Who is Shen Nong?
Known as the Emperor of the Five Grains or the Divine Farmer, Shen Nong is the fabled originator of Chinese herbal medicine. According to legend, Shen Nong’s conception some 4,500 years ago was blessed by the intervention of a “divine dragon.” The list of inventions and advancements credited to Shen Nong is miraculous indeed: agricultural innovations, including irrigation, hoes, plows, axes; medical advancements, including the use of herbal remedies and the refinement of acupuncture and moxibustion; the Chinese calendar; and even the discovery of tea.
As legend has it, Shen Nong used his own body as a testing chamber for herbal remedies, carefully taking note of each herb and its curative properties. For centuries, this invaluable information was passed down orally before being formally compiled in the book Shennong Bencao Jing (Herbal Classic of Shen Nong). As fate would have it, Shen Nong died testing the yellow flower of a weed, unable to reach for his antidotal tea before his intestines ruptured.
Despite this unfortunate twist of fate, the memory of Shen Nong and his indelible contributions remains a source of veneration for many people throughout the world—especially within the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shen Nong Herbs & Acupuncture pays homage not only to this revered cultural icon but also to a good friend and mentor, Bruno Schuitemaker, who first carried the name before passing in June 2015. It is an honor to continue the legacy and to bring the story of Shen Nong to new ears.
Dr. Heather Richmond | (303) 444-4790 | 908 Main Street, Suite B104, Louisville, CO 80027