Abstract: Ishinpo collects numerous works on herbal medicine, with a rich variety of drug terms. Although the literal meanings of the names of some drugs seem confusing, they may contain profound cultural information. Under the influence and infiltration of ancient traditional cultural atmosphere, the ways of naming traditional Chinese medicine show a diversified state. Discussing the naming rationale of medicinal words from three perspectives–argot culture, folk culture and taboo culture–this paper reveals their etymology and elucidates the ancient way of understanding medicine.

Key words: Ishinpo, traditional Chinese medicine term, naming rationale, cultural element