This book, consisting of ten volumes, was initially compiled by Zhao Xue-min in the 30th year of the Qianlong era (1765), and was further revised and completed in the 8th year of the Jiaqing era (1803). It was not until after the death of Zhao Xue-min that it was first published in the 3rd year of the Tongzhi era (1864). It has been reprinted multiple times since then.

This book is specifically dedicated to recording drugs not included in the Bencao Gangmu, hence the name "Supplement," and it contains a total of 921 types of drugs (including 205 supplementary items). Among these, 716 are newly added drugs not recorded in the Bencao Gangmu, and 161 are supplements and revisions to drugs already included in the Bencao Gangmu. Under the "Corrections" section at the beginning of the book, there are 34 corrections to errors in the Bencao Gangmu. Western medical knowledge that was introduced at the time was also occasionally included, such as essential oils, quinine, iodine tincture, and ammonia water.

The book includes a large number of medical prescriptions, many of which were derived from collected experiences of drug use, being simple and effective, reflecting Zhao Xue-min's emphasis on the practical nature of itinerant doctors.

This book is undoubtedly one of the materia medica works with the most new content from the Qing dynasty, serving as an important supplement and development to the Bencao Gangmu, and also a systematic summary of materia medica once again.