《本草纲目》 (Compendium of Materia Medica) is a monumental work compiled by the great Ming dynasty physician Li Shizhen (1518–1593) to correct errors in ancient medical texts. He dedicated his life to this endeavor, conducting extensive research and practical experience, culminating in a comprehensive summary of materia medica over a period of 29 years, representing over … Read more
Introduction: Who is Li Shizhen? It is said that he was a master of internal cultivation; otherwise, how could he have written such a great medical work in ancient times using only his nose, eyes, and tongue? The book records many medicines that leave us astonished and even challenge our worldview. We do not understand … Read more
Fang Zhou Kai Qi Use Heart to Exchange Tickets The most influential pharmacological monograph in the world is undoubtedly the “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu) written by the Ming dynasty physician Li Shizhen (1518-1593). In 2008, the State Council approved the first batch of the “National Precious Ancient Books Directory,” and Li Shizhen’s “Compendium … Read more
The Digital Specimen Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine is a key platform developed by the Zhejiang Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Inspection, serving as a regulatory exchange platform for traditional Chinese medicine, a cultural heritage platform, and a public health information platform. It aims to provide technical inquiries about Chinese medicinal materials, business communication … Read more
01 Bencao Gangmu (本草纲目) was completed in 1550 BC, consisting of fifty-two volumes. The author spent nearly thirty years compiling it, including 1,892 types of medicinal substances and over 1,000 illustrations of herbs, elaborating on the properties, therapeutic effects, usage rules, origins, forms, collection, processing, and compatibility of these substances, along with over 10,000 prescriptions. … Read more
“Liu Genghong Girls,” Have you “Bencao Gangmu” today? “Bencao Gangmu”Lyrics by: Fang WenshanMusic by: Jay ChouOriginal singer: Jay ChouIf Hua Tuo were alive again, all foreign influences would be treatedForeigners come to learn Chinese characters, igniting my national consciousnessMa Qianzi (Strychnos nux-vomica), Jue Ming Zi (Cassia seed), Cang Er Zi (Xanthium fruit), and lotus seedsHuang … Read more
In the current battle against the COVID-19 pandemic in China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played a significant role. The TCM classic, the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), compiled over 500 years ago, documented many effective methods for disaster and epidemic prevention. In terms of air disinfection, burning substances such as Chen … Read more
The Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) is the most significant achievement of the renowned Ming dynasty physician and pharmacologist Li Shizhen. It is a monumental work that encapsulates his lifelong learning and is a comprehensive compilation of earlier materia medica texts. Its influence has lasted for over 400 years, holding an important … Read more
“If Hua Tuo were to be reborn, he would treat foreign visitors who come to learn Chinese characters and promote national consciousness.” This familiar melody plays, let me see, who is dancing the “Jianzi dance”? This internet-famous song is Jay Chou’s “Compendium of Materia Medica”. But do you know what the real “Compendium of Materia … Read more
The Story of Famous Physicians The medicinal substances recorded in the medical book “Bencao” (本草) were originally passed down from Shennong, totaling only three hundred sixty-five types. During the Liang Dynasty, Tao Hongjing added three hundred sixty-five more, bringing the total to seven hundred thirty types. In the Tang Dynasty, Su Gong added one hundred … Read more