Humans have been playing board games for at least 5,000 years. Ancient China, Egypt, and Ancient Mesopotamia all have left archeological evidence. Some of the games found in archeological sites are still being played today. Given the evidence our ancestors found games as intriguing and fulfilling as modern peeps. Board games provide us with the opportunity to hone logical thinking, planning, learning, and resilience, all while having fun.

It was New Years Eve of 2015 and my son and I were discussing our favorite board games. We played plenty together in his childhood. Later that night my mind turned back to a simple herb game I made while attending Five Branches Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose was to have a different way to memorize the category and temperature of herbs without studying. What if that game became more complex and more fun? Could it incorporate some Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) theory? What if it was fully illustrated? What if Players all got to be herbalists? What if it could be a game anyone could play?…..…..

After the inevitable ups and downs and ups again the herb game became Herb Apocalypse and is not one just game but three; Party Play, Solo Play, and Category Gong Fu.

Party Play allows for three player levels and all levels play together. They differ in access to the Mini Materia Medica and fines for Wrong Treatment. These adjustments level the playing field. Even a beginner can win. Each player/herbalist has a renewable stock of Herb Cards, these are used to help patients. Correct Treatment receives payment and sometimes assistance in the form of a Sage or a card guarding Dragon. Between treating patients herbalists navigate the ups and downs of business. There are fines and fees, disasters and opportunity. The currency of the game is Jing Chips, when The Storehouse is out, the game is over. The player with the most Jing Chips wins unless someone has a certain Sage Card……Party Play can be customized for ease and playing time. Please not more suitable for ages 12 and up.

Solo Play pits the player against The House. It uses only Treatment Cards and Herb Cards. Instead of Jing Chips, correct Herb Cards are kept and counted at the end of the game. Solo Play may customized for ease and time.

Category Gong Fu, this game is nod to the first herb game. A timed game, the player sorts the 54 Herb Cards the 25 Chinese herb categories. Play can be solo or with others. In the case of a tie in Party Play Category Gong Fu is used to break the tie.

Parts and pieces of Herb Apocalypse

The Rules Book

This 60 page booklet has the rules for each game plus set up diagrams and flow charts to help you get started. The details of each type of card are summarized. There is an overview on TCM medical theory and a back story for the sages.

The Mini Materia Medica

This has each of the 54 herbs used in the game. In addition to an illustration and the usual herbal categories, there is a light and accurate written description. It contains clues as to the correct herbs used for each Treatment Card.

Herb Cards

Theses are 54 commonly used Chinese herbs. You are welcome to add to it by making cards of your own. Blanks are available separately.

Treatment Cards

Illustrated cards which describe conditions to treat. There are 49.

Knowledge Deck

This deck is used to check the correct answers for Treatment Cards.

Event Cards

A mix of good and bad luck. Your herb clinic might burn down or your herb infested by bugs. Possibly your’ve run up some gambling debt. Always in business there’s fees and fines. Draw a dragon and protect a card. Other opportunities will arise, use them to your advantage. There are 27 Event Cards.

Sage Cards

12 Sages from TCM history are here to help you and hinder your opponents. The correct answer for some Treatment Cards allows you to draw from the Sage pile. 

Herb Apocalypse can be purchased HERE.