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Mr. Yinju (Hermit) resides upon the rocky ridges of Maoshan Mountain. In his leisure time after practicing Tuna (breath regulation and health preservation), he showed considerable interest in medical arts, studying the properties of herbs from the Bencao (Materia Medica). He believed that this work fully embodied the intent of the sages, and thus he compiled and expounded upon it. Old traditions all refer to it as the *Shennong Benjing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), which I believe is correct. In ancient times, when Shennong ruled the world, he drew the Eight Trigrams to understand the nature of spirits and gods; he invented farming and planting to reduce the harm of killing living beings; and he promoted the use of medicine to treat diseases, thereby saving lives lost to natural causes. These three paths were further clarified and propagated through successive sages. King Wen of Zhou and Confucius, along with the Tuan (Commentary on the Decision), Xiang (Commentary on the Images), and Yao Ci (Line Statements), profoundly elucidated heavenly principles. Houji and Yi Yin sowed various grains, bestowing benefits upon all living creatures. Qibo, Huangdi (Yellow Emperor), Pengzu, and Bian Que promoted and guided these teachings, their grace flowing to all sentient beings. Over three thousand years have passed, yet people still rely on them today. However, before Xuanyuan (Huangdi), texts had not yet been transmitted. For instance, the guidance of the six lines and images depicting agriculture were established through events and traces. Regarding the therapeutic indications of medicinal properties, they must be understood through a chain of knowledge transmission; otherwise, how could they be known? It was only with Tongjun and Leigong that these were recorded on bamboo slips. This book should be of the same category as the *Suwen* (Basic Questions), though later generations added much embellishment. During the burning of books by Qin Shi Huang, medical prescriptions and divination techniques were spared, allowing them to be preserved intact. However, following the displacement of Emperor Xian of Han and the flight of Emperor Huai of Jin, many documents were burned or scattered. Only three volumes of the *Shennong Bencao* remained. According to vermilion ink notes after Tao Hongjing’s preface in the *Benjing*, the *Bencao Jing* is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower scrolls. The Upper Scroll notes: "Explains the origin of drug properties and discusses the physical diagnosis of disease names." The Middle Scroll states: "Minerals, stones, herbs, and trees, categorized into three grades." The Lower Scroll states: "Insects, beasts, fruits, vegetables, and grains, categorized into three grades." There is no mention of additional prefaces or catalogs outside these three volumes. It is clear that Han Bao’s claim, based on erroneous versions and speculative theories, is incorrect; we should now take the three-volume version as standard. This is his *Benjing*. The commanderies and counties listed were established during the Later Han dynasty, leading one to suspect they were recorded by Zhang Zhongjing or Hua Tuo. It is also said that there exists a *Tongjun Caoyao Lu* (Record of Tongjun’s Herb Gathering), which describes the shapes and colors of flowers and leaves. The *Yaodui* (Drug Pairs), in four volumes, discusses the complementary relationships between drugs. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, figures such as Wu Pu (Note by Chen Yuxi et al.: Wu Pu was from Guangling and a disciple of Hua Tuo. He wrote one volume of *Bencao*.) and Li Dang (Note by Chen Yuxi et al.: A disciple of Hua Tuo. He revised the old Shennong classic, but it was rarely used in the world.) have made further additions and deletions. Some versions list 595 species, others 441, and still others 319. Some mix the three grades, confusing cold and hot properties, failing to distinguish between herbs and minerals, and lacking clarity between insects and beasts. Moreover, the therapeutic indications vary in accuracy and error. Since physicians cannot see all treatments, their understanding and wisdom vary in depth. I have now synthesized the various classics, studied and condensed the complex materials, taking the 365 species of the three grades from the *Shennong Benjing* as the main body, and adding 365 species from famous doctors as supplementary items, totaling 730 species. Both refined and coarse materials are included, with nothing left out. Categories and sections are distinguished, and classes of substances are separated. Notes on usage, geographical origins, and requirements for Daoist immortality practices are included. Combined with this preface and catalog, the work comprises seven volumes. Although it may not fully follow the great masters of the past, it represents a unique compilation. After my death, it can be passed on to those who appreciate it.

