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Sweet and warm, non-toxic.

[Invention] Zang Qi said: The hermit crab lives between the shells of snails; it is not a snail itself. It enters and exits freely when the snails or clams open their shells, and returns to the shell when they attempt to close, thus parasitizing many marine creatures. In the South Sea, there is a creature resembling a spider that enters a snail shell and carries it while walking; upon being touched, it shrinks into the shell and only emerges when roasted by fire. For women experiencing difficult labor, seven specimens are crushed and taken with wine, or one may hold one in each hand during delivery; this is no different from Xiangsi Zi (Abrus precatorius seed). Hong Jing stated: Consuming it benefits complexion and improves mental state. Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain at any given time.

Namely Xiangsi Zi (Abrus precatorius seed)

[Invention] Xiangsi Zi resembles the seeds within a snail, roughly the size of a small bean. It remains alive even after years stored in a chest or wardrobe; placed in vinegar, it spins continuously. For women with difficult labor, holding it in hand facilitates delivery, verified repeatedly.

Pungent and warm, highly toxic.

[Invention] Cranes eat venomous snakes (Shehui); the blood from the top of a crane's head is extremely toxic and powerful enough to kill humans; those seeking suicide who consume it will die immediately. However, the *Jiayou Bencao* claims crane blood tonifies qi and strength, supplements deficiency and exhaustion, dispels wind, and benefits the lungs, which is likely incorrect. Water prepared from grinding the stones found in the gizzard (Shenzhi) can detoxify Gu poison (parasitic poisoning).

Sweet and cold, slightly toxic.

[Invention] Stork bone treats Shizhu (a chronic wasting disease), Houbi (sore throat), and injuries from venomous snakes; it specifically uses its toxicity to attack latent and hidden toxins. The beak and leg bones are particularly effective. The egg can preemptively resolve Doudou (smallpox/chickenpox) toxin; boiling one egg and feeding it to an infant can prevent eruption or result in sparse eruptions, functioning similarly to Crane Egg.

Namely Cormorant

Salty and cold, non-toxic.

[Invention] It prefers to devour fish, snakes, and bird chicks; therefore, it treats Pi Ji (abdominal masses). There are pills using it as the chief ingredient, which are especially effective for treating Jia (abdominal masses) caused by consuming fish and turtles. Its bones, roasted until crisp, combined with Nang Pengsha (Borax), blown into the throat, treat Gengge (fishbone stuck in throat); after enduring for a moment, gently coughing expels both the bone and phlegm.

Namely Goose (specifically referring to the goose's nature or a specific type)

Salty, warm, slippery, non-toxic.

[Invention] The oil of the goose has a penetrating and moving nature, capable of guiding other herbs into the disease site to extract toxins; thus, it treats deafness, bi syndrome (painful obstruction), swelling, and toxic sores. Its tongue treats Dingchuang (furuncle/carbuncle), utilizing its ability to enter the Heart and draw out toxins.

White ones are sweet, neutral, and non-toxic. Greyish ones are toxic, and tender ones are inferior.

[Invention] The flavor and aroma of geese are strong; nothing is more likely to induce wind pathogen or trigger sores than this. *Bencao Bie Lu* states its nature is cool and promotes the five zang organs, referring specifically to grey geese. Han Shi's statement about it dispersing wind refers to the nature of white geese. In ancient prescriptions for Lifeng (leprosy), pure white goose feathers, skin from the beak and feet, and the inner lining of the gizzard and liver were collected, sealed with mud, calcined to retain properties, and used with wind-dispersing herbs as a guide. No part must be omitted, or the corresponding area will not heal. Mixed colors must not be used; if any part is greyish, that area of the skin will turn black after the wind disease is cured. This is consistent with the principle that snake-induced wind toxin is best resolved by Baihua She (white-banded snake). White goose fat dispels wind, moistens dryness, and resolves mineral toxins (such as arsenic). Goose blood induces vomiting of gastric stasis, opens blood diaphragm causing regurgitation and inability to eat; drinking it hot in abundance causes vomiting of the root cause, demonstrating the principle of "using blood to guide blood" and "seeking resonance with similar qi." For those poisoned by Shegong (an ancient aquatic insect toxin), drinking and applying it dissolves the poison because the goose consumes this insect. Placing tail feathers in the ear treats deafness and tinnitus, leveraging its ability to reach the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). Saliva treats accidentally swallowed rice awns, relying on the principle of mutual antagonism of substances. Juice squeezed from white goose droppings treats Xiao'er Ekouchuang (thrush) in infants; grey goose droppings applied externally treat venom from insect or snake bites.