CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On October 28, the event “Understanding the Stories behind Medicinal Herbs and Experiencing the Charm of Traditional Culture” took place in Chongqing. About 30 middle school students visited Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, where they identified various Chinese medicinal herbs, listened to experts explain the concept of “food and medicine originating from the same source”, and hands-on experienced making the traditional formula “Dashanzhawan”, immersing themselves in the unique charm of Chinese medicine culture.

As they entered the museum of Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, students were amazed by the diverse shapes of plant roots and stems, colorful flowers, and peculiar fruits among the vast collection of medicinal herbs.

Following the guide, they listened to the history of herbal medicine, identified the classifications of Chinese medicinal herbs, and observed the region’s unique medicinal plants and herbs, gaining a deeper understanding of the past and present of various medicinal materials while appreciating the profound richness of Chinese traditional medicine culture.

Lecturer Sun Guanyun from the museum of Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica explained that the recipe for Dashanzhawan originated from the work by the Yuan Dynasty physician Zhu Danxi, which has a history of over 600 years. Dashanzhawan is known for its ability to stimulate appetite and aid digestion, alleviating symptoms such as loss of appetite and indigestion caused by food accumulation. Its main ingredients including hawthorn, medicated leaven, and malt are commonly found medicinal herbs, making it easy for citizens to prepare at home due to the straightforward process.

To help students gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine, the event included a hands-on session. The students enthusiastically measured powders, added honey, stirred, kneaded, and formed the pills, paying meticulous attention to each step. Their joy was evident when they held the “fruits of victory” they had made themselves. They not only experienced the joy of hands-on creation but also felt the unique charm of Chinese medicine culture through the learning process.

The museum of Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica is built on over 90 years of research and production in Chinese medicine. It currently houses around 380,000 specimens of medicinal plants, animals, and minerals, including more than 350,000 plant specimens, over 25,000 herbal specimens, over 7,000 animal specimens, and over 100 mineral specimens. These specimens encompass more than 6,500 species, representing over half of the total medicinal plant species in the country. Many of these species are rare both domestically and globally, holding significant scientific research and biogeographical value, playing a crucial role in promoting and advocating for Chongqing traditional medicine culture, as well as expanding cooperation and exchanges with the outside world. (Translated by Vichy, Fathom Language Limited)