Library

(The heartwood knots of the tree. It sinks in water, hence the name Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood), also called Shuichen (Water Sinking). Half-sinking is called Zhanxiang (Stacked Agarwood), and non-sinking is called Huangshuxiang (Yellow Ripe Agarwood). When using Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood), one must select pieces that are not withered. Those that are hard and heavy like animal horns and sink to the bottom of the water are considered superior; those that are half-sinking are secondary. Fire should be avoided. For use in pills or powders, wrap it in paper and keep it in one's bosom until dry before grinding. Alternatively, grind it into powder in a mortar with water and then dry it. If used in decoctions, only grind it to extract juice and add it just before administration.)

[Flavor and Properties]
Acrid, slightly warm, non-toxic. Yang in nature. It has ascending and descending actions. (Those that taste sweet and fragrant when chewed have a neutral nature; those that taste pungent and spicy have a hot nature.)

[Indications]
Edematous swelling caused by wind-water toxins; eliminates foul qi. Mainly treats abdominal pain, Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), Zhong'e (Sudden collapse due to evil qi), and Zhuqi (Infectious diseases attributed to ghostly influences). Clears and calms the Shen (Spirit). Suitable for decoction with wine. For various sores and swellings, it is suitable for inclusion in plasters. Regulates the Middle Jiao, tonifies the five Zang organs, benefits essence and strengthens Yang, warms the waist and knees, stops muscle twitching, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold qi. Breaks up masses (Zhengpi) and cold wind-induced numbness, joints unable to withstand wind-dampness, and skin itching. Treats Qi Li (Dysentery characterized by gas), tonifies the Right Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life), tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, and addresses phlegm and bleeding originating from the Spleen. Benefits Qi and calms the Spirit. Treats Upper Heat and Lower Cold, rebellious Qi causing asthma and urgency, deficiency-closure of the Large Intestine, Qi-type strangury, and cold sperm in men.

[Flavor and Properties]
Bitter, acrid, warm, non-toxic. The aroma is light while the flavor is strong. It is Yin within Yang. It can ascend and descend.

[Indications]
The bitterness of Chendi (Aged Tangerine Peel) allows for purging and drying; its acridity allows for dispersing and warming. It can tonify and harmonize. It resolves phlegm and treats cough, smooths Qi and regulates the Middle Jiao, harmonizes the Spleen and relieves chest fullness. Unblocks the Five Stranguries, treats alcohol-induced ailments. Its efficacy surpasses many other herbs, primarily due to its ability to regulate Qi and dry dampness. Combined with tonifying herbs, it tonifies; combined with purgative herbs, it purges; combined with ascending herbs, it ascends; combined with descending herbs, it descends. The Spleen is the mother of Yuan Qi (Original Qi), and the Lung is the repository of Qi. Therefore, Chendi (Aged Tangerine Peel) is an herb that acts on the Qi aspect of these two meridians, producing tonifying, purging, ascending, or descending effects depending on its compatibility. Thus, Zhang Jiegu said: Chendi (Aged Tangerine Peel) and Zhike (Aurantii Fructus) benefit Qi movement, and phlegm naturally descends. This is the principle. Combined with Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), it treats Large Intestine Qi stagnation; combined with Taoren (Persicae Semen), it treats Large Intestine Blood stasis, both utilizing their ability to unblock stagnation.