Shennong is thought to have lived between the 27th and 25th centuries BC. No one knows for sure whether or not he actually existed, but stories over time have bestowed upon him legend status and titles such as "fire emperor" "red emperor," " heavenly husbandman" and "divine farmer." Shennong has been credited with advancing Chinese farming techniques by teaching farmers how to plant grains of millet, rye and wheat and with inventing the wooden plough. He contributed to Chinese medicine with his extensive knowledge of herbs, which he acquired by tasting them in order to distinguish those with medicinal value from poisonous ones. Later in the Han Dynasty (206 BC- 220 AD), a book called the Shennong Bencaojing (Classic of Herbal Medicine, Shen Nong's Cannon of Herbs, or Pharmacopeia of the Heavenly Husbandman) was written. While this book's authorship is attributed to Shennong, it actually was written by several anonymous authors who wished to honor him. It is considered the earliest complete pharmacopeia reference and lists an astonishing 365 Chinese medicines. Even today, this book is still used by Chinese medicine physicians because of the detailed knowledge it contains.
Like the book Shennong Bencaojing, this website www.shen-nong.com aims to be a valuable resource for the public. Topics developed under it encompass the history, principles, practices, treatment methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its ancient cultural heritage that still guides the living of Chinese people today. The differences between Chinese and Western medicines are illustrated in various health topics. TCM glossary and herbal glossary have been developed as references for both professionals and the lay public. A chat forum is opened to share all kinds of clinical experiences. Eventually it will be expanded to include a Chinese Medicine research section.
Our Mission & Vision
In today's modern world, there are many healthcare options from which to choose. Misunderstandings and lack of education about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often shape an untruthful perception of it as quackery or witchcraft, when in fact, it is one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world which has contributed to the health and well-being of Chinese people for centuries.
||The mission of Shen-Nong Ltd. is to dispel the mistruths about Traditional Chinese Medicine and to help individuals make informed healthcare choices by imparting clear and concise information about TCM's uses, benefits and cultural heritage.
||Our vision is to provide a more global understanding of TCM through support of scientific research endeavors with Chinese medicine and Western approaches.
Together with education and research, Traditional Chinese Medicine continues to adapt to meet the health needs of today's society while maintaining its holistic approach.
Ho, P.Y. & Lisowski, F.P., A Brief History of Chinese Medicine 2nd Ed., World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. (1997), p. 9.
Hoizey, D. & Hoizey, M. J., A History of Chinese Medicine, Edinburgh University Press Ltd. (1993), p. 47.
Wei Tsuei, Roots of Chinese Culture & Medicine, Pelanduk Publications (1992), p. 9