Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Bie Lu*)

[Names] Zhentan (from *Bencao Gangmu*), Zhen Tan.

Li Shizhen states: "Tan" refers to a superior wood, hence the character contains 'Dan' (亶), which means good or excellent. Buddhist practitioners call it Zhentan, using it for bathing water, implying the removal of defilement.

Foreigners mispronounce it as Zhen Tan. People in Yunnan refer to Red Sandalwood (Zitan) as "Sheng Chenxiang" (superior Agarwood), which is also known as Chi Tan.

[Collection and Explanation] Chen Cangqi says: White Sandalwood originates from Hainan. The tree resembles sandalwood trees.

Su Gong says: Purple True Sandalwood comes from Panpan Country in Kunlun. Although it does not grow in China proper, it is widely available throughout the world. However, it lacks fragrance.

Li Shizhen states: According to *Da Ming Yi Tong Zhi*, Sandalwood is produced in Guangdong, Yunnan, as well as in Champa, Chenla, Java, Brunei, Siam, Srivijaya, and Huiai countries. It is now also found in various regions of Lingnan. The tree and leaves resemble those of the lychee; the bark is bluish-green and smooth. Ye Ting's *Xiang Pu* records: Wood with thick bark and yellow color is called Huang Tan (Yellow Sandalwood); wood with clean bark and white color is called Bai Tan (White Sandalwood); wood with decaying bark and purple color is [Zi Tan]. Their wood is hard, heavy, and fragrant, with White Sandalwood being particularly fine. It should be stored sealed in paper to prevent the loss of aroma. Wang Zuo's *Ge Gu Lun* records: Zitan is produced in the Xidong regions. Its nature is hard. New wood is red, old wood is purple, and it features patterns resembling crab claws. Soaking new wood in water can dye materials. Authentic Zitan leaves a purple mark when rubbed against a wall, hence its name. Huang Tan has the strongest fragrance. All these woods can be used to make belt hooks, fan ribs, etc.

**White Zhentan**

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

*Tang Shenwei's Supplement* (Da Ming) states: Hot.

Zhang Yuansu states: Yang with slight Yin. Enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and circulates through the Yangming Meridian.

[Indications] Resolves wind-heat-induced swelling and toxic sores (Tao Hongjing). Treats sudden evil qi and ghosts, kills parasites (Chen Cangqi). Decocted and taken orally, it stops heart and abdominal pain, cholera, and kidney qi pain.

Ground with water and applied externally to the external genitalia and painful areas of the lower back and kidneys (Tang Shenwei). Disperses cold qi, guides stomach qi upward, and promotes food intake (Zhang Yuansu). Treats dysphagia and vomiting. Additionally, for black spots on the face, wash them nightly with grain water until red, then apply the ground juice; this is very effective (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Zhang Gao states: White Sandalwood regulates qi and guides aromatic substances upward to the highest parts of the body. It is best paired with oranges and tangerines, assisted by ginger and jujube, and supplemented by Kudzu Root (*Puerariae Lobatae Radix*), Amomum Fruit (*Amomi Fructus*), Evodia Fruit (*Evodiae Fructus*), and Cardamom (*Cardamomi Fructus*). It circulates through the Yangming Meridian, acting above the chest and diaphragm, between the throat and pharynx, making it an essential herb for regulating qi.

Li Shizhen states: The *Lankavatara Sutra* records: Applying White Zhentan to the body can eliminate all heat and vexation. Currently, chieftains of various tribes in the southwest use various aromatics to anoint their bodies, taking this meaning. Du Bao's *Daye Lu* records: In the Sui Dynasty, Chan Master Shou had exquisite medical skills and created Five-Aroma Drink to help people. This includes Agarwood Drink, Sandalwood Drink, Clove Drink, Agastache Drink, and Nardostachys Drink. All are based on aromatic herbs, with additional medicines added, possessing a sweet taste, quenching thirst, and providing tonification. Daoist texts refer to Sandalwood as Bath Aroma, stating it should not be burned for offering to supreme deities.

**Red Sandalwood (Zitan)**

[Flavor and Nature] Salty, Slightly Cold, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Rubbed and applied to treat malignant wind-toxins (*Bie Lu*).

Scraped into powder and applied to traumatic wounds to stop bleeding and relieve pain. Treats strangury (Tao Hongjing). Ground with vinegar and applied to treat all sudden swellings (*Qianjin Fang*).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen states: White Sandalwood is pungent and warm, a medicine for the Qi level.

Therefore, it can regulate Wei Qi, harmonize the Spleen and Lungs, and benefit the chest and diaphragm. Red Sandalwood is salty and cold, a medicine for the Blood level. Therefore, it can harmonize Ying Qi, reduce swelling and toxins, and treat traumatic injuries.