Agarwood in Ancient Texts: From Bencao Gangmu to Xiang Cheng

This article explores the records of agarwood and other aromatic medicinals in Bencao Gangmu and Xiang Cheng, revealing the ancient concept of 'fragrance and medicine sharing the same origin' and its relevance to modern agarwood identification.

Aromatic Medicinals in Bencao Gangmu: Dual Identity of Medicine and Fragrance

Li Shizhen's Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) lists agarwood under the Wood section, detailing its efficacy in treating 'upward heat and downward cold, Qi counterflow and asthma, and intestinal deficiency with constipation,' while emphasizing its 'fragrant and pleasant' nature. This reflects the ancient understanding that 'fragrance and medicine share the same origin': agarwood is both a medicinal and an aromatic material. The book also records the properties of sandalwood, borneol, frankincense, and other aromatic medicinals, laying the foundation for the integration of fragrance studies and medicine. For a deeper understanding of agarwood's role in traditional medicine, see the relevant chapters in the Agarwood Encyclopedia.

Formulas and Practices in Xiang Cheng: A Compendium of Fragrance Studies

Xiang Cheng (Treatise on Fragrance), compiled by Zhou Jiazhou in the Ming Dynasty, is a comprehensive collection of historical fragrance formulas, products, and practices. It provides detailed descriptions of agarwood origins and quality assessment, such as 'Hainan agarwood has a clear and refined fragrance' and 'Champa agarwood has a strong scent,' which are still referenced by fragrance enthusiasts today. The book also emphasizes the compatibility and processing of aromatic medicinals, reflecting ancient people's deep understanding of their properties. For modern fragrance identification, these ancient records remain important references; see the Identification Pillar Page for details.

From Ancient Texts to Modern Times: Inheritance and Verification of Aromatic Knowledge

The records of aromatic medicinals in ancient texts are not static. Modern scientific analyses (such as GC-MS) can verify the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of agarwood, corroborating ancient experiences. For example, the 'Qi-descending' effect of agarwood described in Bencao Gangmu aligns with modern findings of its sedative and antibacterial activities. In the Chinese Fragrance Studies · Agarwood Identification column, we combine ancient texts with science to explore the authenticity and quality evaluation of aromatic medicinals. Additionally, kyara, the supreme grade of agarwood, is also mentioned in ancient texts; refer to the Kyara Pillar Page for more information.

Key Points and Conclusion

Bencao Gangmu and Xiang Cheng record the value of agarwood and other aromatic medicinals from medical and fragrance perspectives, respectively, embodying the unique Chinese fragrance concept of 'fragrance and medicine sharing the same origin.' Studying ancient texts not only enriches fragrance knowledge but also provides historical evidence for modern agarwood identification and clinical application. We recommend that enthusiasts combine classical literature with hands-on experience to deepen their understanding of aromatic medicinals.

(This is industry observation and popular-science summary, not investment advice. Buy agarwood through legal channels with traceable, testable sources.)