Chinese Name |
沉香 |
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Chinese Pinyin |
Chenxiang |
English Name |
Tambac |
Latin Pharmaceutical Name |
Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum |
Category |
Stems and woods
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Origin |
The resinous wood of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (Thymelaeaceae). Harvested year-round; the resinous wood is cut out and the non-resinous portion is removed, and then dried in the dark. |
Production Regions |
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangzhou, Hainan, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan. |
Macroscopic Features |
Irregular lumps, flakes or helmet-shaped, sometimes little fragments. Relatively firm texture; aromatic odor; taste bitter. When burned, it produces thick smoke and an intense fragrance, and a black oily substance seeps out. |
Quality Requirements |
Superior medicinal material is heavy, brownish-black, oily and lustrous; when burned, oil seeps out and the aroma is potent. |
Properties |
Acrid, bitter; slightly warm. |
Functions |
Moves qi and relieves pain, warms the center and stops vomiting, promotes qi absorption and calms panting. Apply to chest and abdominal swelling pain, gastric cold and vomiting and hiccoughs, deficiency of kidney and inability to breathe due to adverse rising of qi. |
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Remark |
Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II. Its trade is allowed but subject to licensing controls. |
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