By Eric Brand

The Qing dynasty materia medica text Ben Cao Bei Yao (The Essential Herbal Foundation) was written in 1694 CE by Wang Ang. This book provides us with insight into the actions ascribed to herbs in the Qing dynasty, just prior to the modern era of Chinese medicine. Notably, many of the actions of herbs have changed over the years. Observing the different viewpoints on a given medicinal’s actions over the ages gives us insight into its fundamental nature and broadens our understanding of its potential applications.

Did you know that Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) was once said to nourish yin? The “Shen” in Ku Shen’s name is shared by Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Sha Shen (Adenophorae seu Glehniae Radix), Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix), and Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), all of which have historically been ascribed supplementing properties. Naturally, Ku Shen is still a damp-drying, bitter cold medicinal, so the Ben Cao Bei Yao notes that it shouldn’t be used for liver-kidney vacuity in the absence of heat. That said, it does say that Ku Shen supplements yin and boosts essence, and nourishes the liver and gallbladder. It is also said to quiet the five viscera, disinhibit the nine orifices, engender liquid and allay thirst, and brighten the eyes. One of the additional comments notes that when dampness and heat exit, qi and blood become balanced. Thus, the five viscera are naturally quieted.

Here’s a fun one: Burnt rice. In Asia and the Middle East alike, burnt rice that is stuck to the bottom of the pan is a delicacy, something that kids fight over at the end of the meal. The Ben Cao Bei Yao includes it with the other medicinals, and it is said to open the stomach and fortify the spleen. It also transforms food and checks diarrhea. The explanation given is that the burnt rice has a fragrant qi, which opens the stomach and fortifies the spleen to assist digestion. It is slightly burnt, which causes it to be astringent in nature; thus it checks diarrhea. Yum…

From gold to breast milk to human teeth, the Ben Cao Bei Yao has all kinds of fascinating entries on animal, mineral, and herbal products. Lots of fun reading, too bad there is no market for classical texts in English…

Fortunately, we have this fun blog so I'll keep translating little snippets from time to time. Bookmark our site and keep coming back to visit!