https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/A4PeQB2Vq1CW8xtc-5KQOA
Welcome everyone to share your experiences with the medicine in the replies to facilitate other students’ search and learning.
205. Mu Xiang (Costus Root)
It indeed has a fragrant aroma. The brewed water tastes at first like grilled lamb skewers, then a long-lasting bitterness, followed by a short woody fragrance (which I would call the slightly charred bamboo skewer of grilled lamb). The aftertaste has a returning sweetness, purely sweet.
Besides a somewhat smoother flow of Qi in the middle front of the body, there really isn’t any special sensation, though it may have a slight effect on stimulating the appetite and aiding digestion.
206. Chen Xiang (Agarwood)
The smell is very similar to the Chen Xiang given by Shuyang; both have a milky fragrance, and I like this scent. However, the brewed water tastes terrible—initially bitter, then gradually turning spicy, making the throat very uncomfortable.
Shortly after drinking, discomfort arises from the esophagus to the stomach, feeling like having eaten a whole raw radish. This unpleasant sensation probably comes from its volatile oils. Despite the discomfort, the strength of guiding Qi downwards is truly remarkable: from the stomach to the small intestine, and after five minutes to the large intestine, they are vigorously stirred open—most noticeably the stomach and duodenum, visibly dilated—modern research shows that volatile oil components have the effect of inhibiting intestinal contractions and relieving spasms.
The discomfort in the mouth and throat disappears in about three minutes, the discomfort in the esophagus and stomach disappears in about eight minutes, and the effect of dilating the gastrointestinal tract lasts for about 30 minutes.
Effect: Guides Qi downward, relaxes the digestive tract, powerful and miraculous.
207. Tan Xiang (Sandalwood)
The aroma is even more fragrant than Chen Xiang, with a similar scent profile. At my level of appreciation, both can only be described as “milky fragrance.” The brewed water tastes better, not so bitter, with a quick and lasting returning sweetness, and a stronger degree of sweetness.
After drinking, the stomach also feels slightly uncomfortable, similarly guiding Qi downward, but directing it straight into the lower abdomen. Not only is the Qi in the middle front of the body guided into the lower abdomen, but the Qi of both liver areas is also drawn to the lower abdomen (especially the right liver), making one feel a bit sleepy.
Effect: Guides Qi into the lower abdomen, collects Qi, and calms the mind.