The Yan Herb Codex

Yan Herb Codex: A Ritual of Senses



The Yan Herb Codex is a contemporary design tribute to Emperor Yan’s herbal philosophy, embodied through a trio of single-ingredient essential oils—Calm, Warmth, and Wakeful—each aligned with daily rhythms of mind-body restoration. Rooted in the principles of elemental healing and botanical qi-flow, the packaging integrates material tactility, symbolic patterns, and sensory rituals to transform product use into a holistic experience.



At the visual center is the emblem “炎” (Yan), a stylized logomark inspired by oracle bone script and geometric minimalism. Representing dual fire and rising qi, it is rendered through gold foil embossing and blind deboss techniques to convey quiet strength and ceremonial focus. This motif recurs across the packaging system, connecting the logomark with subtle linework, herb-inspired geometry, and field textures.



Each chapter embodies a distinct sensory identity:



Calm Chapter – Shennong at Night

A deep indigo matte surface with misty inkwave embossing evokes stillness and introspection. Plum blossom and moonlight are gently highlighted in gold foil, creating a tranquil aura. The interior features soft botanical graphics and poetry that invite the user into a grounded, sleep-ready state.



Warmth Chapter – Inner Flame Revival

In terracotta red with dark copper foil flames, this edition reflects internal heat and herbal circulation. A rough tactile finish contrasts with smooth geometric firelines, visually echoing the body's warming response. The essential oil bottle and outer packaging share a cohesive visual rhythm of flow and containment.



Wakeful Chapter – Morning Qi Awakening

A fresh gradient of mint green to morning white symbolizes clarity and ascent. Fine spiral gold lines and translucent layers emulate gentle airflow and cognitive activation. The design language reinforces a sense of mental clarity and lightness as part of the morning ritual.



Across all three variants, the interplay of materials, textures, and light forms a unified multi-sensory dialogue between product, ritual, and nature. The result is not just packaging, but a quiet herbal statement—contemporary, spiritual, and rooted in ancient restorative wisdom.