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Zhang Wenqian wrote "Record of Porridge" as a gift to Pan Lao: Mr. Zhang Andao ate a large bowl of porridge every morning after rising. When the stomach is empty and weak, the qi of grains arises, providing considerable nourishment. Moreover, porridge is extremely soft and smooth, harmonizing well with the intestines and stomach, making it an excellent dietary choice. Monk Qi said that monks in the mountains drink a bowl of porridge at dawn; this is of great importance. If they do not drink it, they feel dryness and thirst in their internal organs all day. This is because porridge can unblock stomach qi and generate body fluids. Now, advising people to eat porridge daily as a key to health preservation would likely cause laughter. Generally speaking, preserving life and seeking peace and comfort involves no profound or difficult matters; it lies precisely between sleep and diet. Some people laughed at Zhang Wenqian's words after reading them. However, I observed in the *Records of the Grand Historian* (*Shiji*) that Zhao Zhang, Chancellor of Yangxu Marquis, fell ill. The Grand Granary Doctor (Tai Cang Gong) diagnosed his pulse and said, "According to the method, he should die in five days, but he died after ten days." The reason for exceeding the period was that he liked eating porridge, so his central zang organs were solid, thus extending his life. The master said, "Those who can digest grain will exceed the expected time; those who cannot will not." From this, Zhang Wenqian's words seem to be verified. Later, I saw a letter from Su Dongpo, which stated that when he was very hungry at night, Wu Ziye advised him to eat white porridge, saying it could eliminate stale matter and promote new generation, benefit the diaphragm, and nourish the stomach. It is indeed reasonable for monks to eat porridge at the fifth watch (early morning). Porridge is delicious, and the drowsiness after eating it is indescribably good, indescribably good.

The five flavors nourish the form, but excess causes disease. Therefore, excessive consumption of salty food causes blood coagulation and changes in complexion; excessive consumption of bitter food causes dry skin and hair loss; excessive consumption of sour food causes muscle contraction and cracked lips; excessive consumption of sweet food causes bone pain and hair loss; excessive consumption of pungent food causes tendon stiffness and brittle nails. (From *Benshi Fang*)

For those who drink alcohol, if liver qi is weak, the face turns blue; if heart qi is weak, the face turns red.

Health preservation formulas state: Fish without gills should not be eaten, as doing so causes leprosy-like diseases in the fifth month. (From *Chao Shi Bing Yuan*)

When taking *Atractylodis Rhizoma* (Zhu), do not consume peaches, plums, sparrow meat, Coriandri Herba (Hushu), garlic, or green fish. When taking *Veratrum Nigrum* (Lilu), do not consume civet cat meat. When taking *Crotonis Fructus* (Badou), do not consume asparagus soup or wild boar meat. When taking *Coptidis Rhizoma* (Huanglian) and *Platycodonis Radix* (Jiegeng), do not consume pork. When taking *Rehmanniae Radix* (Dihuang), do not consume *Mume Fructus* (Wuyi). When taking *Pinelliae Rhizoma* (Banxia) and *Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma* (Changpu), do not consume malt sugar (Yitang) or mutton. When taking *Asari Radix* (Xixin), do not consume raw vegetables. When taking *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma* (Gancao), do not consume Chinese cabbage (Songcai). It is also said: Do not consume *Sargassum* (Haizao) with *Paeonia suffruticosa* (Mudan); do not consume raw *Coriandrum sativum* (Hushu) with *Phytolaccae Radix* (Shanglu); do not consume dog meat with Pa Shan (likely a textual error or specific herb name); do not consume raw scallions and raw vegetables with *Azurolite* (Kongqing) and *Cinnabaris* (Zhusha); do not consume raw blood with *Poria* (Fuling); do not consume vinegar products with *Trionycis Carapax et Plastrum* (Biejia); do not consume amaranth with *Asparagi Radix* (Tianmendong); do not consume carp. During medication, one should not consume excessive amounts of coriander, garlic, mixed raw vegetables, nor various slippery substances, fruits, fatty pork, dog meat, greasy rich soups, or fishy/foul-smelling foods. Generally, during medication, one must avoid seeing corpses, parturient women, and other unclean matters. (From *Bencao*)