In traditional Chinese culture, jade is not only a symbol of beauty but also an embodiment of virtue. However, beyond its brilliant artistic value and profound cultural connotations, jade was also endowed with miraculous medicinal properties in ancient times, especially holding a place in the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When we open Li Shizhen's Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), we can glimpse the unique chapter of jade as a 'medicinal stone,' which carries the ancients' understanding of heaven and earth, and their exploration of life and health.
Introduction: From 'Jade Untouched, No Vessel Formed' to 'Jade Can Be Used as Medicine'
The ancient adage, 'Jade untouched, no vessel formed,' illustrates the transformation process of jade from raw stone to a beautiful artifact. But what is less known is that throughout the long river of history, the 'polishing' of jade went far beyond aesthetic form, extending to the excavation of its medicinal value. As early as the pre-Qin period, ancient people recognized that certain minerals had health-preserving and disease-curing effects. Jade, with its warm and tough, understated color, was endowed with extraordinary mysterious power. From the Classic of Mountains and Seas recording 'wearing it prevents hunger' to the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Shennong's Materia Medica) stating 'long-term use lightens the body and prolongs life,' the medicinal legends of jade were widely spread, laying the foundation for later medical practices.
Core Knowledge: Medicinal Properties of Jade in Bencao Gangmu
Li Shizhen, in the 'Metal and Stone Section' of Bencao Gangmu, meticulously documented the medicinal value of 'jade.' He categorized jade into various types, such as white jade, green jade, and jasper, and expounded on their properties, flavors, meridians, and effects. The book states: "Jade, sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats heat in the stomach, shortness of breath and fullness, quenches thirst, moistens the heart and lungs, aids the voice, nourishes hair, calms the soul, and benefits blood circulation."
These descriptions are not groundless but are based on long-term observation and practice by the ancients. For instance, 'treating heat in the stomach' might be related to the cool nature of jade; ancients believed that jade could absorb heat, and wearing or consuming jade powder could clear heat and detoxify. 'Quenching thirst' points to symptoms of diabetes; although modern medicine does not believe jade can directly treat diabetes, ancients might have observed that certain trace elements in jade were beneficial for human metabolism. 'Calming the soul' more reflects the psychological healing effect of jade; its warm touch and tranquil color could bring peace to the mind and alleviate anxiety.
It is worth noting that Bencao Gangmu also describes the methods of using jade, mainly by grinding it into powder for internal consumption, or making it into vessels for drinking water, or even direct wearing. The process of making jade powder was quite complex, requiring repeated grinding, levigation, and other steps to ensure its fineness and purity, avoiding harm to the human body. This demonstrates the rigorous attitude of the ancients in processing medicinal minerals.
Cultural Significance: The Alignment of Jade and TCM Health Philosophy
The use of jade as medicine is not merely about the efficacy of a single substance but is also a microcosm of traditional Chinese health philosophy. TCM emphasizes 'harmony between man and nature' and 'balance of Yin and Yang,' believing that the human body is closely related to the natural world. Jade originates from deep within the earth, containing the essence of heaven and earth. Its warm and understated qualities perfectly align with the TCM concept of 'internal nourishment and external harmony.' Wearing jade and consuming jade, in the eyes of the ancients, were ways to communicate with heaven and earth and absorb natural energy.
Furthermore, the 'virtue' of jade also permeates its medicinal value. In Confucian thought, 'a gentleman compares his virtue to jade'; jade's toughness, warmth, and ability to conceal flaws all align with the qualities of a gentleman. Using jade for healing and health also embodies people's pursuit of health, longevity, and good character. This concept of combining material with spiritual, physiological with psychological, is a unique wisdom of Chinese civilization.
Modern Inheritance: Scientific Scrutiny and Cultural Innovation
In today's era of advanced science, how should we view the records about jade in Bencao Gangmu? On the one hand, we must examine them with a rigorous scientific attitude. The medicinal efficacy of jade, especially internal consumption, requires further verification by modern medicine and pharmacology. For example, some jade may contain heavy metals harmful to the human body, and blind internal consumption may be counterproductive. On the other hand, we cannot simply deny the wisdom of the ancients. The physical properties of jade, such as its good thermal conductivity and heat storage capacity, still play a unique role in modern TCM therapies like gua sha and massage. The trace elements in jade, such as selenium and zinc, may be beneficial to human health to some extent, but their absorption rate and safety still require in-depth research.
More importantly, as a cultural symbol, the role of jade in psychological comfort and spiritual sustenance is irreplaceable. Wearing jade ornaments is not only an expression of aesthetics but also a cultural identity and psychological suggestion that can make people feel calm and peaceful. Modern jade culture, while inheriting ancient wisdom, should also focus on combining with modern technology to develop more safe and effective jade health products, allowing this thousand-year-old medicinal stone to shine with greater brilliance in the new era, continuing to nourish people's physical and mental health.
From the records of jade in Bencao Gangmu, we see the ancients' reverence and exploration of life and nature. Jade, this warm stone, not only carries the aesthetic taste and moral concepts of the Chinese nation but also, with its unique medicinal legends, has left a rich and colorful mark in the vast medical classics of TCM. It reminds us that while pursuing modern technological progress, we should not forget those cultural heritages imbued with ancient wisdom, which are inexhaustible treasures in the cultural treasury of Chinese civilization.