Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica)

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, or "Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica," is an ancient Chinese text attributed to the mythological figure Shen Nong, a legendary emperor and herbalist. Compiled around the 1st century CE, it categorizes over 365 medicinal plants and substances, detailing their properties, uses, and effects on health. This foundational work laid the groundwork for traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing the importance of nature in healing and the relationship between herbs and human well-being. It serves as a key reference for understanding herbal medicine and the therapeutic applications of natural substances.