Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Inferior Class

  • Shi Wei (Folium Polypodii Linguae)

    • Bitter and balanced.

    • Treats taxation heat evil qi and five dribbling blocks.

    • Disinhibits urination by clearing water passageways.

    • Grows over rocks in mountains and valleys.

  • Bai He (Bulbus Lilii)

    • Sweet and balanced.

    • Treats evil qi, abdominal distention, and heart pain.

    • Disinhibits urination and defecation, supplements center, boosts qi.

    • Grows in rivers and valleys.

  • Ying Shi (Semen Rosae Multiflorae)

    • Sour and warm.

    • Treats flat abscesses, malign sores, and various infections.

    • Disinhibits joints, assists in healing sprained sinews, and putrefying sores.

    • Grows in valleys.

  • Zi Shen (Radix Salviae Chinensis)

    • Bitter and cold.

    • Treats accumulations in the heart/abdomen, cold and heat evil qi.

    • Frees nine orifices, disinhibits urination and defecation.

    • Grows in rivers and valleys.

  • Mu Dan (Cortex Radicis Moutan)

    • Acrid and cold.

    • Treats cold and heat conditions, wind stroke, and fright epilepsy.

    • Drains heat from blood, harmonizes yin and yang.

  • Wang Gua (Radix Trichosanthis Cucumeroidis)

    • Bitter and cold.

    • Treats wasting thirst, blood stasis, and menstrual block.

    • Cures abscesses and sores, boosts qi.

    • Grows in plains and swamps.

Key Concepts of Herbs

  • Urinary block: Refers to fluid stoppages, connected to various fluids (e.g., sweat, urine).

  • Moutan: Drains fire hidden in blood, treats conditions involving stagnation and propping fullness.

  • Lily: Balances vibrant energies, often regarded as a food supplement.

Further Medicinal Properties

  • Focus on draining heat, moving blood, and expelling stagnation through the application of different herbs.

Herbs: Inferior Class Continued

  • Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei)

    • Bitter, cold, and toxic.

    • Treats cough, congestion, and flushes intestines.

    • Grows in rivers and valleys.

  • Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae)

    • Bitter and warm.

    • Treats cough, panting and flushes the stomach/intestines.

  • Ze Qi (Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopiae)

    • Bitter, slightly cold.

    • Treats skin fever and abdominal swelling.

    • Grows in rivers and swamps.

  • Gan Sui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui)

    • Bitter, cold, and toxic.

    • Treats severe abdominal conditions and discharges harmful accumulations.

  • Ting Li (Semen Lepidii Seu Descurainiae)

    • Acrid and cold.

    • Aids in alleviating cold and heat, making it beneficial for rheum problems.

Additional Descriptions

  • Da Ji (Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici)

    • Bitter and cold.

    • Treats abdominal pain and skin issues.

  • Yao Hua (Flos Wikstroemiae Japonicae)

    • Bitter and cold.

    • Effectively treats cold damage and flushes down collected properties.

  • Gou Wen (Herba Gelsemii Elegantis)

    • Acrid and warm.

    • Treats various injuries and skin ailments.

Herbs: Middle Class

  • Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)

    • Sweet and balanced.

    • Treats heart/abdomen related issues, boosts general vitality.

    • Grows in rivers and valleys.

  • Juan Bai (Herba Selaginellae Involvensis)

    • Acrid and balanced.

    • Addresses qi blockages throughout the viscera, enhances vitality.

  • Chi Jian (Herba Gastrodiae Elatae)

    • Acrid and warm.

    • Effective against malign symptoms and assists in extraction of toxins.

Health Benefits and Uses

  • Continuous consumption of these herbs can rejuvenate and prolong life. They support physical strength, improve moods, and enhance memory retention.

Herbs: Superior Class

  • Ganoderma (Various Types):

    • Enhance longevity and spiritual cultivation.

    • Different varieties provide distinct benefits, e.g., boosting qi, aiding memory, and preventing senility.

    • Mainly grown in mountain and valley regions.

  • Tian Men Dong (Tuber Asparagi Cochinensis)

    • Bitter and balanced.

    • Treats various physical impairments and strengthens overall health.

  • Wei Rui (Rhizoma Polyganati Odorati)

    • Sweet and balanced.

    • Nourishes bone marrow, effective against parasitic infections.

Concluding Remarks

  • Overall, understanding the properties and applications of each herbal remedy not only aids in physical health but also aligns with broader wellness practices steeped in historical medicinal traditions.