Tan Xiang, 1lb

Tan Xiang - Sandalwood Heartwood

Premium Raw TCM Herb - 1 Pound Package

- Lignum Santali Albi

Tan Xiang, commonly known as Sandalwood or Santalum, is a precious Traditional Chinese Medicine herb derived from the aromatic heartwood of the sandalwood tree. This warm and acrid herb is highly valued for its ability to regulate Qi, harmonize the middle jiao, and alleviate pain, making it particularly effective for treating various digestive disorders and circulatory conditions.

Beyond its medicinal applications, Tan Xiang has been treasured for centuries for its distinctive aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits. This premium-grade sandalwood heartwood is carefully sourced and processed to maintain its therapeutic potency and characteristic fragrance, ensuring optimal effectiveness for both traditional formulations and modern clinical applications.

TCM Herb Profile

Pharmaceutical Latin: Lignum Santali Albi
Common English: Sandalwood, Santalum, Heartwood
Category: Herbs that Regulate Qi
Taste: Acrid, Aromatic
Temperature: Warm
Channels Entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach, (Heart), (Liver), (Kidney)
TCM Actions: Promotes movement of Qi, harmonizes the Middle Jiao and alleviates pain, dispels Cold and improves digestion, removes Blood Stagnation
TCM Patterns: Qi Stagnation, Stomach Cold, Blood Stagnation patterns

Primary Actions & Therapeutic Uses

Key Actions:

• Promotes Movement of Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Jiao: Effectively treats pain associated with Qi stagnation in the chest and abdomen, particularly digestive disorders
• Dispels Cold and Improves Digestion: Addresses stomach cold patterns with poor digestion, bloating, and digestive discomfort
• Removes Blood Stagnation: Helps improve circulation and treats conditions involving blood stasis
• Treats Coronary Artery Disease: Modern applications include cardiovascular support and treatment of coronary artery conditions

Clinical Applications

TCM Symptomology:

• Pain associated with Qi stagnation in chest and abdomen
• Stomach cold with poor digestion and bloating
• Blood stagnation patterns with circulatory issues
• Stagnant Lung Qi with chest tightness
• Digestive disorders with cold symptoms
• Chest pain due to cold or Qi stagnation
• Angina pectoris and heart-related chest pain
• Abdominal pain from digestive stagnation

Western Symptomology:

• Coronary artery disease and angina
• Digestive disorders and gastroparesis
• Chest pain and tightness
• Poor circulation and blood flow issues
• Abdominal pain and digestive discomfort
• Respiratory congestion and lung-related issues
• Urinary tract infections (as disinfectant)
• Stress-related digestive problems
• Cardiovascular circulation disorders

Specialized Therapeutic Applications

Pain Management: Tan Xiang is primarily recognized for treating pain syndromes, especially those involving stomach disorders and angina pectoris. Its ability to move Qi and improve circulation makes it particularly valuable for pain conditions related to stagnation rather than inflammation.

Cardiovascular Support: Modern research and clinical applications have demonstrated Tan Xiang's effectiveness in treating coronary artery disease. Its circulation-promoting properties help improve blood flow and reduce cardiovascular symptoms.

Respiratory Benefits: The herb is particularly beneficial for stagnant Lung Qi conditions, helping to open the chest, improve breathing, and alleviate respiratory congestion.

Urinary Tract Support: In Western herbal traditions, sandalwood is regarded as a urinary tract disinfectant, and some sources note its diuretic properties, making it useful for certain urological conditions.

Aromatic & Therapeutic Properties

The distinctive aromatic qualities of Tan Xiang are not merely aesthetic but contribute significantly to its therapeutic effects. The aromatic compounds help to move Qi, calm the mind, and create a harmonizing effect throughout the body. This makes it valuable not only as an internal medicine but also for aromatherapeutic applications.

The warm, sweet, and woody fragrance has been prized for centuries in both medicinal and spiritual practices, reflecting its ability to harmonize both physical and emotional imbalances.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications:

• Not suitable for those with Yin Deficiency with Heat signs
• Contraindicated for those with Excess Fire conditions
• Use with caution during pregnancy
• Avoid in cases of acute inflammation or high fever

Herb Combinations & Comparisons

Comparison with Mu Xiang (Aucklandia):

Both Tan Xiang and Mu Xiang have similar Qi-regulating functions, but their applications differ slightly. Tan Xiang is stronger at relieving chest pain due to cold or Qi stagnation, making it particularly valuable for cardiac and respiratory conditions. Mu Xiang is more effective at relieving abdominal pain caused by cold and Qi stagnation, making it better suited for digestive disorders.

Quality & Sourcing

Authentic Tan Xiang should possess a rich, sweet, woody aroma with no musty or off odors. The heartwood should be dense, aromatic, and free from insect damage or decay. Premium grades typically come from mature trees and exhibit the most potent therapeutic properties and aromatic qualities.

Due to sustainability concerns with wild sandalwood, responsible sourcing from cultivated sources ensures both therapeutic quality and environmental protection.

Preparation Methods

Tan Xiang can be prepared in various ways depending on the intended application. For decoctions, it should be added during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to preserve its volatile aromatic compounds. It can also be ground into powder for internal use or prepared as essential oil for aromatherapeutic applications.

Recommended Dosage

Decoction: 1-5g daily

Always consult with a qualified TCM practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations

Product Specifications

• Form: Raw bulk herb (sandalwood heartwood pieces)
• Package Size: 1 pound (454 grams)
• Quality: Premium grade, authentic sandalwood heartwood
• Aroma: Rich, sweet, woody fragrance characteristic of quality sandalwood
• Storage: Store in airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Shelf Life: 3-5 years when properly stored (aromatic woods have extended shelf life)
• Preparation: Suitable for decoctions, powders, and aromatherapeutic applications