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Commonly known as "Xiang Dan" (Elephant Gall). Both *Yaopu* and *Tujing* state that it is a tree resin.

It has an extremely bitter taste and a cold nature. It enters the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. It primarily treats the five types of childhood *Gan* syndrome (chronic malnutrition in children), kills three types of parasites, and addresses epilepsy and convulsions. It also treats irritability and oppression caused by wind-heat in adults.

[Discussion] As a herb entering the Liver meridian, materia medica texts state it treats the five *Gan* syndromes and kills parasites. In simplified formulas for treating *Gan*, this herb is used in eight or nine out of ten cases. However, various *Gan* syndromes are mostly due to Spleen deficiency with long-standing accumulation, leading to the generation of pathogenic qi and invasion by wind pathogens. If symptoms include cold-type diarrhea and loss of appetite, it is contraindicated. (Commentary by Zhongchun)

[Differentiation and Processing] The genuine product resembles dark maltose syrup; taking several pieces and dissolving them in water so they naturally coalesce indicates authenticity. When used in prescriptions, it must be ground separately.

The *Anxi Xiang* tree originates from Persia and is called "Pixie Shu" (Tree that Expels Evil Spirits). The trunk is two or three chi long. When the bark is incised, the gum exudes like maltose syrup, named *Anxi Xiang* (Benzoin). It is collected to blend with other fragrances. *Anxi You* (Benzoin Oil) solidifies in the sixth and seventh lunar months and is then harvested. It is now produced in various regions including Annam and Srivijaya. Its appearance resembles walnut kernels; it tastes pungent and bitter, and its nature is neutral. Its aroma is light, and it belongs to Yang. It enters the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian. It mainly treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, *Guizhu* (a chronic infectious disease attributed to ghosts), *Chuanshi Lao* (consumptive disease such as tuberculosis), malevolent spirits, ghost womb and blood stasis, and expels gu poison and cholera. It treats nocturnal emissions in men, warms Kidney qi, and treats blood stagnation with obstruction (*Xue Jin*) and postpartum fainting in women. Medical texts also record its use for stroke, wind-bi, wind-epilepsy, crab-knee wind, and lower back pain. Burning it expels evil spirits and calms the spirit. Endowing the Qi of Fire and Metal while possessing Water characteristics, its taste is pungent and bitter, and its nature is neutral. It is commonly combined with *Guijiu* (Aristolochia debilis), *Xijiao* (Rhinoceros Horn - note: modern substitutes used), *Niuhuang* (Calculus Bovis), *Dansha* (Cinnabar), *Ruxiang* (Frankincense), *Suhe* (Styrax), *Longnao* (Borneol), *Shexiang* (Musk), and *Xionghuang* (Realgar) to treat *Guizhu* and *Shizhu*, kill *Lao* worms, treat sleep paralysis and sudden death, and address sudden attacks of evil qi in both adults and children.

[Discussion] *Anxi Xiang* is named the Tree that Expels Evil. Its resin is not suitable for direct burning but can diffuse the scents of other aromatics. This aligns with Xiao's theory of "expelling ghosts and attracting spirits." Thus, it is understood that evil spirits belong to Yin... [Text fragment incomplete].

*Suhe Xiang* (Styrax) comes from the Western Regions and Kunlun. It is purple-red like hard sandalwood, extremely fragrant, and heavy in nature. When burned, the ash is white. Decocting its juice yields oil, i.e., *Suhe Xiang You* (Styrax Oil). Using this oil, the aroma is intensely fragrant and potent.

Its taste is sweet and warm. It mainly expels evil qi, removes three types of parasites, treats plague malaria, insect/venom toxicity, and epileptic spasms. It opens orifices and unblocks viscera, and can repel all manner of abnormal pathogenic qi. It treats dysentery.

[Discussion] *Suhe Wan* (Styrax Pill) opens orifices and penetrates apertures; it is a specialized formula for driving out cold wind from the interior. If there is abundant wind-heat in the Lungs and Stomach, it is contraindicated. For those with Yin deficiency and internal heat, it should be used with particular caution to avoid assisting heat.