Many revere an old military manual called the Bubishi, in which there is a section on herbology with relation to time/s. By your nomicker I am sure you are well aware of this book.

Well we need to take this with the concept of time in mind as new discoveries change old ways.

Many of these herbs or substances have replaced for; better substances, greater knowledge of the human body, other herbs or concoctions that work more efficiently, as well as their level of rarity (in some cases)...lost to antiquity or their abundance.

Take Turmeric as example handles these symptoms, but is not toxic, easily found and it even enhances the flavor of foods.

Nice write-up though as many follow "traditions" blindly and we need to examine all before using these ways or advancing beyond them.