Click the blue text above to follow us Zhao Zhongzhen: 200 Lectures on the Health Wisdom of the Compendium of Materia Medica Now available on Himalaya For more interesting content, click Read the original text to listen Grasping the Essentials Hello friends! I am Zhao Zhongzhen. When reading a book, it is essential to analyze … Read more
Many people have studied the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), and research on it has almost become a specialized academic discipline. My reflections on reading the Ben Cao Gang Mu are merely a small insight into this great work. In the opening section of Li Shizhen‘s Ben Cao Gang Mu, the principles … Read more
2015 Xiling Spring Auction The Compendium of Materia Medica (Zuben) Compiled by Li Shizhen (明) Published in the 18th year of the Wanli era (1590) by Hu Chenglong in Jinling 21 volumes, cotton paper Collection seal: Yurun Tang Library Seal (red) Half frame: 19.3×14.3cm, open size: 26.1×16.3cm Summary: This is the first printed edition of … Read more
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
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
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
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
This article is adapted from: The Cry in My Heart Although medical texts are said to be life-saving books, they are often lifeless, leaving readers with a sense of blandness and distaste. When faced with vibrant life, medical practitioners and literary figures are entirely different; the former must strip away all poetic elements, using a … Read more
Follow Famous TCM Formulas to discuss Traditional Chinese Medicine together! A historical coincidence or mistake often leaves behind irreparable errors, untraceable truths, or perplexing enigmas for future generations… To Practice Medicine or to Be an Official? That Is the Question Those familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese history should know about the book “Compendium … Read more
Call Number: R281.3/48 Author Biography Li Shizhen (1518–1593), styled Dongbi, later self-named Binhushanren, was a great medical scientist of ancient China from Qizhou (now Qichun County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province) during the Ming Dynasty. He authored the renowned pharmacological work, Ben Cao Gang Mu (The Compendium of Materia Medica). Li Shizhen also studied pulse diagnosis … Read more