Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
白木香 / 土沉香 / 莞香 / 女儿香 / 崖香 / 牙香树 — Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. (syn. Agallochum sinense)
Pinyin: Báimùxiāng / Tǔchénxiāng / Guǎnxiāng / Nǚ'érxiāng · Malay: Gaharu Cina / Kayu Gaharu Cina / Pokok Karas Cina / Chinese Eaglewood · Family: Thymelaeaceae (瑞香科 / 沉香属)
Energetics
Warm (微温 / 辛苦温)
Flavor
Pungent, bitter, sweet-balsamic aromatic (辛、苦、微温、气味芳香浓郁、甘凉回甘)
Meridians
Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Kidney (肾), Lung (肺)
Traditional Edict
Chinese Eaglewood / Guan Agarwood (Bai Mu Xiang / Tu Chen Xiang / Guan Xiang / Nu Er Xiang). Resinous heartwood of native Chinese incense tree. Sole Official Botanical Source of Chinese Pharmacopoeia Agarwood: descends rebellious Stomach Qi to stop hiccups, clears cold gastralgia, anchors asthma.
Cautions & Contraindications
- MANDATORY SHORT-BOIL (prolonged boiling destroys volatile agarotetrol). CONTRAINDICATED in severe Yin-deficiency fire with internal heat. Safe in lactation; use cautiously in pregnancy.
Clinical Applications
- Cold gastralgia and acid reflux, diaphragmatic spasms with violent hiccups (E Ni), bronchial asthma with Kidney-deficiency, and chest fullness with Qi stagnation.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Agarotetrol and benzylacetone inhibit gastric smooth muscle spasms and suppress histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. 2. Benzylacetone modulates central GABAA receptors to relieve anxiety.
Preparation & Dosage
CRITICAL PAOZHI MANDATE: SHORT-BOIL (Hou Xia 3-5 Min) OR POWDER (Chong Fu): 1.0 to 1.5 g fine powder taken directly with warm water. Decoction: 1.5 to 4.5 g added during final 3 to 5 min of boiling.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. Classical Sinking-Qi Hiccup Formula (Chen Xiang Di Dan Tang) with Ding Xiang and Chen Pi. 2. Cold Stomach Cramp Draught with Alpinia officinarum (Gao Liang Jiang).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only
