As one of the basic subjects of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica centers the elaboration and study on the theories and clinical practice of Chinese medicinal herbs. This book, under the guidance of the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine and according to practical and effective principles, systematically introduces the basic theories concerning traditional Chinese Materia Medica, methods and principles in using Chinese medicinal herbs as well. Specific Discussions General Introduction mainly introduces common knowledge about Chinese medicinal herbs, including properties, processing, compatibility, contraindication, dosage and administration of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Specific Discussions, containing 236 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs (including 10 kinds of added medicines), is divided into 16 chapters according to their specific efficacy. Each sort of Chinese medicinal herbs is illustrated in the order of formal name, source, applying parts, habitat, collecting and processing methods, properties, efficacy and application, usage and dosage as well as cautions, the efficacy and application of which are the focal points. The category of explanation particularly lays emphasis on the comparison between some Chinese medicinal herbs which have similar actions, application of added medicines, and other items in need of further explanation, etc.