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(Shangpin, High Grade) in *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).

[Names] Mixiang (Honey Fragrance) (from *Bielu*, Additional Records); Qingmuxiang (Green Aromatic Root) (named by Tao Hongjing).
Li Shizhen said: Muxiang belongs to the herb category. It was originally named Mixiang because its fragrance resembles honey. Because Chenxiang (Aquilaria wood) contains Mixiang, this substance was erroneously called Muxiang. People of old called it Qingmuxiang. Later generations, having referred to the root of Aristolochia manshuriensis as Qingmuxiang, renamed this one Nanmuxiang (Southern Aromatic Root) or Guangmuxiang (Guangdong Aromatic Root) to distinguish it. Nowadays, people also call a type of Rosa rugosa "Muxiang," further confusing truth with falsehood. *Sandong Zhunang* states: The Five Fragrances refer to Qingmuxiang. One plant has five roots, one stem has five branches, one branch has five leaves, and between the leaves are five nodes, hence the name Five Fragrance; burning it can reach up to the ninth heaven. In ancient prescriptions for treating carbuncles and sores, such as Wuxiang Liaoqiao Tang (Five-Fragrance Forsythia Decoction), Qingmuxiang is used. *Gue Yuefu* says: "Qushu (carpet) with Five Wood Fragrances," all referring to this. Song said: *Xiuyang Shu* records: On the first day of the first month, boiling five types of wood for a bath water makes one's hair and beard remain black until old age. Xu Kai annotated: Daoists call Qingmuxiang the Five Fragrances or Five Woods, and using it for bathing is correct. *Jin Guangming Jing* calls it Jupituo Xiang.

Tao Hongjing said: This is Qingmuxiang. Yongchang no longer offers it as tribute; now it mostly comes on foreign merchant ships, said to originate from Daqin (Rome). Now it is mainly used for blending incense and not for medicinal use.

Zhen Quan said: There are two varieties; those coming from Kunlun are superior, while those from Western Hu are inferior. The leaves resemble Rheum palmatum but are larger and longer; the flowers resemble chrysanthemums; the fruits are yellow-black. They exist everywhere and have many functions. Tao's statement that it is not for medicinal use is incorrect.

Chen Cangqi said: *Nanzhou Yiwuzhi* records: Qingmuxiang originates from Tianzhu (India); it is a herbaceous root, resembling Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice) in shape.

Song said: Now only imported via Guangzhou sea routes; nowhere else produces it. The root cluster is large like an eggplant; leaves resemble Rheum palmatum but are larger and longer; some have leaves resembling Dioscorea opposita with large purple flowers at the root base. Roots and buds are harvested anytime for medicine. Those resembling dry bones, with a bitter taste that sticks to the teeth, are considered excellent. In the Jianghuai region, there is a variety called Tuqingmuxiang (Local Green Aromatic Root), which is unsuitable for medicinal use. *Shu Bencao* states: Meng Chang also cultivated it in his garden, noting the seedlings grow three to four chi high, leaves eight to nine cun long, wrinkled, soft, hairy, with yellow flowers; this is likely a variety of Tumu Xiang (Earth Wood Fragrance).

Li Shizhen said: Its fragrance comes from reed-like creeping root stems, spiraling to the left. After twenty-nine days of harvesting, they become hard like rotten wood. Those with green-colored root collars possess the "spirit" of Muxiang.

Kou Zongshi said: I once traveled from Minzhou beyond the frontier, obtained Qingmuxiang, and brought it back to Xiluo. Leaves resemble Arctium lappa but are narrower and longer; stems are two to three chi high; flowers are yellow like gold coins; the root is the fragrant part. Chewing raw yields a pungent, aromatic flavor, especially effective for moving Qi.

Zhao Chengxu said: Muxiang now mostly comes from abroad; Tao's description is correct. The Guangzhou variety described in Su Song's *Tujing* is actually a woody plant. The Chuzhou and Haizhou varieties described are roots of Aristolochia manshuriensis. Their treatments for cold and heat conditions are vastly different; these are erroneous illustrations.

Li Shizhen said: Muxiang is found in various southern regions. *Yitongzhi* records: Leaves resemble Luffa cylindrica; roots are taken in winter and sun-dried.

Root

[Processing] Li Shizhen said: For formulas regulating Qi, use raw; do not apply heat. To firm the Large Intestine, it should be baked in flour paste until cooked.

[Flavor and Properties] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic.

