Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Medicine Beast, Yao Shou (药兽)
Category: Lion
The Myth
The Yaoshou is a legendary medicinal beast in Chinese mythology, described as resembling a small lion with a transparent, glowing belly. Its translucent abdomen reveals its intestines clearly, allowing observers to see whether the plants and insects it consumes are poisonous. Unlike ordinary lions, the Yaoshou is associated with healing and the discovery of medicinal remedies.
According to legend, the Yaoshou lived during the time of Shennong, the legendary divine ruler associated with agriculture and medicine. When someone became ill, they could approach the beast, explain the cause of their sickness, and speak to it in a mysterious language. After listening, the Yaoshou would run into the wilderness and return carrying a blade of grass in its mouth. The plant could then be crushed to extract its juice, which the sick person would drink to recover.
The tradition further relates that the Yellow Emperor instructed Fenghou to record which plants cured particular illnesses. Over time, these observations supposedly produced a reliable record of medicinal remedies. According to this account, the Yellow Emperor learned medicine from the Yaoshou rather than discovering medicinal plants solely by tasting them himself.
Sources
“Yao Beast” (药兽). Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%8D%AF%E5%85%BD