Bencao Jing, Volume Upper (Explains the origin of drug properties, discusses the physical diagnosis of disease names, records categories, and details application.)
Bencao Jing, Volume Middle (Minerals, stones, herbs, and trees, three grades.)
Bencao Jing, Volume Lower (Insects, beasts, fruits, vegetables, and grains, three grades; plus 365 species named but unused.)

These three volumes contain 730 species in the Middle and Lower scrolls. Names have separate catalogs, including vermilion and black ink annotations and sub-notes. Currently, these are expanded into seven large-volume editions. (Tang edition note: *Book of Han · Bibliography* mentions the *Huangdi Neijing* and *Waijing*. Ban Gu stated: "Jingfang (Classic Prescriptions) rely on the cold/warm nature of herbs and stones, tracing the depth of diseases." This is Ban Gu’s discussion of Jingfang, without using the name 'Bencao'. Only Liang Dynasty’s *Qilu* lists *Shennong Bencao* in three volumes. Tao Hongjing used this to add his *Bielu* (Separate Records) to create seven volumes. The preface mentions mixed grades, confused cold/hot properties, indistinct herbs/minerals, and unclassified insects/beasts. Does this imply mixing herbs and trees in one grade, and insects and beasts in one section, making reading difficult and illustration hard? Now, the preface forms one volume, examples form one volume, minerals/stones/three grades form three volumes, herbs/three grades form three volumes, trees/three grades form three volumes, birds/beasts form one volume, insects/fish form one volume, fruits form one volume, vegetables form one volume, grains form one volume, and named-but-unused form one volume, totaling twenty volumes. Among these eighteen volumes, there are 850 species: 361 from 'Benjing', 181 from 'Bielu', 115 'Newly Added', and 193 'Named but Unused'.)

Superior drugs (120 species) serve as Sovereigns (Jun), nurturing life to correspond with Heaven. They are non-toxic; long-term or heavy use does not harm the body. Those seeking to lighten the body, boost qi, prevent aging, and prolong life should base their regimen on the Superior Grade.
Medicinal drugs (120 species) serve as Ministers (Chen), nurturing nature to correspond with Humanity. They may be non-toxic or toxic; dosage must be carefully considered. Those seeking to suppress disease and tonify emaciation should base their regimen on the Medicinal Grade.
Inferior drugs (125 species) serve as Assistants and Envoys (Zuo-Shi), treating illness to correspond with Earth. They are mostly toxic and should not be taken long-term. Those seeking to eliminate cold-heat pathogens, break up accumulations, and cure diseases should base their regimen on the Inferior Grade.
The three grades total 365 species, corresponding to the 365 degrees of heaven, one degree per day to complete a year. Doubling this number results in 730 names.
(Note regarding text corruption: The original text likely contained vermilion ink, but due to long copying processes, vermilion and black ink became confused. This led later readers to mistakenly believe these parts were not written by Shennong but added by later authors.)

As stated above, examining the Superior Grade drugs, they can indeed dispel illness, but their action is gentle and profound, not producing immediate effects. However, long-term daily use brings great benefit; once the illness is cured, life is also extended. Heaven’s way is benevolent nurturing, hence it corresponds to Heaven. The 120 species correspond to the months of Yin, Mao, Chen, and Si, mirroring the time when all things grow and flourish.
Medicinal Grade drugs have deeper therapeutic descriptions and weaker claims for lightening the body. For users, they remove afflictions quickly but extend lifespan slowly. Humans possess temperament and nature, hence they correspond to Humanity.
Inferior Grade drugs focus on attack. Their toxic and fierce energy disrupts balance and should not be taken regularly; stop once the illness is cured. Earth’s nature is gathering and killing, hence it corresponds to Earth.
In compounding, one need not use drugs exclusively; usage should follow the patient's condition, combining ingredients. However, the hierarchy of Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Envoy follows the rules mentioned below. If taken singly, this hierarchy does not apply.
Drugs have Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Envoy roles to mutually support and regulate. Compounds should ideally use one Sovereign, two Ministers, three Assistants, and five Envoys; alternatively, one Sovereign, three Ministers, nine Assistants, and five Envoys.
