Library

[Goose Fat] Indicated for sudden deafness; instill into the ear. Goose feathers are indicated for injuries from "Shegong" (a mythical insect-like creature causing sores) and water toxicity. Goose meat is neutral in nature and promotes the free flow of the Five Zang Organs.
In the Dongchuan region, stream toxins are prevalent; raising geese serves as a preventive measure, and goose feathers are also effective. For those poisoned by Shegong, drinking goose blood and applying it to the body is beneficial. Geese may not necessarily consume Shegong insects; rather, they likely suppress them through their imposing presence. It is said that geese do not eat live worms, yet goose goslings now consume earthworms.
[Verification] Goose feathers are indicated for pediatric convulsions and epilepsy, and dysentery. Ashed goose feathers are indicated for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

[Duck Fat] Sweet in taste, non-toxic. Indicated for wind-deficiency patterns and alternating chills and fever. White duck feces, named Yatong (Duck Pass), is indicated for neutralizing mineral drug toxicity and resolving stagnation with accumulated heat. Duck meat tonifies deficiency, clears heat, harmonizes the Zang-Fu organs, and promotes urination.
This refers to ducks, which include domestic and wild varieties. The earlier *Shennong Bencao Jing* mentions Yanfang (Wild Goose Fat), also known as Fang, with slightly different therapeutic effects; the current text specifically refers to domestic ducks. Yellow female ducks offer the most potent tonification. Duck eggs should not be consumed together with turtle meat. Any bird that dies naturally with its mouth open must not be eaten, as consumption can be fatal.
[Verification] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Duck fat indicates edema. Duck blood resolves various toxins. Duck meat indicates pediatric convulsions and epilepsy. Duck heads indicate edema and promote diuresis; ancient formulas for treating water retention utilize Ya Tou Wan (Duck Head Pill).

[Wild Goose Fat] Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Indicated for wind-induced spasms, muscle contracture, hemiplegia, and qi obstruction. Long-term consumption promotes the growth of hair, eyebrows, and beard, tonifies Qi, reduces hunger sensations, lightens the body, and enhances longevity. Also known as Fang. Grows in the ponds and marshes of Jiangnan; harvestable at any time.
The *Classic of Poetry* states: "The large one is called Hong, the small one is called Yan." Current wild goose species vary in size but share the same morphology. Additionally, there is a wild goose larger than the Yan, resembling the domestic Cang goose; its meat is presumed to be good. "Yan" is pronounced like "mu," referring to wild ducks. Currently, this term "Fang" implies that both wild geese and wild ducks are similar categories. Notes on ducks appear previously. Wild geese inhabit rivers and lakes, migrating north for summer nesting. It is possible that people north of Yanmen Pass do not consume this bird, whereas the Central Plains value it. Although harvestable anytime, winter is preferred.
[Verification] *Mingyi Bielu* states: White feathers from the throat of wild geese are effective for treating pediatric epilepsy. Wild geese are Yang birds; they migrate south in winter and north in summer. In spring, they breed in the north; how can it be said that northerners do not eat them! However, wild geese move opposite to swallows: when swallows arrive, wild geese depart; when swallows depart, wild geese arrive. Thus, the *Book of Rites* states: "In autumn, we await the arrival of wild geese; in spring, the departing birds [swallows] arrive."