Upper Class herbs

Shen Nung also grouped 365 herbs into three classes, Upper, Middle, and Lower, based on herbal toxicities. The nontoxic and rejuvenating Upper class herbs can be taken continuously for a long period and form the main components of the dietary supplement dishes ( Yao Shan ). The Middle class herbs promote mental stability and can have either nontoxic or toxic effects. Thus, more caution must be taken with their use. The Lower Class herbs have toxic properties, cannot be taken for extended periods, and must be properly processed to reduce their toxicity before being used in TCM formulations. Selected Oriental herbal products of all three classes will be discussed in more detail in the next section, including folkloric use, chemical composition, and currently identified biological activities. 

Mushrooms, including Ling Chih , which was recorded as an Upper Class herb in Shen Nimg Pen Tsao Ching, are used worldwide for both their food value and their medicinal properties coupled with few deleterious side effects. Five major medicinal mushrooms are discussed below. 

Kampo or Kanpo medicine is the traditional Japanese medicine which is attracting increased attention as a therapy and also from Japanese pharmaceutical companies. Herbs can be classified into three classes with the lower class taken only during illness because they are considered to be the most toxic. Middle class drugs would be used to maintain health and used daily for intermittent periods of time. The highest class of drugs, the upper class, are mainly tonics and adaptogens and should be taken every day to enhance longevity. 

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