As stated above, prescribing drugs is like establishing social order. Too many Sovereigns and few Ministers, or too many Ministers and few Assistants, leads to an imbalance of qi power. Checking immortal scriptures and secular formulas, this is not always the case. Generally, drugs for nurturing life have more Sovereigns; drugs for nurturing nature have more Ministers; drugs for treating disease have more Assistants. One must consider the inherent nature of the drug and make adjustments. Using this method wisely is beneficial. Furthermore, within the Superior Grade Sovereigns, there are distinctions of nobility and baseness, like feudal lords who acknowledge the Zhou dynasty. Similarly, among Ministers and Assistants, there are hierarchies. For example, Dongchun (Asparagus cochinchinensis) and Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia) have distinct Sovereign/Minister roles; Gancao (Licorice) is the 'State Elder', Dahuang (Rhubarb) is the 'General', indicating their differences in rank. Unless one is a disciple of Nong (Shennong) or Qi (Qibo), who dares to judge correctly? One should grasp the weight and measure for appropriate dosing.
Drugs have Yin-Yang combinations. (Note by Chen Yuxi et al.: All things in heaven and earth have Yin/Yang, size, color, and class. Studying their principles reveals symbolic correspondences. Thus, feathered/furred creatures are born from Yang but belong to Yin; scaled/shelled creatures are born from Yin but belong to Yang. Kongqing (Azurite) corresponds to Wood, hence green and governs the Liver; Dansha (Cinnabar) corresponds to Fire, hence red and governs the Heart; Yunmu (Muscovite) corresponds to Metal, hence white and governs the Lungs; Cihuang (Orpiment) corresponds to Earth, hence yellow and governs the Spleen; Cishi (Magnetite) corresponds to Water, hence black and governs the Kidneys. Other cases can be deduced similarly.) Mother-child relationships, (Note: e.g., Yu Pi (Elm bark) as Mother, Houpo (Magnolia bark) as Child.) roots, stems, flowers, fruits, herbs, minerals, flesh, and bones. Some act alone (Danxing), some require mutual enhancement (Xiangxu), some assist each other (Xiangshi), some fear each other (Xiangwei), some dislike each other (Xiange), some oppose each other (Xiangfan), and some kill each other's toxicity (Xiangsha). Of these Seven Emotions, when compounding, use Xiangxu and Xiangshi for best results; do not use Xiange and Xiangfan. If toxicity needs control, use Xiangwei and Xiangsha; otherwise, do not combine them. (Note: Of 365 species, 71 act alone, 12 enhance mutually, 90 assist, 78 fear, 60 dislike, 18 oppose, 36 kill toxicity.)
As stated above, although therapeutic targets may be similar, if their natures conflict, they cause harm. Examining old formulas, some use Xiange or Xiangfan drugs without causing harm because they are controlled by other ingredients, just as ministers like Guan Zhong and Jia Su supported Han, or Cheng Yaojin and Zhou Tong supported Wu; if the main principle is correct, private conflicts do not cause harm. Nevertheless, it is better not to use them if possible. For example, the Immortal Formula Gancao Wan contains Fangji and Xixin; the Secular Formula Yushi San uses Gualou and Ganjiang. These are general examples. Dozens of other cases are noted separately. Banxia (Pinellia) is toxic and must be used with Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) to counteract its toxicity via Xiangwei. Xiangxu and Xiangshi drugs need not be of the same category, just as soup requires various ingredients, or fish/meat pairs with scallions and fermented soybeans, each having its proper role in mutual promotion.
Drugs have Sour, Salty, Sweet, Bitter, and Pungent Five Flavors, Cold, Hot, Warm, and Cool Four Qi, and Toxic/Non-toxic properties. Methods include drying in shade or sun, harvesting seasons, ripeness, geographical origin, authenticity, age, and freshness, all with specific rules.
