By Imperial Order: Complete Library of the Four Treasuries
Compendium of Materia Medica, Book 1

Compendium of Materia Medica: Volume Two

Introductory Examples, Part Two

Similarities and Differences in Medicinal Names

In this section, Li Shizhen addresses a critical issue in traditional pharmacology: nomenclature. Because different regions or historical texts might use the same name for entirely different plants or minerals, he categorizes these "homonyms" to prevent life-threatening medicinal errors.

Five substances sharing the same name for "Single-Swaying Grass" Notopterygium root, Gastrodia tuber Chinese Mayapple, Wild Ginger Ghost's Bailiff
original: "Duyao Cao." These five plants were all colloquially called "Single-Swaying Grass" because their stems or leaves were said to move even when there was no wind.

Four substances sharing the same name for "Jin" Violet, Monkshood Chinese Elder Celery-leaved Buttercup
original: "Jin." This was a dangerous homonym, as it could refer to a harmless violet or the highly toxic Monkshood (Aconite).

"Bitter Herb" Fritillary bulb, Bitter Lettuce Patrinia Black Nightshade
original: "Kucai." While many plants are bitter, these four specifically shared the formal name in various classical texts.

"Ghost's Eye" Bittersweet Herb, Trumpet Creeper Dock Leaf, Deer's Eye
original: "Guimu." These plants typically share a physical characteristic, such as berries or spots, that resemble eyes.

"Red Bean" Adzuki Bean, Jequirity (Love Pea) Red Cardamom, Sandal Bead Tree
original: "Hongdou." Li Shizhen distinguishes between the edible adzuki bean and the decorative but highly toxic Jequirity bean.