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(Waterfowl) Tonifies the Middle Jiao and promotes diuresis.

Fu (Wild Duck) [Anas platyrhynchos] (Primarily enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians, also enters the Lung and Kidney meridians). It is the wild duck. Its appearance is similar to that of a swan goose. It hides in summer and appears in winter. Flocks fly so densely they obscure the sun. Its taste is sweet, its nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic.

Its meat
is fatty but not greasy, delicious and easy to digest. For conditions such as dysentery and diarrhea, asthma, coughing with rebellious Qi, hemorrhage, and postpartum syndromes, consuming this meat is most suitable. This is because it possesses the efficacy of tonifying the Middle Jiao and promoting diuresis. However, from the ninth month until before the Beginning of Spring, its taste is best; at other times, it is inferior. It can be taken for hematemesis (vomiting blood) and poisoning by Gu toxins (parasitic or toxic poisoning), based on the principle of "using blood to guide blood" and the resonance of similar energies.

(Upland Bird) Resolves warm malaria and Gu toxins, yet caution is required regarding Aconite and Pinellia seedlings.

Zhegu (Partridge) [Francolinus pintadeanus] (Primarily enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Heart meridians). Its nature fears dew, rarely appearing in the early morning or evening. It roosts in trees at night, covering itself with leaves. It has a clean nature. (Li Shizhen recorded) It often consumes the seedlings of Aconite (Aconitum carmichaelii) and Pinellia (Pinellia ternata). Therefore, texts record its flavor as sweet and warm, but note it has slight toxicity. Consumers must guard against swelling and pain in the throat and head. If these symptoms occur, Ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) should be used to resolve the toxicity. ("Leshuo" records: Yang Xuanzhi, Tongpan of Guangzhou, upon returning to Chuzhou, ate too much partridge and subsequently developed an abscess in his throat, which ulcerated with continuous pus and blood, rendering him unable to sleep or eat. Physicians were helpless. When Yang Jilao arrived in the commandery and was invited to diagnose, he said, "First consume one jin of ginger, then medication can be administered." Initially, he felt it was sweet and fragrant; upon reaching half a jin, he felt somewhat relieved; after finishing one jin, he felt spicy, and porridge entered his mouth without any obstruction. This bird likes to eat Pinellia, causing the toxicity to manifest; thus, ginger is used to control it.) Additionally, Chancellor Feng Yanji suffered from severe headaches. Imperial Physician Wu Tingzhao said, "You have eaten too much pheasant and partridge; this is the manifestation of toxicity." He was cured using Licorice Decoction (Gancao Tang).) Regarding its functions, it is stated that consuming it can resolve the toxicity of wild葛 (Kudzu root, Puerariae Lobatae Radix) and mushrooms in Lingnan, and treat critical cases of warm malaria lasting long periods or Gu qi invasion leading to near-death states. This may imply that those without toxicity will suffer if they eat it, while those with toxicity will be resolved. (Gu toxins also fear the partridge.) As for texts claiming it benefits the five Zang organs, strengthens heart power, and enhances intelligence, these are vague generalizations without specific indication and are not credible. Its fat applied to frostbite prevents skin cracking. Do not consume self-dead birds. Consuming it with bamboo shoots causes abdominal distension.