Traveling through time and space: Medical skills travel the world

Chapter 163 The Secret of Herbs

"I'll try it now." Chen Fang flipped through the ancient book carefully. The words between the lines revealed a strong herbal culture, which was intoxicating. Her fingers gently slid across the yellow-brown paper and stopped on an illustration of various wild grasses. She couldn't help but murmured: "These herbs are really strange and each one has a unique use."

Doctor Zhang nodded, stood behind her, and said with relief: "You are right. The secret of herbs lies in every detail of them. For example, this herb called 'saxifrage' looks ordinary, but it can cure cough and asthma."

"I've heard of this, but what are the specific effects?" Chen Fang raised her head and blinked her clear eyes, seeming very interested.

Doctor Zhang approached the small table, took out a can of dried saxifrage, shook it slightly, and said, "Look, the dried saxifrage is green in color, and smells slightly sweet. It is often boiled in water and taken to moisten the lungs and relieve coughs."

"It's amazing." Chen Fang carefully picked up the jar, as if it were a rare treasure, sniffed it carefully, and showed an approving expression. She thought to herself: The mystery between science and plants is really worth exploring.

Doctor Zhang continued, "Young people should go out into the mountains and forests and observe different plants. This can often inspire inspiration. For some herbs, even experienced Chinese doctors may not understand all their properties."

"Yes, I want to try it right now, but some plants look very similar. How can I tell them apart?" Chen Fang frowned slightly, sounding a little lost.

Doctor Zhang smiled and replied, "This requires experience and carefulness. For example, it is easy to confuse 'whiteheaded gentian' and 'wild chrysanthemum'. But their growing environments are different. Whiteheaded gentian grows in humid places, while wild chrysanthemum likes sunlight. If you observe carefully, you can tell them apart."

"I see." Chen Fang nodded in praise, with a passion for learning rising in her heart. She then pointed to another picture in the ancient book and said, "What is this black fruit?"

Doctor Zhang leaned over to take a closer look, then said, "This is 'Dragon Sprout'. It may look insignificant, but it is actually a good detoxifying medicine. It is often used in recipes during conferences."

"It sounds amazing." Chen Fang's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Can I try it?"

"Of course you can, but you have to be careful when handling it. Although it's a good medicine, it has thorns and can easily cause injury if not handled properly." Doctor Zhang's eyes revealed a fatherly concern.

"I'll be careful." Chen Fang felt warmed by Dr. Zhang's care and smiled easily. Then, she thought about it and asked, "So, if I encounter poisonous weeds in the mountains, how should I deal with it?"

Doctor Zhang was silent for a moment, his eyes deep: "Then you have to be more careful, remember some common poisonous plants, such as 'Datura'. If you accidentally come into contact with it, it is recommended to rinse it with clean water immediately. In serious cases, you can use herbal decoction to apply externally to relieve the symptoms."

"I'll keep it in mind." Chen Fang nodded seriously, secretly accepting the sense of responsibility in her heart, and felt that the burden on her shoulders was growing heavier.

Doctor Zhang suddenly asked: "Have you ever thought about spreading your knowledge to more people?"

"I haven't really thought about this question yet." Chen Fang thought for a moment and sighed slightly, "Maybe in the future I will write a book about herbs to let more people know their uses and cherish this gift from nature together."

Doctor Zhang smiled with satisfaction, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "This is a glorious mission, I look forward to that day coming."

"Yes, the charm of herbs lies in their relationship with nature." Doctor Zhang twirled his beard gently, his eyes deep, as if recalling his medical experience, "Behind every herb is a story, perhaps a legend, or perhaps the wisdom of the ancients."

"Can I listen to these stories?" Chen Fang raised her head, her face full of desire. She felt that the contact with herbs was more real than any truth.

Doctor Zhang nodded and continued, "For example, the 'Danshen' written in this book has a rumor in ancient times that it can heal wounds and relieve pain. In the past, a doctor saved a villager who was bitten by a poisonous snake. It was because he used Danshen in time that he was able to save his life."

"Wow, that's really amazing!" Chen Fang couldn't help but sigh, with curiosity flashing in her eyes, "So, how is Danshen used?"

Doctor Zhang walked closer and patiently explained: "Generally speaking, you need to wash the roots, chop them into small pieces, boil them in water, and drink them regularly to gradually enhance your immunity. It can also play a certain conditioning role when you encounter minor injuries or illnesses."

"That's really interesting. I understand." Chen Fang silently remembered this approach in her heart and was already planning her future learning path.

Doctor Zhang saw Chen Fang's expression, smiled slightly, and continued: "Speaking of herbs, we have to mention 'Coptis chinensis'. This herb is bitter, but it can clear away heat and detoxify. There was once a scholar who had diarrhea because he ate too much cold food. Finally, at the suggestion of his friends, he soaked in Coptis chinensis water and was cured."

"Coptis chinensis is really a versatile herb." Chen Fang bit her lower lip and thought seriously, "Is there any way to remember these herbs faster?"

"Don't rush to memorize." Doctor Zhang shook his head slightly, speaking gently, "You can collect and observe the herbs yourself, or write down notes to record their shapes, smells, and effects. Over time, your experience will naturally deepen."

"I understand. If I have the chance, I must go to the mountain to experience it." Chen Fang smiled slightly, and the fire in her heart burned brighter and brighter.

"Be careful." Doctor Zhang's voice was low but steady. "When walking in the wild, be careful not to touch poisonous weeds. Some plants may look similar to medicinal herbs, but their properties are completely different."

"Poisonous weeds? Then I must be more careful." Chen Fang nodded with a serious expression, realizing that he must also be vigilant while learning.

“When you see unfamiliar plants, try not to try anything rashly. Understand them clearly before moving on to the next step.” Doctor Zhang said, looking out the window, as if he was reminiscing about the wild adventures of the past.

At this point, Doctor Zhang suddenly turned around and asked, "Okay, Chen Fang, let's learn how to identify some common herbs, how about that?"

"Great!" Chen Fang nodded excitedly, looking forward to the practice that was about to begin.

"That's it. We will go to the forest together tomorrow morning." Doctor Zhang smiled gently, as if he saw hope for Chen Fang's progress. "There, you will be able to see more plants and trees that you have never seen before."

"Thank you, Doctor Zhang, you are so kind!" Chen Fang smiled with countless expectations in her heart, "I will definitely study hard and become an excellent herbalist in the future."

"You have to walk the road ahead by yourself." Doctor Zhang looked at the ancient book with a gentle gaze and said slowly, "Every step you take will lay a solid foundation for your future medical career."