Practical Color Atlas of Chinese Medicinal Herbs Second Edition

Author: Yan Wenmei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-01-01
Features: This atlas includes 404 commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, comprising 342 plant-based medicines, 35 animal-based medicines, and 25 mineral-based medicines. It features 553 color images of medicinal materials and preparations, with over 430 images of medicinal materials and 120 images of preparations. The selection criteria for common varieties are as follows: (1) clinically used traditional Chinese medicine varieties nationwide; (2) commonly listed traditional Chinese medicines in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1990 Edition, Volume I); (3) medicinal materials included in the Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine textbooks used in higher and secondary TCM institutions nationwide. The atlas was meticulously compiled after careful selection. The compilers strove for typical samples and rigorous review, ensuring strong scientific accuracy. The images were taken with clear features and realistic colors, accurately reflecting the appearance of the actual medicinal materials. To facilitate readers' use, each variety is accompanied by concise textual descriptions, aligning the images with the text for clarity, achieving the desired effect of simplicity. Therefore, the atlas is characterized by three principles: practicality, simplicity, and high quality. It is worth reading.
Andrographis paniculata [Source] Dried whole plant of the Andrographis paniculata, a plant in the Acanthaceae family.
[Properties and Meridians] Bitter, cold. Enters the Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine meridians.
[Functions] Clears heat and detoxifies, dries dampness and reduces swelling.
[Key Identification Points] This is a whole plant, with an overall greenish appearance. The stem is square, with swollen nodes, multiple branches, and opposite leaves that are lanceolate-shaped. It has an extremely bitter taste. The preparation is short-structured, with a central pith visible on the cross-section, which is white.