Library

Longnao Xiang and Gaoliang (Borneol and Balm)

Pungent, bitter, slightly cold (some say warm), neutral, non-toxic. Primarily treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, accumulations caused by wind-dampness, deafness, brightens the eyes, removes redness of the eyes and corneal opacity. Originates from Bolu Guo (Country of Borneol). The shape resembles white pine resin, has the odor of fir wood; those that are clear and pure are superior. Those exposed to wind and sun for a long time or resembling sparrow droppings are inferior. It is said that storing it with glutinous rice charcoal (or japonica rice charcoal) and *Abrus precatorius* seeds prevents loss. The balm primarily treats deafness.

*Tang Bencao* commentary states: The tree resembles a fir. The so-called Bolin Gao (Balm) is the clear resin from under the tree roots. Longnao (Borneol) is the dry resin from the trunk. The fruit resembles cardamom, the skin has cracked scales, and the fragrance resembles borneol. The taste is pungent. It particularly descends foul qi, dissipates food stagnation and fullness, and the fragrance enters the mouth. Old texts state it originates from Bolu Guo. The drug is named after the country, which is fir resin. There are firs in Jiangnan, but they have not been tested. Or if the local area lacks this resin, it is like banana trees bearing no fruit. (*Tang Bencao* attached earlier). Minister Yuxi et al. carefully note Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu*: Longnao Xiang trees originate from Poli Guo, called Gebu Bolu, and also originate from Persia. The tree is eight zhang high, six or seven wei in circumference, leaves are round and white on the back, without flowers or fruits. The tree has fat and lean varieties; the lean ones produce Longnao Xiang, the fat ones produce Bolin Gao. The fragrance is in the heart of the wood. Persians cut down the tree to harvest it; the balm flows from the top of the tree, and they chop the tree to make a pit to catch it. There are different methods for medicinal use. *Nanhai Yupu* records: Longnao You (Borneol Oil), nature warm, taste bitter. Originally from Foshi Guo. This oil is taken from the tree and rubbed to treat all kinds of wind diseases. Chen Cangqi says: *Abrus precatorius* (Xiangsi Zi), neutral, slightly toxic. Opens the nine orifices, treats heart and abdominal qi stagnation, makes one fragrant, stops heat oppression, headache, wind-phlegm, kills all parasites in the viscera and skin. Also treats gu poison. Take fourteen seeds, grind into powder, and ingest; one should vomit. Grows in Lingnan. The tree is over one zhang high; fruits that are red and black mixed are best.

*Tujing* states: Longnao Xiang originates from Bolu Guo; now only foreign merchants from the South Sea sell it. Legend says: The tree is seven or eight zhang high, six or seven wei in circumference, resembling aged fir wood, with branches growing from the sides, leaves perfectly round and white on the back, bearing fruits like cardamom, skin with scale-like cracks, and the fragrance is the resin in the wood. It resembles white pine resin and has the odor of fir. The balm is merely the clear fluid from the roots, also called Bolin Gao. Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* says: This tree has fat and lean varieties; the lean ones produce Longnao Xiang, located in the heart of the wood. Persians cut the wood to harvest it. The fat ones produce Bolin Gao, which flows from the end of the wood, caught by chopping the wood to make a pit. The two accounts are largely similar with minor differences. It is also said that this tree exists in the mountains of the South Sea. During the Tianbao era of Tang, Jiaozhi presented Longnao, shaped like cicadas or silkworms. Locals said it only appears on old root joints, yet it is extremely rare. At that time, it was called Ruilongnao (Auspicious Dragon Borneol) in the palace; wearing it on one's lapel allowed the fragrance to be smelled from more than ten paces away. Afterward, such items were no longer heard of. Current Longnao from Hainan is often heated into pieces, allowing for adulteration. For medicinal use, raw material is valued; shapes resembling plum blossom petals are excellent.

Haiyao: Carefully noting Tao Hongjing: Grows in Xihai Lvy Guo, it is the resin from the Bojin tree. Resembles white glue incense. Taste bitter, pungent, slightly warm, non-toxic. Treats internal and external eye obstructions, three types of worms, treats five types of hemorrhoids, brightens the eyes, calms the heart, secures essence. There is also Canglingnao, treating wind sores; good when added to balm preparations.

Using it to drop in the eyes causes injury. *Mingyi Bielu* states: For difficult childbirth, take a small amount of ground Longnao, mix with fresh well water, and ingest; recovery is immediate. Also, during Emperor Taizong of Tang's reign, Xihai Lvy Guo presented Longnao Xiang, indicating its origin there. Empirical Formula: Treating acute wind-stroke, where the patient closes their eyes and clenches their teeth, making administration impossible. Use the middle finger to rub Sanzi powder on the teeth thirty to twenty times, rubbing around the large molars, until the mouth opens naturally. Then administer medicine. Grind Longnao and *Arisaema cum Bile* (Tiannanxing) in equal parts into powder, grind in a mortar. Prepared from the mixture made at noon on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Use only one zi to half qian, named Kaiguan San (Opening the Switch Powder). Empirical Later Formula: Treating epidemic diseases, eruptive fevers like smallpox/chickenpox not yet fully erupted, mental restlessness, mania, panting, delirium, or seeing ghosts. Take one qian of Longnao, finely grind, and gradually add pig heart blood to form pills the size of a chinaberry seed. Take one pill per dose, washed down with Zicao Tang (Arnebia Decoction). Soon the mind settles and sleep is achieved, the rash re-erupts, and one recovers with proper care.

Yanyi states: The section on Longnao does not fully cover what is said in *Tujing*. This substance greatly unblocks heat obstruction in the diaphragm and chest. Its clear fragrance is the foremost among all medicines. It is very useful for adults and children suffering from wind-phlegm blockage or sudden fright-heat. However, it is not a drug for daily consumption. Used alone, its power is weak; used as an assistant herb, it achieves merit. It is also suitable for tea, though too much masks the tea's flavor. Among all fragrances, none surpasses it. The western region includes Moluoduancha Guo, within the borders of Southern India, where Jiaboluo Xiang (Gaiapetalum storax) grows. Dried, it is likely present in the West as well.