“On Abolishing Medicine” — Reflections on “Herbs Cannot Be Completely Discarded”(3)

There are 120 types of upper medicines, which are the sovereign medicines, primarily for nourishing life in accordance with heaven, non-toxic for long-term use, and not harmful to the body; 120 types of middle medicines, which are the ministerial medicines, mainly for nourishing nature in accordance with humanity, which can be either non-toxic or toxic, depending on their suitability; and 125 types of lower medicines, which are the assistant medicines, primarily for treating diseases in accordance with the earth, which can be toxic with long-term use and may harm the body.