Library

Fengxiang Zhi (Liquidambar Resin)
Taste: Acrid, Bitter. Nature: Neutral. Non-toxic. Main indications: Urticaria (wind-driven wheals with itching), wind-induced pruritus, edema, and toothache. Also known as Baijiaoxiang (White Gum Resin). Its bark tastes acrid, is neutral in nature, and has slight toxicity. Main indications: Edema; promotes the downward movement of water qi; decocted in water for use. It grows in large mountains everywhere.

The *Tang Bencao* commentary states: The tree is tall and robust, with triangular leaves. It is abundant in the Shang and Luo regions. In May, pits are cut into the tree; in November, the resin is collected. (This note was added in the *Tang Bencao*).

Min Yuxi et al. carefully examined: In the Shu edition of *Bencao*, Fengxiang, its resin, and its bark are listed as three separate entries with slightly different main indications. The commentary notes: According to Wang Shuo's *Guang Xuanyuan Benji*: During the time of the Yellow Emperor, there was a tree resembling white poplar but with forked branches. Its resin turns into amber after being buried underground for a thousand years. The *Tujing* states: The tree is tall and robust, with hard wood texture, triangular leaves that are fragrant. The commentary on *Erya* states: The *Shuowen Jiezi* records: "Fengmu has dense leaves and weak branches that sway easily." It is also named [missing character]. Guo Pu's annotation: "Leaves are round and forked with fragrance; this is the current Fengxiang." The *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang* states: The fruit of the Fengxiang tree is as large as a duck egg. Flowers appear in February and bear fruit continuously; they ripen in August or September and can be dried for burning. It is found only in Jiuzhen Commandery. Chen Cangqi states: Besides its original functions, Fengpi (Feng bark) is astringent and stops dysentery. Su Gong stated it reduces edema; however, edema is not treated by astringent herbs, so Su Gong's statement is erroneous. He further claimed it is toxic, which clarifies previous errors. Decocting in water is the best method for treating dysentery. Rihua Zi states: Fengpi stops Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome), Cifeng (thorn-wind), and Lengfeng (cold-wind). A decoction for bathing treats these conditions.

The *Tujing* states: Fengxiang Zhi was not recorded in older texts regarding its specific origin commanderies, stating only that it grows in large mountains everywhere. Currently, it is abundant in the South and Guan-Shaan regions. It resembles white poplar and is very tall and robust. Leaves are round and forked, some triangular and fragrant. White flowers appear in February, followed by fruits attached to the branches, as large as duck eggs. They ripen in August or September and can be dried for burning. The *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang* states: Feng fruits are found only in Jiuzhen. Using them has miraculous effects; it is a rare item. Its resin is called Baijiaoxiang. Pits are cut in May, and collected in November. The bark is astringent and stops dysentery. Decocted in water for drinking. The *Erya* refers to Feng as [missing character], saying it makes a sound when the heavenly wind blows. The *Shuowen Jiezi* states: "Fengmu has dense leaves and weak branches that sway easily." It was widely planted in Han dynasty palaces. After frost, the leaves turn red and are lovely, hence frequently praised by poets. Ren Fang's *Shuyou Ji* states: There are Fengzi ghosts in the South. Old Feng trees take human form, also called Lingfeng, which are actually burls or galls. To this day, shamans in Yue obtain these burls, carve them into images of gods and spirits, and claim they can induce spiritual phenomena. Under the entry for Chenxiang (Agarwood), Fengxiang is mentioned for treating wind-induced urticaria and itching toxins. This is similar and refers to the same substance.

Jianyao Jizhong formula: For continuous hematemesis. Baijiaoxiang, regardless of quantity, is finely ground into powder. Take 2 qian each time, mixed with fresh cold water. Tao Hongjing states: Fungi growing on Feng trees cause uncontrollable laughter if eaten; antidote with Di Jiang (earth slurry). *Tongdian: Nanman Ji*: Feng resin transforms into amber. Where it lies on the ground, no grass or trees grow nearby. Digging deep reveals it at eight or nine chi depth, as large as an oak root. After peeling, it forms thus. Initially like peach gum, it hardens upon formation. Song Qiqiu's *Huashu* states: Old Feng trees transform into feathered immortals.

*Yanyi* states: Fengxiang can be confused with Songzhi (Pine resin) and used to adulterate Ru Xiang (Frankincense); distinction is particularly important. Fengxiang is pale yellow-white; burning it helps verify authenticity. It also treats wind-induced urticaria and itching toxins. Decoct in water and wash the affected area while hot.