Practical Color Atlas of Chinese Herbal Medicine (Second Edition) (Second Edition)

Author: Yan Wenmei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1992-08-01
Features: This atlas includes 404 commonly used Chinese herbal medicines, comprising 342 plant-based herbs, 35 animal-based herbs, and 25 mineral-based herbs. It features 553 color images of medicinal materials and decoctions, including over 430 images of medicinal materials and 120 images of decoctions. The selection criteria for commonly used varieties are: (1) clinically used Chinese herbal medicines nationwide; (2) commonly listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1990 Edition, Volume I); and (3) varieties included in the Textbook of Chinese Materia Medica used in higher and secondary institutions of Chinese medicine nationwide. The atlas was meticulously compiled after careful selection. The compilers strove to ensure the typicality of medicinal material and decoction samples, conducted strict reviews, and maintained strong scientific accuracy. The images were taken with clear features and realistic colors, so the images of medicinal materials and decoctions accurately reflect the appearance of the real objects. To facilitate the use of this atlas, each variety is accompanied by concise text descriptions, complementing the images and making the information easily comprehensible, achieving the desired effect of simplicity. Therefore, this atlas is characterized by three principles: practicality, simplicity, and high quality. It is worth reading.
Andrographis paniculata [Source] The dried aerial parts of the plant Andrographis paniculata from the Acanthaceae family.
[Properties and Meridians] Bitter, cold. Acts on the Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine meridians.
[Functions] Clear heat, resolve toxicity, dry dampness, and reduce swelling.
[Key Identification Points] This is the whole plant, uniformly green, with square stems, swollen nodes, multiple branches, and opposite leaves. The leaves are lanceolate-shaped and extremely bitter in taste. The decoction pieces are short, segmented, with a central pith that appears white when cross-sectioned.