently, the fragrance tends to re-absorb into the wood grain, making it hard to obtain. When the tree is cut, it has no fragrance when wet. When dry, it splits along the grain, resembling mica, crystal clear like ice and frost. Or, split the wood into boards, and fragrance overflows from the seams. Splitting and taking it yields large pieces like flower petals or small granules, called Mi Nao, Su Nao, Rui Nao, Jin Jiao Nao, and Cang Long Nao. Named after their color and shape, none compare to the complete pieces in terms of potency and completeness. Wet form is called Nao You [Brain Oil]; clear form is called Nao Jiang [Brain Paste]. During the Bao Da era of Southern Tang, Nao Jiang was offered as tribute, stored in silk bags, and hung in glass bottles. Soon, it dripped into water, with a strong and pungent aroma, offering great benefits. Nowadays, people often melt solid pieces by fire and mix them with樟脑 [Camphor] and Sheng Da [a mineral substance] to confuse authenticity, which must be distinguished. For storage, mix with charcoal from burned cedar, or glutinous rice charcoal, or Acacia confusa seeds, to prevent loss. For processing, put it into an old porcelain mortar, gently spread and slowly grind, ensuring the dust is fine. Grinding too fast heats the mortar, causing the fragrance to volatilize due to heat. To utilize its ability to penetrate muscles and open orifices, use a flat-bottomed small pan. Cut a piece of blue cloth to fit the bottom, sprinkle clean water to moisten one side, press it onto the pan bottom, place the Borneol on the cloth, cover with a bowl, leaving a few fen of cloth extending beyond the bowl's rim. Mix wheat flour with water to seal the junction of the bowl and cloth tightly, preventing gas leakage. Heat gently from about one cun below the pan bottom. Wait until the wheat flour turns cooked and slightly yellow, then stop heating. Wait for it to cool before opening. If the fire method is appropriate, all Borneol sublimes to the top of the bowl, appearing light, white, and a hundred times more fragrant than before.

My late father said: According to Song History, in the 9th year of Xining, lightning struck Yingzhou, causing all catalpa trees on a mountain to wither completely, turning internally into Borneol. The King of Trees was killed by the strike, yet a lingering fragrance remained.

[Commentary] It is said: Riding heaven according to time is called "Long" [Dragon]; emerging as the leader among all things is called "Nao" [Brain]. Thus, it aids the emergence of the primary qi in the embryo, acting swiftly to induce delivery. The various scholars of the Tang Bencao, in displaying symptoms and forms, failed to appreciate the appropriateness of flying, diving, starting, and leaping [dynamic changes of life]. How can they hope to achieve the state of "yellow middle penetrating principles" and "extending boundlessly like the earth"? Excessive consumption leads to immediate death because fullness cannot last long. Knowing...