As stated above, dosage and weight must be carefully distinguished. If used appropriately to match the disease, recovery and longevity will follow. If cold/hot properties are mismatched, true/false nature ignored, or dosage incorrect, the condition may worsen, even leading to death. Medicine requires intuition. Ancient good physicians were skilled at gauging the right rhythm through insight. As the saying goes: "In common practice, half die wrongly due to lack of good doctors; incompetent treatment is worse than none." Like a cook making soup with eels and turtles, eating it may cause illness rather than satisfy hunger. Thus, Zhongjing said: "Such deaths are caused by foolish doctors."
Drug properties suit different forms: pills, powders, water decoctions, wine maceration, or ointments. Some drugs suit multiple forms; some cannot be boiled.
As stated above, diseases suit different administration methods: pills, powders, decoctions, wine, or ointments. These can be combined, observing the disease source to determine the form.
To treat disease, first examine the source and monitor the pathogenesis. If the Five Zang organs are not deficient, Six Fu organs not exhausted, blood vessels not chaotic, and spirit not scattered, medication will surely succeed. If the disease has formed, half recovery is possible. If the disease momentum has passed, life is hard to save.
As stated above, unless one is a wise physician who listens to sounds, observes colors, and diagnoses pulses, who can know the disease before it manifests? Moreover, healthy people rarely seek self-treatment. Thus, Huan Tou neglected minor skin issues, leading to deep bone marrow disease. Now, not only is understanding difficult, but belief is also hard. Cang Gong said: "Refusing to take medicine is the first cause of death; believing in shamans over doctors is the second; neglecting one's body and failing to be cautious is the third." Although diseases arise from many sources, they all relate to 'Xie' (Pathogens). Xie refers to abnormal causes, not normal human physiology. Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, hunger, fullness, labor, and rest are all pathogens, not just ghostly qi or epidemics. Human life exists in Qi like fish in water; turbid water makes fish weak, confused Qi makes humans sick. Pathogenic invasion is severe; entering meridians and transmitting to Zang-Fu, it forms disease based on deficiency/excess and cold/heat, generating further changes. Spirit resides in the body. When the body is invaded, spirit becomes chaotic. Once spirit is chaotic, ghosts enter, ghostly power strengthens, and spiritual defense weakens, leading to death. Ancients compared this to planting trees, which is accurate. However, some diseases originate from ghosts/spirits and should be dispelled by prayer. Although prayer can help, healing often still requires medicine, as seen in Li Ziyu’s Red Pill case. Cases where medicine is useless, like Duke Jing of Jin’s 'Gao Huang' (deep interior) disease, cannot be dispelled by prayer. Ghostly harm is diverse, but the source of disease is singular, differing only in severity. *Zhengao* states: "Those who fail to be cautious bring about hundreds of illnesses themselves; why blame spirits? Sleeping in wind and dampness while blaming others for lack of cover is foolish. Being cautious means thinking carefully in all actions. Indulging in diet and sex, lacking Yin-Yang restraint, is the root of hundreds of illnesses. This causes internal deficiency and external wind-damp invasion. Such harm is not related to deities but requires diligent medical treatment."
When using toxic drugs to treat disease, start with a dose like millet seeds. Stop when the disease is gone. If not gone, double the dose; if still not gone, increase tenfold. Stop when the disease is cured.
As stated above, currently, single toxic drugs like Badou (Croton seed) and Gansui (Kansui root) should not be given in large doses. As the classic says: One toxic drug, one pill size of fine hemp; two toxic drugs, two pills size of large hemp; three toxic drugs, three pills size of Hu dou (fava bean); four toxic drugs, four pills size of small beans; five toxic drugs, five pills size of large beans; six toxic drugs, six pills size of wutong seeds. From seven to ten, all are wutong seed size, numbered accordingly. Toxicity varies; Yelangdu (Daphne genkwa) and Gouwen (Aconitum coreanum) differ from Fuzi (Prepared Aconite) and Yuanhua (Genkwa flower). All such cases require appropriate measurement. (Tang note: Three toxic drugs, three pills size of small beans... Note: Rabbit droppings are larger than wutong seeds, so substitute fava beans for small beans, small beans for large beans, large beans for rabbit droppings for balance.)
