Shennong
Shennong (also known as The Divine Farmer) is a legendary figure in Chinese mythology and culture. He is considered one of the ancient Chinese emperors and cultural heroes. Shennong is traditionally credited with teaching the ancient Chinese not only their practices of agriculture, but also the use of herbal drugs.
Mythology[edit | edit source]
Shennong is said to have tasted hundreds of herbs to test their medical value. The most well-known work attributed to Shennong is The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic (Shennong Ben Cao Jing), which is considered to be the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeia. It lists 365 medicinal plants and their uses - including ma huang, the shrub that introduced the drug ephedrine to modern medicine.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Shennong's teachings continue to influence traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbalism today. He is often depicted in literature and paintings, symbolizing the ancient Chinese people's spirit of bold experimentation and constant exploration.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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