8.1.2 What Chenxiang is and how Chenxiang comes into being在线视频

Chapter knowledge

1. Chenxiang’s origin Arsenic poisoning results

2. Chenxiang’s formation process

3. Chenxiang’s categories according to the forming reasons

4. Chenxiang’s categories according to various formation process

5. Methods of making artificial Chenxiang

6. Chenxiang’s characteristics

1. Chenxiang’s origin  

In early textbooks, Chenxiang originates from the resin-containing heartwood of Chenxiang or aquilaria sinensis of the thymelaeaceae,while Chenxiang, recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), is only derived from aquilaria sinensis.

Strictly speaking, Chenxiang is not produced in China. It is mainly produced in the southern Vietnam, Malaysia and the tropical rain forests of Indonesia.

The aquilaria sinensis, which produces agarwood was found in China and was called domestic Chenxiang.Chenxiang is not merely an ordinary wood but a solid agglomerate mixed with resin and wood.

2. Chenxiang’s formation process

But once the tree of Chenxiang is injured, such as insect damages, lightning strikes or cut, which leads to the invasion of fungi, the internal structure changes and it secretes resin and other substances to repair the injured parts. The secreted substances will combine with the air, and the slow process of Chenxiang's self-healing begins.

This process lasts from dozens of years to several hundred years. Finally, the balsamic is formed and coagulates in the wood, which is the so-called Chenxiang.

3. Chenxiang’s categories according to the forming reasons

Generally speaking, when the resin content in Chenxiang is over 37%, it will sink into water. According to the forming reasons of Chenxiang, it is divided into 6 categories.

For various reasons, after the Chenxiang trees fall down to the ground and are exposed to the wind, the sun and the rain, the remaining part that is uncorrupted is called Daojia. The falling part of Chenxiang is buried in the soil, and is decomposed by microorganisms. 

The uncorrupted part which is called Tuchen, is buried in the swamp when it falls down. After it is biologically decomposed,it is refloated from the swamp and the uncorrupted part is called Shuichen. The living trees are manually cut and put on the ground,and after eaten by termites, they are called Yichen. The living trees from which we can obtain Chenxiang directly is called Huochen.

4. Chenxiang’s categories according to various formation process

According to the various formation process,it can be divided into four types:Shujie, Shengjie, Tuoluo and Chonglou. Under completely natural conditions,Chenxiang that is formed due to decay and condensation is called Shujie. Chenxiang that is formed when the tree is damaged by a knife and an axe, which makes the outflowing grease condensed is Shengjie. The type formed after decay and condensation of wood is called Tuoluo.The trees that are eaten by borer and the grease condenses, are called Chonglou.

5. Methods of making artificial Chenxiang

At present, there are two main methods of making artificial Chenxiang: traditional method and injection method.Traditional method is to select the mature aquilaria sinensis trees, and put them undertake manual cuttings and injuries to promote Chenxiang trees to form fragrance.When people dig out the wood with balsam,they obtain Chenxiang.

The injection method, as the name implies, is the dripping method.That is to say, to isolate and purify the parts that can produce Chenxiang and select the bacteria that can promote production of Chenxiang. The next step is to make the bacteria into microbial inoculum and get them injected into Chenxiang. The injected microbial inoculum will follow the direction of water flow to the treetop.Then, a circular balm is formed in the middle of the whole trunk.

6. Chenxiang’s characteristics

The authentic Chenxiang is irregularly lumpy and flaky, with uneven knife marks on the surface,and occasional holes.Dark brown resin and yellow-white flecks can be seen. The holes and pits are mostly decayed. The Chenxiang is relatively solid with a thorny cross section.It smells fragrant and tastes bitter.