Related News
Home » Sunday » Now and Then
TCM Treasures - Tan Xiang 檀香
By Wing Tan |
December 30, 2012, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
RARE fragrant wood tan xiang (sandalwood) is a treasured and expensive traditional Chinese medicine ingredient.
It can be made into powder or essential oil for incense burning and its fragrance can help soothe the mind, repel insects and kill bacteria.
Tan xiang grows slowly, usually taking more than 20 years for a tree to mature.
Its delicate, soothing and long-lasting aroma has seen tan xiang prized as the most expensive wood since ancient times in China.
In the past, it was indispensable in Buddhist rituals and a daily necessity among royal families.
As a medicine, tan xiang warms the body, nourishes the skin and relaxes the mind and body. It also helps treat cystitis and works as a natural sterilizer.
The wood can be carved into furniture and accessories such as bracelets and necklaces. These keep insects at bay while creating a tranquil scent.
Due to logging, in China wild tan xiang became extinct during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Today, most are cultivated.
China imports much of its tan xiang supplies from countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Prescriptions & Usage:
Tan xiang essential oil
Put one drop of tan xiang oil in the water basin before washing your face every day.
Benefit: Nourishes skin and treats dermatitis.
Tan xiang tea
Add a drop of tan xiang oil to hot water or rose tea.
Benefit: Cures sore throats.
Tan xiang fragrance
Tan xiang powder and incenses are available in the TCM pharmacies. The best is old tan xiang, which often describes wood that is more than 70 years old.
Place in a burner and light, ensuring there are already ashes in there.
Enjoy the aroma at home.
Benefits: Calms frayed nerves and brings physical and mental peace.
It can be made into powder or essential oil for incense burning and its fragrance can help soothe the mind, repel insects and kill bacteria.
Tan xiang grows slowly, usually taking more than 20 years for a tree to mature.
Its delicate, soothing and long-lasting aroma has seen tan xiang prized as the most expensive wood since ancient times in China.
In the past, it was indispensable in Buddhist rituals and a daily necessity among royal families.
As a medicine, tan xiang warms the body, nourishes the skin and relaxes the mind and body. It also helps treat cystitis and works as a natural sterilizer.
The wood can be carved into furniture and accessories such as bracelets and necklaces. These keep insects at bay while creating a tranquil scent.
Due to logging, in China wild tan xiang became extinct during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Today, most are cultivated.
China imports much of its tan xiang supplies from countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Prescriptions & Usage:
Tan xiang essential oil
Put one drop of tan xiang oil in the water basin before washing your face every day.
Benefit: Nourishes skin and treats dermatitis.
Tan xiang tea
Add a drop of tan xiang oil to hot water or rose tea.
Benefit: Cures sore throats.
Tan xiang fragrance
Tan xiang powder and incenses are available in the TCM pharmacies. The best is old tan xiang, which often describes wood that is more than 70 years old.
Place in a burner and light, ensuring there are already ashes in there.
Enjoy the aroma at home.
Benefits: Calms frayed nerves and brings physical and mental peace.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
