Shen Nong's Herbal Classic Commentary

Author: Miao Xiyong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-02-01
Features: Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing Shu, written by Miao Xiyong (Zhongchun) of the Ming Dynasty, was first published in the fourth year of the Tianqi era (1642 AD). It is a clinical medication monograph of the Ming Dynasty with academic value second only to Ben Cao Gang Mu. The book consists of 30 volumes. The first two volumes serve as general discussions, including 33 specialized essays on pharmaceutical principles, where the famous "Three Essentials for Treating Hemoptysis" (it is better to regulate qi than to reduce fire, better to promote blood circulation than to stop bleeding, and better to nourish the liver than to damage it) are elaborated. The remaining 28 volumes cover 490 medicinal herbs. Each herb is accompanied by a "Shu" section explaining the theory of its properties and therapeutic effects, a "Main Indications and Combinations" section listing its applications and practical formulas, and a "Brief Errors" section highlighting common mistakes in usage. The book focuses on the theory of clinical medication, drawing heavily on the author's extensive experience in drug use. Its content is both comprehensive and practical, exerting a significant influence on the development of clinical pharmaceuticals in traditional Chinese medicine after the late Ming Dynasty. This edition is based on the original publication by Zhu Ruxian of the Tianqi era and the revised version (Mao's Lujunting edition), with annotations and references from various sources to provide readers with a valuable resource.