How 'Compendium of Materia Medica' Described Coffee

You’ve probably heard of the 'Compendium of Materia Medica'—the massive 16th-century Chinese medical encyclopedia. But did you ever wonder if it had anything to say about coffee? More specifically, how did it classify this now-global beverage, and what medicinal uses did it suggest? If you’re curious how a 17th-century Chinese text described a drink that wouldn’t arrive in East Asia for another few hundred years, read on.

The 'Compendium of Materia Medica' describes coffee as a warm, bitter-tasting shrub with fruit pits that can be used medicinally. It was said to invigorate the mind, aid digestion, and treat lethargy and indigestion in children. The recommended dosage was two qian (approx. 6–7 grams) of powdered coffee mixed with one qian each of milk and sugar, taken as a decoction.

What the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' Says About Coffee

The original Chinese text records coffee as a (shrub or small tree), with (fruit pits or kernels) identified as medicinal. It describes the nature of coffee as (warm in property), with a taste that is (bitter with an acidic leaning). The text credits it with several effects: (refreshing the mind), (strengthening the stomach and aiding digestion). It was indicated for treating (listlessness or low energy), (blockage of vital yang energy), and (food stagnation in children).

How to Prepare 'Coffee' as per the Text

The preparation method is detailed as follows: the coffee fruit pits were to be (processed into a powder), referred to as (lit. “stimulating powder” or “energy-raising powder”). The dosage was (two qian per day, approx. 6–7 grams), mixed with (one qian of milk, approx. 3–4 grams) and (one qian of cane sugar, approx. 3–4 grams). This mixture was to be (decocted or boiled and then consumed). An additional note instructed that if the patient’s (pulse changed from sunken to floating), the dosage should be reduced. It also warns that (excessive consumption may cause restlessness or overactivity). Additionally, (when used externally, it could brighten the eyes).

Important Pairing Restrictions

The text also lists several (incompatible combinations or substances that should not be taken with coffee): (Codonopsis, a common tonic herb), (Croton seed, a very purgative herb), (alum, a mineral often used as an astringent or antiseptic), and (cold noodles—possibly referring to cold or cooling dietary elements). These substances were considered incompatible with the medicinal use of coffee according to the traditional framework of the text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did coffee actually grow in China when the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' was written?

No, coffee was not cultivated or widely known in China during the time the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' was written (early 16th century, published 1596). The text's description appears speculative or based on very early knowledge, possibly from trade routes or theoretical pharmacology, not local experience.

What does '，' mean in terms of coffee’s described effects?

'' means the substance is classified as having a warming property, traditionally believed to energize or invigorate. '' describes the taste as primarily bitter with an acidic or sour edge. In the context of traditional medicine, these qualities were thought to influence digestion and circulation.

What is '' and how was it prepared?

'' translates roughly to 'stimulating powder' or 'energy-raising powder'. It refers to the powdered form of coffee fruit pits, prepared as per the text. The preparation involved mixing two qian of this powder with one qian each of milk and sugar, then boiling it into a drinkable decoction.

Why were certain substances like Codonopsis and alum listed as incompatible with coffee?

In the traditional Chinese medicine framework, certain herbs and foods have 'pairing restrictions' or are believed to interact negatively. Codonopsis , alum , Croton seed , and cold-natured foods like were deemed incompatible with coffee’s warming and stimulating properties, possibly to avoid conflicting effects on the body’s qi or digestion.

Is there any evidence that this coffee preparation was actually used historically?

There is no historical evidence that this particular coffee preparation, '', was used or recognized outside of the text. Given coffee’s late introduction to China, this entry may reflect theoretical or early pharmacological speculation rather than practical usage.

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