Treat Cold with Hot drugs, Heat with Cold drugs, indigestion with vomiting/purgative drugs, ghostly infection and gu poison with toxic drugs, abscesses and tumors with wound-healing drugs, wind-damp with...
As stated above, one drug may treat over ten diseases; take its primary strength as the basis. Also observe the patient's deficiency/excess, tonification/purging needs, gender, age, suffering/joy, prosperity/emaciation, and local customs, all of which vary. Chu Cheng treated widows and nuns differently from wives' families, understanding their psychological state.
For diseases above the chest/diaphragm, eat first, then take medicine. For diseases below the heart/abdomen, take medicine first, then eat. For diseases in limbs/blood vessels, take on an empty stomach in the morning. For diseases in bone marrow, take when full at night.
As stated above, besides drug properties, timing and frequency must be regulated. "Eat first" and "eat later" refer to this principle. Some require wine, water, cold, or warm administration. Decoctions vary in frequency and preparation (raw vs. cooked). Each has specific methods requiring careful attention.
Major serious diseases include: Wind-stroke, Cold damage, Cold-Heat, Warm Malaria, Evil Infestation, Cholera, Abdominal Distension, Edema, Intestinal Abscess, Dysentery, Urinary/Fecal Retention, Running Piglet Qi, Cough/Vomiting, Jaundice, Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst), Fluid Retention, Food Stagnation, Hard Accumulation, Masses, Startle Evil, Epilepsy, Ghostly Infection, Throat Bi, Toothache, Deafness, Blindness, Metal Wounds, Fractures, Abscesses, Malignant Sores, Hemorrhoids, Goiter; Men's Five Labors and Seven Injuries, Deficiency and Emaciation; Women's Leukorrhea, Metrorrhagia, Blood Closure, Genital Erosion; Insect/Snake/Gu Poison injuries. These are general categories; variations and branches should be addressed according to their origins.
As stated above, current drugs only list one disease name. For example, Wind-stroke has dozens of types, and Cold damage has over twenty patterns. Further categorization is needed, returning to the beginning and end, using inherent nature as the root, then matching symptoms with drugs. Disease variations cannot be generalized. Hence, thousands of medical volumes have not exhausted the principles. Before the Spring and Autumn period, works of He and Huan are unheard of. Daoist classics briefly record Bian Que’s methods, using herb-based logic. Han dynasty formulas by Chunyu Yi and Hua Tuo survive, organizing drug properties. Zhang Zhongjing’s work is the ancestor of all formulas, entirely based on Bencao. His skill lies in pulse diagnosis and understanding climate/qi changes. Techniques like intestinal surgery, rib opening, bone scraping, and tendon knitting are separate arts, not Shennong’s domain. Since the Jin dynasty, good physicians include Zhang Miao, Gong Tai, Liu De, Shi Tuo, Jin Shao, Zhao Quan, Li Ziyu, etc. Nobles like Ruan Deru, Zhang Maoxian, Pei Yimin, Huangfu Shian, and Jiangdong figures like Ge Hong, Cai Mo, and Shang Zhongkan studied pharmacology. Song dynasty figures Yang Xin, Yuan Hui, Hu Qia, Qin Chengzu, and Qi dynasty figures Chu Cheng, Xu Wenbo, and the Sibai brothers cured 80-90% of patients. All these individuals wrote formulas, all rooted in Bencao. Even when using other drugs, they followed their properties without transgression. Fan Wang’s *Fang* (over 100 volumes) and Ge Hong’s *Zhouhou Bei Ji* contain detailed single-drug uses, rural tests, or foreign techniques. Lotus skin disperses blood, originating from cooks; Qian Niu (Pharbitis seed) drains water, emerging from peasants. Garlic paste from bakeries treats snake bites; ground cabbage by the road heals metal wounds. These are things in heaven and earth used for heaven and earth, meeting when encountered, not confined by owners. Yan Guanglu also said: Evaluating the three grades of drug properties relies on Bencao. Daoist classics, immortal formulas, dietary therapy, grain cessation, longevity, anti-aging, and even alchemy (flying cinnabar, refining stones) and transformation rely on drugs.