Long Xianxiang, also known as gray amber in the west, is a solid waxy combustible substance with dark gray or black appearance, which is caused by intestinal obstruction in the digestive system of whales. Because it fails to digest the beak bones of squid and octopus, it will form a solid with secretions in the intestine and then spit it out. Long Xianxiang, which has just been spat out, is dark and soft, and smells bad. But after years of washing by sunshine, air and sea water, it will become hard, fade and smell fragrant.
It can be used as perfume, and Long Xianxiang is also the most precious traditional Chinese medicine in various animal droppings, which is extremely rare. Since ancient times, Long Xianxiang has been used as a high-grade spice, which is expensive and almost equal to gold. It is recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica that Long Xianxiang can "promote blood circulation, benefit essence, help Yang Dao and promote blood circulation". Long Xianxiang is a precious Chinese medicine for treating diseases and strengthening the body.
Matters needing attention and main points of Long Xianxiang:
Although Long Xianxiang is the vomit or excrement of sperm whales, Long Xianxiang is indeed a very valuable spice. In England, when a man was walking by the sea, he found a big yellow stone on the beach. It smelled bad, but he took it home out of curiosity and found it was a valuable "Long Xianxiang".
The ancients used stench to describe the smell of Long Xianxiang. However, in some literary works, the smell of Long Xianxiang is described as extremely elegant and moving, and it is often called "Tianxiang". In fact, the "Long Xianxiang" here refers to the compound incense named "Dragon Spice", which is mostly made of musk deer and mixed with various spices, and is named after "Dragon Spice", taking its precious and rare meaning.
Reference to the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Long Xiang Yan