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Possesses the efficacy of mollusk-shell substances in softening hardness. Moreover, it moistens dryness and resolves phlegm, while also promoting diuresis. It enters the Kidney channel, possessing a salty and cold nature, clears Metal (Lung) and benefits the Stomach, and can also move blood stasis. (Geke [Arca Shell] has a salty and cold nature, enters the Blood aspect of the Kidney channel, softens hard phlegm, eliminates old blood stasis, clears heat and promotes water metabolism, all taking advantage of the descending and moistening properties of salty and cold flavors. As for its functions of nourishing Metal and benefiting the Stomach, these arise because clearing heat and descending phlegm benefit both the Lung and Stomach. Generally, its efficacy is similar to Walengzi [Arca Relicta Shell]. When used as powder, it can also dry dampness, and its application is similar to that of Muli [Oyster Shell].)

Tianluo [River Snail]
Sweet and cold in nature, it descends heat to brighten the eyes, promotes urination to treat strangury, and relieves hangovers. It treats the upward attack of Hongkong leg (podagra/edema of the lower limbs), and applying it to hemorrhoids alleviates pain. (Tianluo is sweet, cold, non-toxic, and grows in water; thus, its function specializes in clearing heat and promoting diuresis. Its nature guides heat downward, treating the upward rush of Hongkong leg, curing red and painful eyes due to heat, resolving alcohol toxicity, and treating hemorrhoids. Whether applied externally or taken internally, it yields miraculous results, utilizing its meat.)

(Li Shizhen said: Insects are numerous in variety and represent the most minute forms of life. Although they cannot be ranked with Qilin, Fenghuang, Gui, and Long, they each possess forms of viviparity, oviparity, humidity-generation, and transformation. They move clumsily yet contain spirit, each having specific natures and qi. Recording their merits and clarifying their faults, the Sages distinguished them. Thus, species like cicadas and ants, which are suitable for food, are recorded in the *Book of Rites*; creatures like gu, du, foxes, and yu, which are ordered to be expelled by officials, appear in the *Rites of Zhou*. Since the Sages were cautious even regarding the minute, how can scholars fail to investigate the physical principles of things and discern their beneficial and toxic properties?)

Wubeizi [Gallnut]
Sour and astringent, lightly floating, it can astringe the Lung and resolve phlegm; there are dyeing methods to restore white hair to black. Salty, cold, and bitter in descent, it can secure the Intestines and treat dysentery; for excessive sweating, there are excellent formulas to stop it. Rubbing it on hemorrhoidal fistulas and metal wounds, either mixed into a paste or sprinkled as powder, treats gan erosion caused by leprosy-like wind syndromes; it collects heat and consolidates pus. Baiyaojian [Hundred Medication Decoction] is further processed through fermentation; it clears the Heart and Lungs and carries a lingering sweetness, resolves phlegm and cough, and can also generate fluids. Entering the Upper Jiao, its function includes descending fire. (Wubeizi is created by insects. It grows on *Rhus chinensis* trees; when insects feed on tree sap, they form galls on branches and leaves in maturity, leaving seeds inside. Their shapes vary from round to long, tasting sour and astringent with a slight saltiness, and are cold in nature. They enter the Lung, Kidney, and Large Intestine channels, specializing in astringency. The phrase "resolving phlegm" implies that extreme astringency leads to transformation. Reducing heat addresses deficiency heat. All other internal and external treatments rely on the astringent and binding powers of sour and salty flavors, which can be inferred. ○ Baiyaojian is made using one jin of coarse Wubeizi powder and one liang of good tea leaves, boiled into a concentrated decoction, mixed with four liang of yeast dregs, stirred together, placed in a bran vat to ferment, and sealed until it rises like dough. Its nature and flavor resemble Wubeizi, but after fermentation, its texture becomes light and void, and its taste turns sweet. Thus, it treats syndromes such as cough, phlegm-fluids, heat, and thirst involving the Heart and Lungs in the Upper Jiao, again taking advantage of its astringent and肃 (descending/clearing) qualities.)