Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica)

The *Bencao Gangmu*, or *Compendium of Materia Medica*, is a seminal 16th-century Chinese text written by Li Shizhen. It systematically categorizes thousands of medicinal herbs, animals, and minerals, detailing their properties, uses, and preparation methods. The work serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of traditional Chinese medicine, blending empirical knowledge and cultural insights. It reflects the understanding of health and healing in its time, influencing both Eastern and Western medicine. The *Bencao Gangmu* is still referenced today, highlighting the enduring importance of traditional practices in herbal medicine and natural health.