Chinese Herbs & Formulas

Single Herbs Guide
Herbal Formulas & Their Uses
How to Prepare & Use Herbal Medicine

Bencao Gangmu: Bá Qiā (Smilax china)

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Bencao Gangmu: Bá Qiā (Smilax china)

Bá Qiā (Smilax china) Alias Jīngāngténg (Iron Thorn), Tiělíngjiǎo (Iron Horn), Mǎjiālè (Maca), Jīngǔzhùzi (Bone Column), Hóngdēngguǒ (Red Lantern Fruit), Jīngānggēn (Iron Root), Wángguācǎo (King Melon Grass), Jīngānggǔ (Iron Bone), Shānlíér (Mountain Pear), Jīngāngshù (Iron Tree), Tiěshuāzi (Iron Brush), Jīngāngcì (Iron Thorn), Jīngāngtóu (Iron Head), Jiǎbǐxiè (False Rhizoma), Shānlíngjiǎo (Mountain Horn), Bàwángyǐn (Overlord’s Pull), Gōugǔcì … Read more

The Dissemination and Impact of the Compendium of Materia Medica Overseas

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The Dissemination and Impact of the Compendium of Materia Medica Overseas

The Compendium of Materia Medica has been published for centuries, and its academic value continues to shine brightly, becoming a shared scientific treasure for people around the world. Li Shizhen was born in Qichun, Hubei. Both his grandfather and father were physicians. He abandoned Confucianism to pursue medicine and worked in the Imperial Medical Institute, … Read more

Have You Truly Read the Compendium of Materia Medica with Care?

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Have You Truly Read the Compendium of Materia Medica with Care?

I still remember hearing about the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) when I was very young. Since studying medicine, I have always hoped to read it thoroughly. The renowned TCM master Li Shizhen has always been highly regarded. However, a recent article has criticized the Ben Cao Gang Mu for recording many … Read more

Introduction to the Compendium of Materia Medica

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Introduction to the Compendium of Materia Medica

Compendium of Materia Medica The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) was named by Li Shizhen, borrowing the title from Zhu Xi’s Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government (Tongjian Gangmu). He began compiling it in the 31st year of the Jiajing era (1552) and completed it after three revisions in the 6th year of the … Read more

The 16 Medicinal Herbs Mentioned in Jay Chou’s “Compendium of Materia Medica”

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The 16 Medicinal Herbs Mentioned in Jay Chou's "Compendium of Materia Medica"

Does everyone know about the herbs mentioned in Jay Chou’s (周杰伦) “Compendium of Materia Medica”? —— What are the “16 medicinal herbs” mentioned in Jay Chou’s “Compendium of Materia Medica”? Ma Qian Zi (Strychnos nux-vomica), Jue Ming Zi (Cassia seed), Cang Er Zi (Xanthium fruit), Lian Zi (Lotus seed), Huang Yao Zi (Cinnabar), Ku Dou … Read more

The Compendium of Materia Medica

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The Compendium of Materia Medica

Sharing the Compendium of Materia Medica by the Ming Dynasty physician Li Shizhen Li Shizhen (1518—1593), styled Dongbi, later self-styled as Binhushanren, was from Waxiaba (now known as Boshi Street) in Qizhou Town, Qichun County, Hubei Province. He was a renowned medical scientist of the Ming Dynasty. Later, he served as the chief physician at … Read more

The Story of Tianmingjing: Treating Toothache

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The Story of Tianmingjing: Treating Toothache

Author: Shenzhen Baoan Pure Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Hospital, Jin Yuanjun, Mei Quanxi Mei Quanxi Column Ben Cao Gang Mu Volume Fifteen of the Herb Section Tianmingjing Treating Toothache Zhu Ruizhang’s Collected Recipes: When I was appointed to the Huai West government, I suffered from severe toothache. A person used a pinch of herbs. After … Read more

Nasal Medications in the Compendium of Materia Medica

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Nasal Medications in the Compendium of Materia Medica

Introduction: It is rumored that singer Chen Kun once rolled Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica), Bing Pian (Borneol), and Xi Xin (Asarum) in paper, ignited it, and used the smoke to cure Huang Xiaoming’s migraine. The method of nasal medication has existed since ancient times, known for its rapid effects, convenience, ease of learning, and safety. … Read more

Exploring ‘Bencao Gangmu’ Through Poetry

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Exploring 'Bencao Gangmu' Through Poetry

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and ancient poetry are treasures of Chinese culture that have been passed down for thousands of years. The former embodies the benevolence and great love of healers for the world, while the latter uses tonal variations to touch the hearts of people. When TCM meets ancient poetry, it creates a unique … Read more

Traditional Chinese Medicine Popular Science: The Stories of Herbs from “Compendium of Materia Medica”

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Popular Science: The Stories of Herbs from "Compendium of Materia Medica"

Mei Quanxi Column Compendium of Materia Medica Volume Twelve: The Legend of Huang Jing XU Xuan’s “Records of the Divine” states: A maid from a wealthy family in Linchuan escaped into the deep mountains. After a long time, she found wild grass with lovely branches and leaves, took the roots to eat, and was never … Read more