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Huoxiang (Patchouli Herb)
Slightly warm. Treats wind-water toxic swelling, removes foul qi, and treats heart pain caused by huoluan (cholera-like syndrome).
Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully cite the *Nanzhou Yiwu Zhi* stating: Huoxiang originates from countries by the sea; its shape resembles Duliang incense and can be placed in clothing for fragrance. The *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang* states:
Taste
The *Tujing* says: Huoxiang was previously listed under the "Five Fragrances" section without specifying its origin. Currently, it is abundant in the Lingnan commanderies, and households often cultivate it. It sprouts in the second lunar month, with dense stems growing in clumps; the leaves resemble mulberry leaves but are smaller and thinner. It is harvested in the sixth and seventh lunar months, dried in the sun until fragrant, and collected only when it turns yellow.
Furthermore, both the *Jinlouzi* and the *Yu Yiqi Jian* state that people of Funan say: All spices come from one tree. The root is sandalwood, the nodes are agarwood, the flowers are ji she xiang (Clove), the leaves are Huoxiang, and the resin is Xunlu incense. Examining why the *Benjing* grouped Huoxiang with Chenxiang (Agarwood), the rationale likely stems from this belief. However, what exists in the south today is a herbaceous plant. The *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang* notes: Huoxiang grows in thickets, cultivated by officials and commoners, which aligns perfectly. Fan Ye's Incense Formula states:
Ling
Bieshuo Yun respectfully cites the *Tujing*: Huoxiang sprouts in the second lunar month. Although previously attached to the Five Fragrances section, upon detailed examination, its stems and branches are clearly not woody, so it should arguably be moved to the Herbal section. Regarding Ji She Xiang (Clove), the supplementary notes cite the *Yaoxing Lun* and *Qimin Yaoshu*, while the *Tujing* cites the *Sansheng Gushi* and *Qianjin Fang*, all identifying it as Mu Dingxiang (Female Clove). Furthermore, citing the *Baopuzi* for eye applications creates internal contradictions. If the *Yaoxing Lun* suggests it imparts fragrance to the body or serves as Dingzi Xiang, it could be considered Female Clove. However, if the *Baopuzi* claims it is suitable for eye application, Clove is likely unsuitable for eyes. Testing this, holding Clove in the mouth causes heat and foul odor, making it unbearable. Conversely, holding selected Milk Incense (Ruxiang) in the mouth, though lacking fragrance, eliminates oral odor due to its tastelessness, supporting the theory that bland substances benefit the nine orifices. Many formulas use it to treat pediatric convulsions and epilepsy, aiming to open the nine orifices. Regarding the note on Dingxiang below, it specifies using the female variety, though its efficacy remains uncertain. Regarding Xunlu and Ruxiang, the *Tujing* states that modern people no longer distinguish them. Current analysis shows origins from Tianzhu (India) and Shanyu in the west, and Persia in the south. Western imports are yellowish-white, while southern imports are reddish-purple. The *Tujing* describes wood growing on seaside sands, where summer resin exudes; aged resin overlaps and does not form nipple shapes, mixing with soil and stones. Freshly formed resin is new and unmixed. "Xunlu" is the general name, while "Ru" refers to the nipple-shaped resin of Xunlu. Similar occurrences are found in Pine Resin and Maple Resin.