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power to contract the air in the blood, and to assist the liver and gall
bladder in their functions.
The color of things belonging to the fire element is red, the taste is
bitter, and the power from these things rushes through the system.
Therefore, medicinal plants of a red color and bitter taste are classified
under the fire element, and influence the heart and small intestines,
which belong to the fire element.
The color of the earth element is yellow, its taste is sweet, and the
power from it is very slow. Herbs of yellow color and sweet taste be-
long to the earth element. These slow down the circulation and thus
cause the effects of curative remedies to remain in the vital organs.
Their effects are especially marked upon the spleen and stomach be-
cause these organs belong to the earth element.
In the mineral element, the color is white, the taste is hot, and the
power expands. Herbs of white color and pungent taste belong to the
mineral element. These cause the natural heat of the body to reach
the extremities and the skin. They influence the action of the lungs and
of the large intestines, as these organs belong to the mineral element.
With the exception of some abstruse variations, this ancient classifi-
cation is followed in a general way by the herbalist of today. However,
each kind of herb has its peculiar properties and powers, and differs
from the others of its class just as every individual differs from all
other persons. A Chinese herbalist must not only understand the phil-
osophy of relationship, but he must be familiar with each individual
herb, be informed as to its effect upon the human system, and know
how to unite the different herbs into the various combinations, known
in English as "Herbal Remedies."
More than a thousand different species of herbs are in use. These
comprise barks, roots, flowers, leaves and berries. From eight to
twenty kinds are called for by each formula, the proportion varying in
accordance with the needs of the individual case. The power of some
herbs penetrates the upper part of the body; of others the lower. The
power of some goes to the right side; of others, to the left; while of
others, it goes to the skin. Therefore, there are special remedies for
each vital organ that is not functioning properly. When more than one
organ is deranged, there is need of more than one remedy.
For more than four thousand years, the Chinese race has been cared
for by this system of medicine, and its benefits have been found of great
value. Though some improvements have been made since the time of
Shin Nong, yet the principles laid down by him remain unchanged.
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