Bencao gangmu

Bencao Gangmu (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica) is a Chinese materia medica work written by Li Shizhen during the Ming Dynasty. It is considered one of the most comprehensive and influential books in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

History[edit | edit source]

The Bencao Gangmu was compiled by Li Shizhen over a period of nearly 30 years, and was completed in the year 1578. The work is a culmination of the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine accumulated up until the Ming Dynasty. It is based on the author's extensive studies of medical literature and his own medical practice experience.

Content[edit | edit source]

The Bencao Gangmu is divided into 52 volumes, containing 1,892 entries on individual drugs and over 11,000 prescriptions. The drugs are classified into various categories, including herbs, minerals, and animal products. Each entry provides a detailed description of the drug's source, appearance, medicinal properties, preparation methods, and usage.

The work also includes numerous case studies and observations on the effects of different drugs, providing valuable insights into the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. It is noted for its meticulous classification and detailed descriptions, which have made it a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners of TCM.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Bencao Gangmu has had a profound influence on the development of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been translated into several languages and has been used as a reference in the study and practice of TCM worldwide. The work's comprehensive and systematic approach to the classification and description of medicinal substances has set a standard for subsequent materia medica works.