Ben Cao Gang Mu

"Ben Cao Gang Mu," also known as the "Compendium of Materia Medica," is a foundational text in traditional Chinese medicine, authored by Li Shizhen in the 16th century. It catalogs thousands of medicinal substances, including plants, animals, and minerals, detailing their properties, uses, and preparation methods. The work is renowned for its systematic approach and comprehensive descriptions, blending scientific observations with cultural knowledge. It has significantly influenced herbal medicine practices not only in China but also across Asia, serving as a reference for practitioners and scholars in understanding natural remedies and their applications in health care.