Maqianzi (马钱子 Strychnos), A Poisonous Medicinal Native to the Western Regions

Maqianzi(马钱子Strychnos)is also called“Fanmubie(番木鳖),"“Kushi(苦实)”and“QianJi drug(牵机药).”The alias“Fanmubie”shows its origin and its characteristics.The name of“Kushi”implies its taste and flavor.“Qianji Drug vividly shows the clinical manifestations of the poisoning of Maqianzi.The name of“Maqianzi”is the comprehensive display of its characteristic,toxicity,etc.,Maqianzi is famous for its poison,which is often used in the treatment of various intractable diseases.It shows the poison Culture in the Western Regions,meanwhile it also displays the unique charm of Traditional herbs in transforming poison into treasure.

Styrax, Emperor’s Cream from the Western Regions

Styrax is also called“emperor’s cream”and“consciousness-regaining spice.”The alias“emperor’s cream”shows its rarity and preciousness with a strong aroma,and another name of“consciousness-regaining spice”implies its functions of active brain and regaining consciousness,dispelling filth with aroma,and relieving pain.The name of“Styrax”displays its complex productive progress and place of origin.With thick quality,heavyweight,and fragrant smell,Styrax gets further application in beauty,skin care,clothes fumigating,and health keeping after introduced into the Central Plains(central China)from the Western Regions.The name of Styrax not only embodies the mellow appeal of spice culture in the Western Regions but also suggests the history of relationship between foreign culture and traditional Chinese medicine.Furthermore,it indicates the broad mind of“all rivers running into sea”and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.

Frankincense,a Special Spice Walking Along the Silk Road

Frankincense is also called“Fumigated land,”“Horsetail spice,”and“Godsend spice.”The alias“Fumigated land”shows its strong fragrance that can cover the whole land.The name of“Horsetail spice”implies its morphologic characteristics and mild effects,and another name of“Godsend spice”indicates its functions of relieving swelling and pain,healing sore,and growing muscle,as if it is the grace donated by God.The name of“Frankincense”displays its complex productive progress.With thick quality and strong fragrance,frankincense acts as daily supplies for religious activities and folk activities due to its low price and a wide range of uses in medicine and daily life.Frankincense shows the infinite charm of spice culture along the Silk Road from the distant Western Regions to the East.At the same time,it enriches the treasure house of traditional Chinese medicine and becomes one of the most popular spices in both eastern and western,nobility and common.