Chinese Incense Culture(香学)
Han Dynasty · Aromatic Medicines Entering Classical Formulas
Before the Han Dynasty, aromatic medicines were already used as medicine; materia medica and Shanghan laid the foundation.
Han Dynasty · Aromatic Medicines Entering Classical Formulas
Shennong Bencao Jing
Lists agarwood, musk, and costus as top-grade, stating "taken long-term, it lightens the body and boosts qi," opening the source of aromatic medicine in materia medica.
Zhang Zhongjing's Shanghan Lun and Jingui
Using aromatic medicines such as costus, chuanxiong, angelica, and asarum to regulate qi and invigorate blood, aromatic medicines formally entered the classical formula system of Shanghan.
Hua Tuo's Mafeisan
Using aromatic medicines (such as datura) for anesthesia, opening the use of aromatic medicines in surgery.