Zhang Yuansu said: Hot in Qi, Pungent and Bitter in Flavor; both Qi and Flavor are strong, sinking and descending, Yin in nature.

Wang Haogu said: Bitter, Sweet, Pungent, Slightly Warm; descending, Yin in nature.

Li Dongyuan said: Pungent and Bitter, Hot; Flavor is stronger than Qi, Yang within Yin.

[Indications] Evil Qi, repelling toxic epidemics and warm ghosts, strengthening willpower, treating Linlu syndrome. Long-term consumption prevents nightmares and sleep disturbances (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Disinfects, kills spirit entities, treats Wen Nü (warm malaria) and Gu poison, Qi deficiency and insufficiency, coldness in muscles, guides the essence of medicines (*Bielu*). Treats all Qi stagnation in the Heart and Abdomen, Cold Pain of the Bladder, Vomiting and Reverse Stomach, Huoluan (cholera-like disorder), Diarrhea and Dysentery, strengthens Spleen, aids digestion, calms the fetus (Tang Dynasty - Daming). Nine types of Heart Pain, chronic Cold Qi, Pi masses and bloating pain, obstructive Qi rushing upward, irritability and emaciation, Women's Blood-Qi stabbing heart pain unbearable to endure; take powdered form with wine (Zhen Quan). Scatters stagnant Qi, regulates various Qis, harmonizes Stomach Qi, drains Lung Qi (Zhang Yuansu). Moves Liver Meridian Qi. When baked, firms the Large Intestine (Zhen Heng). Treats Chong Mai disorders, rebellious Qi and internal urgency, main bladder leakage and small urine retention (Li Haogu).

[Innovation/Analysis] Tao Hongjing said: Qingmuxiang, used by people of Daqin to treat toxic swellings and eliminate evil Qi effectively. Now only used in pills for killing worms. Boiling juice for bathing is very good.

Kou Zongshi said: Muxiang specifically vents and resolves cold stagnation in the Chest and Abdomen; other effects are secondary. Excellent when combined with Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Roudoukou (Nutmeg), and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger); effect is particularly rapid.

Zhang Yuansu said: Muxiang clears stagnant Qi in the Lungs. If treating Qi knotting and stagnation in the Middle and Lower Jiao, or lack of transportation, Binglang (Areca Seed) must be used as an assistant.

Zhen Heng said: For regulating Qi, use Muxiang; its pungent flavor allows Qi to ascend, suitable for Qi depression without reaching. If Yin Fire rushes upward, it反而会 (instead) assists the Fire pathogen; one should use Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), adding a small amount of Muxiang as an assistant.

Li Haogu said: The Materia Medica states: Treating Qi deficiency is tonification; unblocking obstructive Qi and guiding all Qi is purgation. Calming the fetus and strengthening Spleen/Stomach is tonification; removing Pi masses is purgation. Such differences exist. Jiegu Zhang Shi.

Luo Tianyi said: When used as an assistant with tonifying herbs, it tonifies; when used as the sovereign with draining herbs, it drains.

Li Shizhen said: Muxiang is a drug for the Qi aspect of the Triple Burner, capable of ascending and descending various Qis. All Qi depressions belong to the Lung; therefore, using it for Upper Jiao Qi stagnation follows the principle "Drain Metal Depression." Middle Qi non-transportation belongs to the Spleen; thus, it is suitable for Middle Jiao Qi stagnation because the Spleen and Stomach delight in aromatic scents. Large Intestine Qi stagnation causes tenesmus; Bladder Qi failure to transform causes strangury; Liver Qi depression causes pain; thus, it is suitable for Lower Jiao Qi stagnation, following the principle "Unblock what is obstructed."

Zhen Quan said: *Sui Shu* records: Fan Zigai, Governor of Wuwei, when the imperial carriage entered Tuyuhun, offered Qingmuxiang to resist fog and dew evils due to the prevalence of miasma there.

Song said: *Xu Chuanxin Fang* records Zhang Zhongjing's Qingmuxiang Wan, treating Yang deficiency and various insufficiencies. Use Kunlun Qingmuxiang and Liulu Hesupi (Persimmon Peel) each 20 liang. Pound and sieve, mix with sugar into pills the size of Sophora seeds. Take 30 pills with wine on an empty stomach, twice daily; effect is particularly rapid. Marquis Zheng removed rock sugar, used white honey instead, and added Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn) 12 liang. The prescription does not resemble ancient formulas yet claims to be Zhang Zhongjing's; unknown source.

