Bencao

Bencao (also known as Materia Medica) is a Chinese term referring to the study and use of medicinal substances traditionally derived from natural sources. The term is often used to describe ancient Chinese pharmacopoeia books, which provide comprehensive information on medicinal substances and their applications.

History

The history of Bencao dates back to the Han Dynasty, with the earliest known Bencao text being the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Classic of Herbal Medicine). This text, attributed to the mythical emperor Shennong, is considered the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia. It contains descriptions of 365 medicinal substances, including plants, minerals, and animal products.

Classification

In traditional Bencao texts, medicinal substances are often classified according to their nature (hot, cold, warm, cool), taste (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, salty), and the organs they affect. This classification system is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang and the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body.

Modern Bencao

Modern Bencao texts, such as the Zhonghua Bencao (Chinese Materia Medica), incorporate findings from modern scientific research, including chemical analysis and clinical trials. These texts provide detailed information on the identification, cultivation, collection, preparation, and use of medicinal substances, as well as their pharmacological effects and potential side effects.

See also

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Pharmacopoeia
• Herbalism
• Medicinal plants

References

Bencao Resources
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