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It is suitable to harvest when the flowers have not yet opened. Collect in the first and second lunar months.

Buds (Flower Buds)
The flavor is pungent and warm. The aroma is clear and fragrant. The taste is thin and dispersing. It floats and ascends; it belongs to Yang. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong, 川芎) serves as its guiding herb. It primarily treats wind-induced headache and facial pain, facial swelling radiating to toothache. It unblocks nasal congestion with discharge. It treats rhinitis purulenta (Nasal Sinusitis), allergic rhinitis (Nasal Allergy), nasal sores, and chronic nasal obstruction (Chronic Rhinitis). As well as nasal sores occurring after smallpox/variolous eruptions. (All are ground into powder and mixed with Moschus (Musk, 麝香)).

[Discussion] The part of Xin Yi used is the bud. Its flowers bloom in the first and second lunar months. Leaves grow only after the flowers fall. Between the leaves, flower buds are contained. These buds endure the summer heat and winter cold. The Yang energy within the buds travels along with the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Therefore, although rhinitis purulenta is a disease originating from the brain, its symptoms must manifest through the nose. Even if it is merely nasal congestion or allergic rhinitis, which do not originate from the brain, they cannot be attributed to extreme Yin. Instead, the Yang stored within Yin gradually grows, similar to Yang accumulating in the earth. When the time comes for the interaction of the Three Yangs, the Yang stored within Yin suddenly disseminates, just as Yang reaches the heaven. Accumulating in the earth and reaching the heaven is like the True Yang of the human body residing in the Foot Taiyang and attaching to the Foot Yangming. Regarding conditions such as cold brain or kidney deficiency leading to brain leakage (nasal drip due to kidney deficiency), although there are specific appropriate formulas, this herb must serve as the key pivot. One must not simply assume that because it is pungent and warm, it causes stagnation. The brain is considered Yin. It is also asked how it can fill the marrow in the brain and allow Yin to reach the upper body?
Its nature is pungent, fragrant, and penetrating. It is unsuitable for those with Qi deficiency. Headaches caused by Blood deficiency and blazing Fire, as well as toothaches caused by Stomach Fire, are strictly contraindicated. (Commentary by Zhong Chun)

[Processing] Remove the hairs to avoid irritating the lungs. Remove the woody core to prevent causing restlessness. Wash with water, and stir-fry lightly.

Agarwood (Chen Xiang)
Pungent, bitter, slightly warm. Heavy in weight. Strong aroma, thin taste. It can ascend and descend. Enters the Stomach, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. Also enters the Heart and Liver meridians. Those that taste sweet and fragrant when chewed have a neutral nature. Those that taste spicy and hot have a hot nature. It primarily regulates the Middle Jiao, dispels timidity/weakness. Calms the Spirit, nourishes various Qi. Removes foul odors. Stops cold sensations. Descends True Qi. Opens stagnant Qi. Breaks accumulations and masses. Treats Upper Heat and Lower Cold. Treats rebellious Qi with panting and urgency. Tonifies the Right Kidney Mingmen. Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, and resolves phlegm-saliva. Since blood originates from the Spleen, it can treat deficiency-closure of the Large Intestine and Qi-type strangury. It inherits Yang Qi to generate, and combines with the essence of rain and dew to form, thus its aroma is fragrant. It is an essential herb for treating cold qi, rebellious qi, Qi stagnation, and Qi knotting. (Commentary by Zhong Chun)
Reaching up to Heaven and down to Springs, it pairs best with other herbs. (Commentary by Dong Yuan) It moves Qi without damaging Qi, warms the Middle without assisting Fire. Only those with Qi deficiency and sinking are contraindicated. (Commentary by Shi Cai) It protects and harmonizes Wei Qi, making it a superior grade herb. Used alone, its effect is weak; assisted by other herbs, it should be taken slowly for results. It is beneficial and harmless.
Shenzao Zhuque Wan: Indications include bladder torsion (difficulty in urination). The prescription allows for passage. Agarwood (Chen Xiang, 沉香) one liang, Cistanche Stem (Rou Cong Rong, 肉苁蓉) soaked in wine two liang, each ground into powder. Use Sesame Seed juice (Hemp Seed Juice) to make pills the size of wu-tong seeds.

[Discussion] Agarwood forms when wood absorbs water, mostly found in broken branches and dry trunks. (Or formed where branches/trunks have rotted due to water). Furthermore, receiving long exposure to the morning sun causes the resinous veins to condense. Generally, it inherits Earth's Yang and brews Heaven's Yin. Other aromatic herbs guide stagnant Qi, but Agarwood is different in its suitability for Qi stagnation and knotting. Wood Aromatic (Mu Xiang) raises and lowers stagnant Qi, whereas Agarwood dispels cold and opens the stomach; their functions differ. Sandalwood (Tan Xiang) raises clear Yang, whereas Agarwood differs. Although it is said that acting alone makes its power weak, since it is condensed from the interaction of Yin and Yang Qi, it is ultimately not a substance inheriting the specialized Qi of simple plants. Those with deficient Middle Qi should avoid it. Those with Excess pathogenic factors in the Heart Meridian should avoid it. Unless there is a decline of True Fire in the Mingmen, it is not suitable for use in lower Jiao prescriptions. (Commentary by Zhong Chun)

[Differentiation and Treatment] One must select pieces that are not dried out. Those that are hard and heavy at the edges and sink to the bottom of water are best. Those that float halfway are secondary. Avoid exposure to fire. For decoctions, grind into juice for use.