[Attached Prescriptions] Two old, eighteen new.
Middle Qi collapse, eyes closed, unable to speak, resembling stroke. Nanmuxiang powder, irrigate with Dongguazi (Winter Melon Seed) decoction, 3 qian. For excessive phlegm, add Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) and Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) (*Jisheng Fang*). Qi distension and poor appetite: i.e., Qingmuxiang Wan, see Innovation below. For heat, take with cow milk; for cold, take with wine (*Shenghui Fang*).
Heart Qi stabbing pain: Qingmuxiang 1 liang, Zaojiao (Gleditsia Sinensis, roasted) 1 liang. Powder, paste pill size of Sophora seeds. Take 50 pills with hot water, very effective (*Shesheng Fang*).
Internal hook abdominal pain: Muxiang, Ruxiang (Frankincense), Moyao (Myrrh) each 5 fen. Decoct in water and take (*Ruan's Pediatric Formula*).
Small intestine hernia: Qingmuxiang 4 liang, Wine 3 jin. Boil, drink three times daily (*Sun Tianren's Jixiao Fang*).
Qi stagnation lower back pain: Qingmuxiang, Ruxiang each 2 qian. Soak in wine, steam over rice, mix with wine to take (*Shenghui Fang*).
Sudden deafness and ear blockage: Kunlun Zhen Qingmuxiang 1 liang (sliced). Soak in vinegar overnight, add Humayou (Sesame Oil) 1 he, simmer gently, dip three times up and down, filter through cotton to remove dregs, drip into ear 3-4 times daily until cured (*Waitai Miyao*).
Ear pain: Muxiang powder, dye Conghuang (Yellow Onion Skin) with E'zhi (Goose Fat), dip powder deep into ear (*Shengji Lu*). Huoluan with muscle cramps and abdominal pain: Muxiang powder 1 qian, Mugua (Chaenomeles) juice 1 zhan. Mix with hot wine and take (*Shengji Zonglu*). All dysenteries, regardless of gender or age. One piece of Muxiang (one cun square), Huanglian (Coptis) half liang. Decoct both in half sheng of water until dry, remove Huanglian, slice Muxiang thinly, bake dry, powder. Divide into three doses: First dose with Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) soup, second with Chenmiyin (Aged Rice Drink), third with Gancao (Licorice) soup. Passed down by Li Jingchun. A woman dying of chronic dysentery received this formula from Guanyin in a dream; took it and recovered (*Sun Zhao's Mibao Fang*).
Xianglian Wan Formula: See under Huanglian.
Intestinal wind bleeding: Muxiang and Huanglian equal parts powder, insert into fat pig large intestine, tie both ends, boil until very tender, remove medicine and eat intestine. Or pound together with medicine into pills and take (*Liu Songshi's Baoshou Tang Fang*). Urine turbid like semen: Muxiang, Moyao, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) equal parts, powder, mix with Cijixin (Natural juice of Thorny Heart) juice into pills size of Sophora seeds. Take 30 pills before meals with salt water (*...*).
Pediatric penile swelling: Wind-Heat-Dampness combusting in Yangming Meridian of children, penis swells inexplicably or hurts/shrinks; widening this meridian heals itself. Guangmuxiang, Zhike (Bitter Orange, bran-fried) 2.5 qian, Zhi Gancao (Roasted Licorice) 2 qian. Decoct in water and take (*Zeng's Pediatric Formula*). Pediatric epidemic high fever and headache: Muxiang 6 fen, Baitanxiang (White Sandalwood) 3 fen, powder, mix with clear water to take. Also mix with warm water and apply to fontanelle top to cure (*Shenghui Fang*). Epidemic eruption red-black spots: Qingmuxiang 2 liang. Water 2 sheng, boil to 1 sheng and take (*Waitai Miyao*).
All carbuncles and sores: After ulceration of boils, ulcers, malignant sores, chancre, exposed to wind-cold externally, foul discharge, stinking decay, not healing; all treated by this. Muxiang, Huanglian, Binglang (Areca Nut) equal parts, powder, mix with oil and frequently apply for effect (*Heji Ju Fang*).
Evil snake bite: Qingmuxiang any amount, decoct in water and take, effect indescribable (*Xiuzhen Fang*).
Axillary odor and genital dampness: Whenever armpits or genitals are damp and smelly, or form sores. Soak Qingmuxiang in good vinegar, place in armpits or genitals. Powder and apply (*Waitai Miyao*).
Toothache: Qingmuxiang powder, add a little Shexiang (Musk), rub teeth, rinse with salt water (*Shengji Lu*).