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.