Since ancient times, jade has held a paramount position in Chinese culture. It is not only a symbol of power and a carrier of wealth but also the embodiment of a gentleman's character. However, in the vast river of Chinese civilization, the functions of jade extend far beyond these. As an ancient jade collector, I often contemplate the profound cultural connotations embedded in the warm and lustrous ancient jades I hold. Among these, the combination of jade and traditional Chinese medicine, especially the records of jade in the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), particularly fascinates me, leading me to explore the secrets of this millennial medicinal stone for nurturing life.
Jade from Kunlun, Used as Medicine for the World: Tracing History
Jade being used as medicine was not Li Shizhen's original idea. As early as ancient times, our ancestors, in their struggle with nature, discovered that certain minerals possessed unique healing properties. The Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), compiled during the Warring States period, contains records such as "consuming it prevents hunger and allows for fasting," which, though not explicitly referring to jade, reveals the ancient people's preliminary understanding of the medicinal effects of minerals. By the Han Dynasty, Xu Shen's Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining and Analyzing Characters) defined "jade" as "the beauty of stone" and mentioned, "Jade is the essence of stone, and can be used as medicine." This indicates that, at least by the Han Dynasty, the medicinal value of jade was widely recognized.
It was Li Shizhen's monumental work, Bencao Gangmu, in the Ming Dynasty, that truly systematized and theorized the medicinal value of jade. This magnum opus, a comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese pharmacology, listed jade as a superior grade in the "Metal and Stone Department," detailing its properties, efficacy, main indications, and usage. Li Shizhen wrote in the book: "Jade, sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats heat in the stomach, shortness of breath and vexation, quenches thirst, moistens the heart and lungs, aids the voice, nourishes hair, calms the spirit, benefits blood circulation, and brightens eyes and ears." These few words outline the extensive application of jade in traditional Chinese medical theory.
Jade in Bencao Gangmu: Gentle Nourishment, Internal and External Use
The records of jade in Bencao Gangmu are not superficial but combine the rich clinical experience and pharmacological knowledge of the time. It categorizes jade into various types, such as "white jade, green jade, celadon jade, and ink jade," and suggests that different colored jades have slightly different medicinal effects. For example, white jade was believed to "moisten the heart and lungs, aid the voice," while celadon jade was thought to "brighten eyes and detoxify."
Li Shizhen also elaborated on the methods of preparing jade for medicinal use. He pointed out that jade, when used as medicine, needed to undergo complex processes such as "calcination, grinding, and levigation" to be ground into an extremely fine powder before it could be taken internally. This meticulous preparation was not only to improve drug absorption but also to prevent mineral particles from harming the human body. The book also recorded external applications of jade, such as "applying jade powder to the face makes one radiant," which aligns with modern cosmetology's concept of using minerals for skincare.
A widely circulated anecdote tells of Yang Guifei of the Tang Dynasty, who often held jade in her mouth to maintain her beauty. Although not directly found in Bencao Gangmu, this legend corroborates the book's record of "applying jade powder to the face," together depicting the ancients' high regard for jade in health and beauty. Furthermore, ancient people often wore jade ornaments, believing that jade could "ward off evil and calm the spirit." This, to some extent, reflects jade's effect of "calming the spirit," achieving physical and mental balance through psychological suggestion and physical contact.
Cultural Significance and Modern Inheritance: The Philosophy of Jade for Health
The records of jade in Bencao Gangmu are not merely pharmacological expositions but also embody the philosophical ideas of "unity of heaven and humanity" and "following the laws of nature" in Chinese culture. The warmth, subtlety, and resilience of jade align perfectly with the peace, harmony, and balance pursued by traditional Chinese medicine. It reminds us that the path to health is not achieved overnight but, like jade, requires the accumulation of years and meticulous polishing to reveal its inherent essence.
In modern society, with the advancement of science and technology, we have a deeper understanding of the pharmacological effects of jade. Although direct oral consumption of jade powder is no longer recommended by mainstream medicine, the physical properties of jade, such as its trace elements and far-infrared radiation, are still widely used in modern rehabilitation therapy and beauty care. For example, jade massagers and jade mattresses are modern interpretations of traditional jade health concepts.
As an ancient jade collector, I deeply understand that every piece of ancient jade carries historical memories and cultural genes. They are not only exquisite works of art but also the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese nation. When we re-examine the records of jade in Bencao Gangmu, we are not only reviewing an ancient pharmacological history but also rediscovering an oriental philosophy of gentle health preservation and harmonious coexistence with nature. Let the wisdom of this millennial medicinal stone continue to nourish our bodies and minds, and pass on the unique charm of Chinese civilization.