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Chapter 3 of 33
神农本草经
The general introduction to the Upper Volume of the Shennong Bencao Jing states: Superior-grade medicines (the category of drugs that the ancients classified as nourishing and gentle in nature) total one hundred and twenty kinds. In terms of prescription hierarchies, they belong to the level of "sovereign medicines" (the principal drugs in a formula that play the primary therapeutic role). Their main function is to nourish life and align with the natural Way of Heaven. They are mild in nature and free from toxicity. The ancients believed that taking such medicines in greater quantities or over extended periods would not harm the human body. Those who wish to achieve bodily lightness, replenish primordial qi, delay aging, and prolong longevity should base their approach on the Upper Volume.
Following this, the text first lists eighteen superior-grade jade and stone medicines: Cinnabar (丹沙, now commonly written 丹砂), Mica, Jade Spring, Stalactite, Alunite (涅石), Niter (消石), Mirabilite (朴消), Talc, Chalcanthite (石胆), Azurite (空青), Chrysocolla (曾青), Limonite (禹余粮), Terra Yamogenite (太乙余粮), White Quartz, Purple Quartz, Five-colored Kaolinite (五色石脂), White Chalcedony (白青), and Planchéite (扁青).
Next are listed the superior-grade herbs (herbal section), including: Acorus calamus (菖蒲), Chrysanthemum flower (鞠华), Ginseng (人参), Asparagus cochinchinensis (天门冬), Licorice (甘草), Rehmannia root (干地黄), Atractylodes (术), Cuscuta seed (菟丝子), Achyranthes root (牛膝), Leonurus seed (充蔚子, now commonly written 茺蔚子), Polygonatum (女萎), Peucedanum root (防葵), Bupleurum root (柴胡), Ophiopogon root (麦门冬), Angelica pubescens root (独活), Plantago seed (车前子), Saussurea root (木香), Dioscorea (署豫, i.e., 薯蓣/Chinese yam), Coix seed (薏苡仁), Alisma rhizome (泽泻), Polygala root (远志), Gentiana scabra root (龙胆), Asarum root (细辛), Dendrobium (石斛), Morinda root (巴戟天), Solanum lyratum (白英), Artemisia vulgaris (白蒿), Cynanchum auriculatum (赤箭), Artemisia argyi seed / Lingula seed (奄闾子), Thlaspi seed (析蓂子), Achillea seed (蓍实), Red Ganoderma (赤芝), Black Ganoderma (黑芝), Green Ganoderma (青芝), White Ganoderma (白芝), Yellow Ganoderma (黄芝), Purple Ganoderma (紫芝), Selaginella (卷柏), Polygonum tinctorium fruit (蓝实), and Ligusticum wallichii (芎䓖; the original text may be missing the character "䓖" after "芎") — among others.
This passage embodies the most important "Three-Grade Classification" concept of the Shennong Bencao Jing: medicines are divided into three grades — superior, medium, and inferior. Superior-grade medicines are positioned as "sovereign," governing the nourishment of life, corresponding to "Heaven," and being mild in nature — thus the ancients believed they could be taken long-term. The underlying medical reasoning is that human life depends on "righteous qi" (vital energy) for its maintenance, and superior-grade medicines assist righteous qi and delay wear and tear on the body. This is why they are linked to the health goals of "lightening the body, replenishing qi, preventing aging, and prolonging longevity."
From a modern standpoint, many of the superior-grade medicines are mineral substances, such as cinnabar (containing mercury sulfide) and stalactites, which do not all match the ancient description of being "non-toxic and harmless even with prolonged use." Some mineral medicines, if taken long-term or in excessive amounts, may pose risks such as heavy metal accumulation. Among the plant-based superior-grade medicines — such as ginseng, licorice, rehmannia, dioscorea, and coix seed — modern research does suggest certain tonic, immunomodulatory, or nutritional benefits. However, "immortality and longevity extension" represents the ancients' health-cultivation ideal and lacks evidence from modern evidence-based medicine. Therefore, the superior-grade medicine catalog should be studied for scholarly purposes only and not used as a basis for self-medication.
One can draw inspiration from the ancients' preventive philosophy of "nourishing life with superior-grade medicines": place emphasis on daily cultivation and care, rather than waiting until the body shows obvious signs of illness. This can be put into practice through regular daily routines, moderation in diet, emotional balance, and appropriate physical activity. Do not self-administer certain medicinal substances long-term simply because they are classified as "superior-grade and non-toxic" — especially mineral-based ones. Health cultivation should not depend on a single "miracle medicine" but should return to an overall improvement of lifestyle.
Bugu Reminder: This content is based on classical Chinese medical texts and is provided solely for traditional cultural study and research. It does not constitute any medical diagnosis, medication guidance, or treatment advice. If you experience any discomfort, please seek prompt medical attention.