Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a vast and rich pharmacopoeia that includes thousands of medicinal substances. Historically, over 13,000 natural substances have been recorded, encompassing not only herbs (plant-based materials) but also minerals and animal-derived ingredients. However, in practical and clinical use, the number is more focused. Approximately 300 to 600 herbs are used regularly by practitioners, with 300 to 400 being the most commonly prescribed.
These herbs are selected based on their therapeutic properties, which are described using the unique theoretical framework of TCM. Each herb has attributes such as nature (e.g., cold, hot, warm, neutral), flavor (e.g., sweet, bitter, sour, pungent, salty), and meridian tropism, meaning the organs or energy pathways it targets. This holistic classification helps guide practitioners in formulating combinations of herbs tailored to individual patient needs.
Important classical texts like the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu, 1596) documented nearly 1,900 medicinal substances, while modern references such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia continue to standardize and regulate hundreds of herbs for clinical and commercial use. These modern compilations prioritize safety, efficacy, and scientific validation.
While the total number of known herbs is high, TCM emphasizes quality and synergy over quantity. Many formulas rely on a small group of well-known herbs, combined in precise ratios to enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects.
In summary, although Chinese medicine recognizes thousands of herbs, only a few hundred are in common clinical use today. This balance reflects both the tradition’s deep historical roots and its ongoing evolution based on modern research and clinical practices.
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