Divine Husbandsman’s Classic of Medicine

The Shennong bencaojing, or Divine Husbandman's Classic of Medicine, is a foundational text in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Attributed to the legendary emperor Shennong, it is believed to have been compiled around the time of Christ. Shennong, also known as the Divine Husbandman, was a mythical figure credited with teaching agriculture and discovering the medicinal properties of plants.1

The text categorizes medicinal substances into three classes: superior (non-poisonous and rejuvenating), medium (with some toxicity, acting as tonics), and inferior (poisonous but effective for reducing fever and aiding digestion). While the Shennong bencaojing is a key historical document, the theoretical underpinnings of TCM, which emphasize maintaining the balance of yin and yang forces in the body, are primarily found in the Huangdi neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic).12