History of Materia Medica: Ancient Chinese Herbal Texts and Their Evolution
This article provides a concise overview of the historical development of Chinese herbal medicine, focusing on key texts like Shen Nong’s Materia Medica and the contributions of famous figures such as Tao Hongjing and Li Shizhen. It explores the evolution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from ancient oral traditions to written compilations that shaped modern herbal practices. Central to this narrative is Li Shizhen’s work, Compendium of Materia Medica, which expanded on earlier works to create one of the most comprehensive herbal texts in Chinese medical history.
Historical Bencao Texts
Shen Nong’s Materia Medica
Zhang Yuxi stated that the Materia Medica, previously attributed to Shen Nong, consisted of three volumes but is not found in the historical records. Even the Book of Han does not record it. However, it is mentioned in the chronicle of the Han Emperor Ping, noting that in the fifth year of the Yuan Shi period, scholars proficient in medicinal herbs were summoned to the imperial capital.
The Biography of Lou Hu mentions that Hu, in his youth, memorized medical texts and herbal formulas comprising hundreds of thousands of characters, and thus the name “Bencao” appears. Tang Dynasty scholar Li Shizhen, drawing from the Liang Dynasty’s Seven Records, proposed that the three-volume Shen Nong Bencao was the earliest materia medica. However, later scholars suspected that it might have been compiled during the Eastern Han period, as some place names mentioned were from that time. The belief that Zhang Ji or Hua Tuo authored it is incorrect.
According to Huainanzi, Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs and endured seventy types of poison in one day, thus founding the medical field. In ancient times, no written records were available, and herbal knowledge was passed down through oral tradition. From the Han Dynasty onwards, renowned physicians like Zhang Ji and Hua Tuo began to compile and annotate ancient knowledge with their insights, leading to the inclusion of Bencao in classical texts.
Notable Commentary on Bencao
Kou Zong believes that while the Book of Han mentions Bencao, its exact origins remain unclear. Works like Shiben and Huainanzi mention that Shen Nong tasted herbs, but there is no specific mention of “Materia Medica.” The Emperors’ Chronicle states that Emperor Huang Di ordered Qibo to taste plants and compile the Materia Medica to treat various illnesses. Thus, the name “Bencao” likely originated with Emperor Huang Di. In ancient times, sages were said to possess innate wisdom, allowing them to identify the properties of plants and their potential to treat human diseases.
Classification of Medicinal Herbs
Li Shizhen said that Shen Nong Bencao divided herbs into three categories, totaling 365 species, corresponding to the number of days in a year. During the Liang Dynasty, Tao Hongjing added 365 more species used by famous doctors from the Han and Wei dynasties, which became known as Famous Doctors’ Bencao. Tao divided his work into seven volumes: the first discussed the properties of medicinal substances, followed by sections on minerals, herbs, trees, animals, fruits, vegetables, grains, and unnamed herbs. He presented this work to Emperor Wu of Liang.