The Story#
A long, long time ago, people didn’t know which plants were safe to eat or which could cure diseases.
Some people ate poisonous mushrooms and got terrible stomachaches. Others got sick and didn’t know what herbs could help them.
There was a man named Shennong. He had a bull’s head and a human body. He was a very wise leader.
Shennong saw everyone suffering and decided to taste all kinds of plants himself.
He carried a big bamboo basket on his back and walked into the mountains.
“What kind of grass is this? Let me taste it.” Shennong put a leaf in his mouth.
“Mmm, this one is sweet. It’s safe to eat!”
“Ouch, this one is very bitter! But after eating it, my stomach feels better. It can cure illness!”
Shennong tasted one plant after another, recording which ones were edible and which could cure diseases.
Once, Shennong was poisoned seventy-two times in a single day! But he didn’t give up and kept tasting.
Slowly, Shennong discovered many useful plants:
Rice and wheat could be staple foods; Ginger could warm the stomach; Licorice could stop coughing; Tea leaves could remove toxins…
Shennong taught all this knowledge to everyone. People learned to grow crops and use herbs to treat illnesses.
From then on, no one went hungry, and there were ways to treat sickness.
Little friends, many of the plants Shennong tasted are still the vegetables and Chinese medicines we use today!
What the Story Teaches Us#
Shennong risked his life to taste plants for everyone’s benefit. He teaches us that helping others takes courage and persistence.