The Classics of China: Focus on the Compendium of Materia Medica

The Classics of China: Focus on the Compendium of Materia Medica

Click the blue text Follow us This Herb Issue Four Outline Contents Written by Li Shizhen, the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) is a culmination of pre-Ming dynasty materia medica studies, and it was the first to adopt a systematic classification of medicinal substances, pioneering the way for future materia medica texts. The book … Read more

The Historical Challenges Faced by the Compendium of Materia Medica: What is the Truth?

The Historical Challenges Faced by the Compendium of Materia Medica: What is the Truth?

Click on the “blue word” to follow us! In the current battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played an important role. As the sacred text of TCM, the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), compiled over 500 years ago, recorded many effective methods for disaster prevention and epidemic control. … Read more

Li Shizhen: Compendium of Materia Medica

Li Shizhen: Compendium of Materia Medica

《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

Is What We Don’t Understand in the Compendium of Materia Medica Just Dross?

Is What We Don't Understand in the Compendium of Materia Medica Just Dross?

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

Exploring the Secrets of the Compendium of Materia Medica

Exploring the Secrets of the Compendium of Materia Medica

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

Introduction to Different Versions of the Compendium of Materia Medica

Introduction to Different Versions of the Compendium of Materia Medica

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

Bencao Gangmu: The Ancient Encyclopedia of China

Bencao Gangmu: The Ancient Encyclopedia of China

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

The Rise of ‘Bencao Gangmu’: How Much TCM Knowledge is in the Lyrics?

The Rise of 'Bencao Gangmu': How Much TCM Knowledge is in the Lyrics?

“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

A Discussion on the Scientific Methods of Epidemic Prevention in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” and the Publishing Challenges Faced by Li Shizhen

A Discussion on the Scientific Methods of Epidemic Prevention in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" and the Publishing Challenges Faced by Li Shizhen

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

Yan Peng and Hu Yunkai: Li Shizhen Completed the ‘Compendium of Materia Medica’ in Pengxi County, Sichuan

Yan Peng and Hu Yunkai: Li Shizhen Completed the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' in Pengxi County, Sichuan

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