The Great Collector
Li Shizen and his 11.000
Medicines
A Patron Saint of Chinese Medicine, Movie star Jet Li recently named him one of his personal heroes, and he has been the focus of comic books, popular songs, TV dramas, and films.
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has a rich history spanning over two millennia, originating from ancient practices that utilized plants for their healing properties targeting both the root (ben) and branch/symptoms (biao) The earliest recorded use of herbal medicine in China is found in the 'Shennong Bencao Jing' (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), attributed to the great herbalist Shennong, who is said to have tasted hundreds of herbs to understand their medicinal properties. Compiled during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), this text classified 365 medicinal substances, laying the foundation for the extensive pharmacopeias that followed. The philosophy of CHM is deeply rooted in the balance of Yin and Yang, the Five Phases (Wu Xing), and the concept of Qi (vital energy), aiming to restore harmony within the body through carefully selected herbal combinations.
History Throughout Chinese history, dynasties have contributed to the rich tapestry of herbal medicine. The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) saw the establishment of official medical schools and the compilation of the 'Xin Xiu Ben Cao' the first state-sponsored pharmacopeia. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) marked a pinnacle with Li Shizhen’s 'Bencao Gangmu' (Compendium of Materia Medica), a monumental work documenting over 1,800 substances and 11,000 prescriptions, reflecting a lifetime of meticulous research. Despite challenges from modern Western medicine in the 19th and 20th centuries, Chinese herbal medicine has endured, evolving to integrate with contemporary healthcare practices. Today, it is globally recognized for its holistic approach, efficacy, and the profound understanding of nature's pharmacy, continuing to offer invaluable contributions to health and wellness..