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Treats conditions of hyperactive Yang and excessive heat. Applied topically to burns and sores; it is required for external treatment. Sweet in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. (Well-bottom mud possesses the nature of extreme Yin, used to treat various Yang-heat conditions. It has only external application methods and no internal prescription.)

Warm nature promotes blood circulation and resolves stasis, breaks down accumulations, eliminates carbuncles, and topical application treats tongue swelling. Pungent flavor disperses blood, drives out pathogens, wards off gu poison, and treats metal wounds. (Fuqi Mo, i.e., the soot from the center of the pot bottom, shares the pungent-warm blood-dispersing property with Baicaoshuang [Soot from Hundred Herbs], though its texture differs slightly in weight. Baicaoshuang has the efficacy of light dispersion and resolution, while Fuqi Mo possesses the power to ward off evil and resolve stasis; the key lies in the practitioner's appropriate use.)

Bitter and pungent, slightly cold, slightly toxic. Wards off evil, promotes blood circulation and resolves stasis; due to its light and floating nature, it stops bleeding when sprinkled on various sores; calms the fetus, treats diaphragm disorders. (Liangshangchen [Dust from Beams] refers to dust hanging upside down from roof beams. Although ancient prescriptions included its use, there was little profound meaning behind it, and it inevitably contained toxins from insects and snakes. Moreover, since there are many drugs suitable for specific symptoms, one need not insist on such obscure substances.)

Its efficacy is to eliminate phlegm and dirt; its action involves corroding flesh and damaging muscle. Bitter, pungent, and salty in flavor; slightly warm and toxic in nature. (Shijian [Stone Alkali] is made by collecting plants like Artemisia and Polygonum, soaking them in water in a pit, retrieving them, drying them, burning them to ash, and then leaching the ash with the original water. For every 100 jin, 2-3 jin of flour is added; over time, it solidifies like stone. However, its harsh, bitter, and salty nature makes it suitable only for external use, not internal consumption.)

(Li Shizhen said: Birds are a category of insects. Their feathers harmonize with the four seasons, and their colors correspond to the five directions. Mountain birds roost on rocks, while field birds dwell on the ground. In mating, some touch tails, others gaze with eyes. In reproduction, some are enclosed by wings, others arise from qi transformation. Thus, the Five Jiu and Nine Hu were used to name official positions, and male pheasants and owls were borrowed by poets for observation and reflection. Did the Sages regard birds merely casually?)

Wuguji (Black-bone Chicken)
Supplements deficiency of blood in the Liver system, regulates postpartum conditions, treats consumptive diseases. Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Treats debility diseases of Lung and Kidney deficiency. White feathers and black bones symbolize Metal generating Water. The chicken belongs to Xun Wood, associated with Wind, which can stir Wind and provoke toxicity. Ji Neijin (Chicken Gizzard Membrane) transforms food, aiding digestion and relaxing the Middle Jiao. Ji Qiao (Eggshell) mixed for topical application; powdered and applied to sores, curing subcutaneous ulcers. Decoction of Jishi Bai (White part of Chicken Droppings) taken with wine unblocks intestines and treats distension. Salty and cold in nature. Jiguan (Chicken Comb) possesses pure Yang Qi, treating sudden severe illness and expelling alien influences. Jizi (Chicken Egg) is neutral, sweet, and moistening, calming the Five Zang organs and particularly nourishing the Heart Spirit. (There are many varieties of chickens, but those with white feathers and black bones, where skin and meat are entirely black, are considered superior. The chicken corresponds to Xun Wood, with a sweet and neutral nature; it is a substance of flesh and blood with emotional vitality, suitable for Liver deficiency. Its outer white and inner black color reflects the principle of Metal generating Water, making it most suitable for deficiencies of blood in the Liver, Lung, and Kidney. However, it can also stir Wind and provoke toxicity; thus, it is contraindicated for all external conditions and wind-related diseases. ○ Ji Nejin is the yellow membrane inside the chicken's hard gizzard. All food consumed by the chicken is digested here. When roasted until black, it aids in digesting grains and foods, and can also treat strangury and stop enuresis, as chickens do not urinate. ○ Powdered eggshell treats pterygium, subcutaneous ulcers, and various sores, utilizing the concept of shedding or molting. ○ Jishi Bai (white part of droppings) exists only in male chickens; it is salty, bitter, and cold, descending effectively, entering the Liver, Spleen, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine meridians. It eliminates damp-heat and stagnation of food and fluids. It is applicable for distension caused by excess-heat patterns. In *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, it is used for cramps extending into the abdomen because Liver pathogen invades the Spleen, and Jishi Bai benefits the Spleen. ○ Jiguan Xue (Chicken Comb Blood) is best from red male chickens; salty and neutral, possessing supreme pure Yang Qi, thus warding off Yin pathogens and treating sudden severe illness or five types of death-like states. For treating facial paralysis, it enters the blood and penetrates collaterals; as a Xun animal, it treats Wind. ○ Raw eggs are cool, cooked eggs are warm; inner yolk is yellow, outer white; enter Heart and Lung meridians, calming spirit and stabilizing soul. Cooked and combined with other foods, it tonifies Spleen and Stomach. Taken raw, it nourishes Heart Ying (Nutritive Qi) and clears deficient heat; its effect depends on the skillful application by the practitioner.)