Wu's Herbal Classic

Author: Shang Zhijun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This book, authored by Wei Wu Pu, is an important monograph in the traditional Chinese medicine of our country. It was approximately compiled in the 3rd century and lost during the Song Dynasty. According to research, the original "Wu's Herbal Classic" consisted of six volumes, listing 441 medicinal herbs. Each herb includes discussions on its standard name, alternative names, properties, origin, morphology, harvesting time, processing methods, functions, main indications, and compatibility and contraindications. The book extensively incorporates the insights of previous scholars while combining its own practical experience, presenting arguments that are both incisive and comprehensive. Unlike many other "Herbal Classics," it lacks information on origins, the seven emotions and aversions, and the morphology of herbs, making it a masterpiece of herbalism before the Wei Dynasty. It holds significant historical value for studying the development of Chinese herbalism. This edition is a collation and critical edition, primarily compiled from dozens of works such as "Taiping Imperial Review," "Classified Herbal," "Essential Techniques for Farmers," "Literary Compendium," "Records for Beginners," and "Comprehensive Herbal." It also includes textual criticism of the extant and lost passages from these works based on different versions. A total of 270 medicinal herbs are collated, categorized into six groups (such as stones, grasses, etc.) according to Tao Hongjing's classification system. At the end of the book, there are discussions on the author's life, the content and characteristics of the book, among others, for the readers' study and reference.