While Western medicine has generally eclipsed traditional Chinese medicine in the Republic of China today, there are still many people who turn to the ancient herbal remedies at least as a supplement to more modern treatments.

The use of these herbs dates back to former times when man was still experimenting with his foods, and discovered that certain things he selected alleviated the symptoms of disease. This was undoubtedly the beginning of Chinese herbal medicine. Lack of communications in those early days meant that certain regions became known for their own particular cures. About 5,000 years ago, Shen Nung brought about a more uniform system by organizing all the grasses, plants and extracts of the period into a compendium which has since become a classic. Today, experts believe that Shen Nung is in fact a composite of people rather than just one author.

This initial work was expanded and updated in many subsequent volumes. Herbs were given standard names to end the confusion caused by different regional names, classified according to type and then described in detail. These herbs have now become known as Chinese medicines. There exists, however, a host of folk medicines which are still referred to by their regional names, and since they have not been classified, dosage and usage have been handed down by word of mouth over the generations.

These medicines are gathered by people with no training in botany. Explained Chen Mu-huo, who has been gathering herbs for more than 20 years: "It's all a matter of experience. Since some plants look alike and in other cases only the underground part is used, mistakes can easily be made. Although today, some herbs are cultivated, most have to be found in the wild. Searching for them is not only enjoyable, but good exercise as well."

Prices vary, often according to the accessibility or otherwise of the place where the herbs grow. Some plants from remote mountain areas can cost as much as NT$3-4,000 (US$75-100) a kilo, while those gathered from riverbanks and agricultural land cost as little as NT$30 or 40. Most herbs from distant areas are dried, while those grown locally are sold fresh and must be consumed within three or four days.

Medicine shops do their best business in the summer, when customers pass by to acquire the herbs needed to make heat-beating teas. Many herbs, such as peppermint, can be added according to the user's preference, but in some cases, quantities are prescribed by the dealer. Since most dosages are passed on orally, perhaps even incorporating a few suggestions from customers, knowledge of them may die out if the next generation shows no interest.

Most customers at Chinese medicine shops are old people who have been using the herbs since they were children and find it hard to give them up. These people still cling to the old beliefs despite the advent of modern medicine. Because the old treatments are not defined by any precise system, they are considered backward. But some habitual users believe this attitude may change. "Since folk medicines undoubtedly can cure and alleviate illnesses, they must have a scientific basis. Once this basis can be established, then younger people will become interested in them," said one devotee of 70 years standing.

In some cases, this scientific basis has already been discovered. For instance, it has been known for some time that a certain kind of peppermint can alleviate headaches and dizziness. Chemical analysis shows that this is due to the fact that it contains menthol, known to be effective in stimulating nerve centers and clearing the head.

In recent years, the government has been allocating grants of NT$10 million a year to conduct research into traditional medicines. Since this is not enough to cover all the medicines known in the field. emphasis has been placed on those which seem to have some effect on serious chronic diseases. It is considered that in view of the failure of Western medicine to find cures for cancer, high blood pressure and certain types of anemia, the answer may lie in the rich storehouse of traditional Chinese medicine and medical lore.

[Picture Caption]

1) Herbal medicine shops usually sell about 200 types of fresh and dried herbs. 2) These herbs have already been dried, processed, and cut. 3) Some herbs can be made into a tea which counters the summer heat. 4) Some herbal medicine shops have altars to Shen Nung.

1) This herb is said to be effective in hepatitis treatment. 2) Sea hibiscus is used to ease the effects of rheumatism. 3) and 4) More plants used to treat hepatitis. 5) These roots are used to treat measles. 6) When drunk with honey, this plant is said to soothe a sore throat. 7) Juice from t fever patients. 8) A treatment for diabetes.

1) A cough remedy. 2) Sophisticated scientific equipment is needed to study medicinal herbs. 3) Buying medicine in an herb shop.

These herbs have already been dried, processed, and cut.

Some herbs can be made into a tea which counters the summer heat.

Some herbal medicine shops have altars to Shen Nung.

This herb is said to be effective in hepatitis treatment.

Sea hibiscus is used to ease the effects of rheumatism.

More plants used to treat hepatitis.

and.

These roots are used to treat measles.

When drunk with honey, this plant is said to soothe a sore throat.

Juice from t fever patients.

A treatment for diabetes.

A cough remedy.

Sophisticated scientific equipment is needed to study medicinal herbs.

Buying medicine in an herb shop.