[Shi Ji Yao Yu, the earliest extant monograph on TCM nursery]

Nursery of traditional Chinese medicine (NTCM) has a long history. However, due to the change and influence of the era, society, life style, and many other factors, NTCM did not become an independent discipline for a long period. Although there have been many articles about NTCM appearing in various historical books of traditional Chinese medicine, books specializing on NTCM were not available until later. The earliest ancient book, which is still currently available, describing NTCM in details is the "Shi Ji Yao Yu" written by Qian Xiang in the Qing Dynasty. The book explains the key issues of taking care of a patient's emotional well-being, life style, diet, illness, and drug administration which are of great practical significance now and for the future.