Abstract
Objectives : Based on the entries on each medicinal's 'specification' and the phrase '所以然' in the Shennong Bencao Baizhonglu, this paper aims to examine Xu Dachun's understanding of herbal medicinals. Methods : One hundred medicinals from the text were sorted into eight categories: Qi, flavor, color, form, quality, nature and characteristic, time of growth, and producer, then examined. Results : 1. Medicinals related to Qi were aromatic and pungent and warm. 2. Medicinals related to flavor were explained according to the Five Flavors' nature in terms of the thing and its functions theory. 3. Medicinals related to color were explained in relation to the Five Colors, whose interpretations were rather erratic. 4. Medicinals related to form were explained as it being possible to figure out their effects based on each medicinal's shape and form. 5. Medicinals related to quality were those that were used to manage dryness and dampness using their dry or wet qualities. 6. Medicinals related to nature and characteristics needed to be understood in their originality to grasp their unique abilities. 7. Both producer and time of growth were closely related to each medicinal's efficacy. Conclusions : Understanding of the application of medicinals in the Shennong Bencaojing through continuous examination into each medicinal's 'specification' and 'its reasoning', together with their clinical application, will allow for learners to build an understanding of herbal medicinals.
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