《搜神记·卷一》
神农用赤褐色的鞭子鞭打各种草木，周而全部了解了它们的无毒、有毒、寒热、温凉的性质，以及酸、咸、甘、苦、辛等五味所主治的疾病，然后根据这些经验再播种各种谷物，所以天下的百姓叫他 神农 。
神农以赭鞭鞭百草，尽知其平毒寒温之性，臭味所主，以播百谷，故天下号神农也。
Shennong used a reddish-brown whip to hit various herbs and plants, and traveled around to learn their non-toxic, toxic, cold, hot, warm and cool properties, as well as the illnesses that the five flavors of sour, salty, sweet, bitter and spicy could cure. Then he planted various grains based on these experiences, and that’s why the people of the world called him Shennong.