Explore our Dao Di TCM HerbsMap
“Dao Di” TCM Herbs, or 道地药材, are herbs of a superior quality within theirrespective categories due to their association with a local region of production. Factors such as localclimate, soil conditions, traditional harvesting techniques, and historical practices all contribute to theirexceptional quality. This interactive map is an online database showcasing a variety of these Dao Di TCMherbs. I have included information on the environmental, geographic, historical, and cultural factors thatmake each herb truly unique to and inseparable from its region of origin in China.
Traditional knowledge about Dao Di herbs has existed in books and spread through local oraltraditions in an informal way. They were never in one easily accessible, visual place that could bedistributed easily. By pinning each herb to where it originated in China, visitors explore how geography,climate, and culture of each region or province shape the medicinal quality and characteristics of theplant. Whether you are a scholar, student, or someone trying to reconnect with Chinese heritage, thismap is an attempt to make TCM knowledge tangible and explore, and no background is required.
User manual:
1. Click on a dot on the map, a window will open on the left hand side. An example for Huang Qi:
2. Feature 1: Mark as visited (if you have visited this location, please click here)
3. Feature 2: Get directions (if you would like to know how to get to this location, please click here)
4. Feature 3: Add to map (if you would like to create your own map, you can pinpoint this location)
Data sheet for herbs
Behind every pin on this map is rigorous research entries in the data sheet above. For each DaoDi herb, the sheet documents its origin, the environment it thrives in (climate, soil, altitude), historicaland cultural significance, and its role in food homology. This data sheet is openly accessible for thosewho want to explore the data and scientific backgrounds behind this project.Example for Chinese Ginseng
