Chen Xiang (沉香) — Agarwood | TCM Herb Guide

At a Glance

Herb: Chen Xiang
Chinese name: 沉香 (Chén Xiāng)
Latin name: Aquilaria sinensis / agallocha resinous heartwood
Nature: Warm
Taste: Acrid / Bitter
Meridian: Spleen / Stomach / Kidney
Category: Herbs that Regulate Qi
Introduction: Chen Xiang (沉香), Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum, is the resin-impregnated heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis or A. agallocha, formed when the tree responds to injury or fungal infection by producing a dense aromatic resin. One of the most valued aromatic herbs and incense materials, it moves qi downward, warms the middle, and assists the kidney in grasping qi. Modern research identifies sesquiterpenes responsible for its analgesic, antispasmodic, and central nervous system-sedating properties.

Qi stagnation with cold: chest and abdominal pain, distension — combines with Wu Yao, Mu Xiang, Yan Hu Suo
Stomach cold with vomiting, hiccup, belching — combines with Ding Xiang, Rou Gui, Ban Xia
Kidney deficiency failing to grasp qi: chronic asthma, dyspnea on exertion — combines with Fu Zi, Bu Gu Zhi, Rou Gui
Cold hernia pain (lower abdominal cold pain radiating to genitals) — combines with Wu Yao, Xiao Hui Xiang
Constipation from cold accumulation and qi stagnation — combines with Wu Yao, Da Huang

Dosage: 1–5 g in decoction (add near end of cooking — volatile); 0.5–1 g as powder
Do not decoct for a long time — volatile aromatics dissipate quickly
Contraindicated in yin deficiency with empty heat or excess fire patterns
Contraindicated in qi deficiency without stagnation
Very expensive — often substituted with Chen Xiang powder or oil; verify authenticity
Avoid in pregnancy

Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang (沉香降气汤): Chen Xiang, Sha Ren, Zhi Gan Cao, Yan Hu Suo — moves qi downward, relieves cold pain
Si Mo Tang (四磨汤): Chen Xiang, Wu Yao, Bing Lang, Ren Shen — moves qi, relieves constraint, descends rebellious qi
Chen Xiang San (沉香散): Chen Xiang, Rou Gui, Fu Zi, Bu Gu Zhi — warms kidney, assists grasping qi for deficiency asthma
Su He Xiang Wan (苏合香丸): includes Chen Xiang to open orifices and move qi in acute obstruction patterns

乌药 (Wū Yào) + 人参 (Rén Shēn) — kidney yang deficiency with cold qi rising causing chest and abdominal pain, wheezing (四磨汤). 2. 附子 (Fù Zǐ) + 肉桂 (Ròu Guì) — kidney yang deficiency with cold feet, frequent urination, and difficulty breathing on exertion. 3. 木香 (Mù Xiāng) + 槟榔 (Bīng Láng) — qi stagnation with abdominal distension and pain. 4. 半夏 (Bàn Xià) + 生姜 (Shēng Jiāng) — stomach cold with nausea and hiccup. 5. 肉苁蓉 (Ròu Cōng Róng) + 巴戟天 (Bā Jǐ Tiān) — kidney yang deficiency with constipation. Source: 济生方 (四磨汤), 本草纲目.

chromones
- Bronchodilatory: relax airway smooth muscle via β₂ receptor activation
- Bronchodilatory: reduce histamine-induced bronchoconstriction
- Antidiabetic: improve insulin sensitivity and reduce postprandial glucose
sesquiterpenes
- Analgesic: modulate opioid receptors
- Analgesic: reduce acetic acid-induced writhing
Antinausea/antiemetic
- reduces cisplatin-induced emesis
- inhibits 5-HT₃ receptors
agarospirol
- Sedative: modulates GABA-A
- Sedative: reduces spontaneous locomotion and anxiety
2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones
- Antitumor: inhibit NF-κB and induce apoptosis in lung and colon cancer lines

Ming Yi Bie Lu (《名医别录》): ‘Treats wind-water toxin swelling, eliminates foul qi, governs Heart and abdominal pain, sudden turmoil and malevolence, pathogenic ghost-entry qi; clears the human spirit; decocted in wine and taken is appropriate for all.’
Ben Cao Gang Mu (《本草纲目》): ‘Treats upper heat with lower cold, qi counterflow and rapid breathing, Large Intestine deficiency obstruction, urinary qi strangury, and male seminal cold.’
Ben Cao Bei Yao (《本草备要》): ‘Acrid and bitter, warm in nature; among all woods this one alone sinks in water; hence it can descend qi, precipitate phlegm and drool, warm essence and strengthen yang, move qi and stop pain.’