About Gongjin-hwan
Agarwood from the Daeracheon farm, joined by deer antler velvet, cornelian cherry and angelica root, shaped one pill at a time by traditional preparation.
Gongjin (拱辰),
gathering toward the Pole Star
Gongjin (拱辰) describes the many stars encircling the Pole Star (北辰) and turning toward it. The phrase comes from the "Wei Zheng" chapter of the Analects: "The Pole Star keeps its place, and all the stars turn toward it" (譬如北辰 居其所而衆星共之).
True to its name, Daeracheon Agarwood Gongjin-hwan places agarwood at the center, joined by deer antler velvet, cornelian cherry and angelica root. Each ingredient goes through its own traditional preparation, is finely ground and kneaded with honey, then shaped and wrapped one pill at a time.
Five ingredients
The agarwood is Aquilaria agallocha Roxb., grown on the Daeracheon farm in Ha Tinh, Vietnam.
- 沈香Agarwood
From the Daeracheon farm. Washed in water, briefly rinsed in liquor, then dried.
- 鹿茸Deer antler velvet
Milk-roasting (sogu): soaked in reduced milk, then roasted.
- 山茱萸Cornelian cherry
Steaming with liquor (jujeung): moistened with cheongju, steamed and dried, three times over.
- 當歸Angelica root
Roasting with liquor (juchwo): infused with cheongju, then roasted over low heat.
- 蜂蜜Honey (yeonmil)
Simmered for about 2 hours to remove moisture and impurities. Used to bind the powder.
Making process
Preparation
Each ingredient is washed, soaked in liquor, steamed or roasted.
Ingredient preparation → 02 · 粉末Powdering
Weighed to the formula, ground to 100 mesh and sieved.
Powdering → 03 · 煉合Kneading
Refined honey is added to the blended powder and kneaded evenly.
Kneading → 04 · 製丸Pill-making
Divided into 5 g portions, rolled round and wrapped in pill wrappers.
Pill-making →Before you take it
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a professional first.
- If you are under treatment for a medical condition or taking medication (such as anticoagulants or blood pressure medication), consult a professional first.
- Do not take it if you are allergic to any ingredient, including agarwood, deer antler velvet, cornelian cherry, angelica root or honey.
- Follow the recommended amount, and stop if you notice any discomfort.