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(Fish) Benefits lung water and opens stomach qi

Baiyu (White Fish) (Primarily enters the Lung and Stomach meridians, also enters the Liver meridian). Its taste is sweet and its nature is neutral. It has a narrow body, flat abdomen, fine scales, and its head and tail point upward. The flesh contains fine spines. (The white fish leaping into the boat during King Wu of Zhou's campaign refers to this species.) Its efficacy is primarily directed at the Lung meridian to promote diuresis, open the stomach, and direct rebellious Qi downward. Therefore, in *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), Baiyu is often used together with Huashi (Talcum) to treat Lin syndrome (dysuria), forming the formula Huashi Baiyu San (Talcum and White Fish Powder). This utilizes its ability to manage water-dampness and assists Luanfa (Hair Charcoal) to break blood stasis. Once Qi and Blood are unblocked and regulated, the dysuria ceases. However, since its nature is also slippery and draining, consuming it with dates may cause diarrhea due to cold affecting the Spleen and Kidney, inevitably leading to lower back pain. Overconsumption by the Spleen and Stomach, lacking warmth, will inevitably lead to fullness and discomfort. Roasting is the most suitable method of preparation; alternatively, it may be pickled or preserved in wine lees for consumption. As for claims in texts that it tonifies the Liver, brightens the eyes, regulates the Five Zang organs, and unblocks the Twelve Meridians, Li Shizhen considered these as exaggerated praises not worthy of deep belief. The annotation in *Kaibao Bencao* (Kaibao Materia Medica) should be regarded as correct.

(Fish) Promotes diuresis, eliminates Hongjiaojiao (Gouty Arthritis/Feet Swelling) and blurring of vision

Qingyu (Black Carp) (Primarily enters the Liver meridian, also enters the Spleen meridian). Its taste is sweet and its nature is neutral, with a green color. (Su Song stated: It resembles the Grass Carp but has a green back.) Therefore, medical texts record that it can enter the Liver meridian to circulate Qi and enter the Spleen meridian to promote diuresis. Whenever people suffer from damp-heat pouring downward, resulting in Hongjiaojiao (swelling and pain in the feet/legs), or damp-heat steaming upward, resulting in blurred vision, this fish should be used for treatment. Because Qingyu feeds on clams and snails, which themselves promote diuresis, Qingyu can also promote diuresis to eliminate diseases such as Hongjiaojiao and blurred vision. (Those taking Zhushu [Atractylodis Rhizoma] should avoid it.) However, when treating Hongjiaojiao with this fish, it must be administered together with Jiubai (the white part of Chinese chives) to provide gentle warming power internally. This point should be considered comprehensively. Its flavor is contrary to that of those taking Shi Yao (Mineral drugs). (It should not be eaten with raw Coriandrum sativum, raw Malva verticillata, legume leaves, wheat sauce, etc.) The occipital bone in its head resembles amber; ground into water, it can treat sudden heart and abdominal pain. It can also be made into combs or drinking vessels. It resolves Gu poison (worm poisoning). The juice from its eyes, when applied to the eyes, enables night vision. The gallbladder is detailed separately in the section on Cooling Blood. This should be considered comprehensively.

(Fish) Warms the Middle Jiao and benefits Yuan Qi

Shayu (Sand Shark/Sand Eel) (Primarily enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians). This refers to small fish in southern streams and creeks, not the shark found in the sea. The shark in the sea is originally called Jiaoyu (Shark). The sand fish in the streams lives in sandy ditches, swims by blowing sand, and eats by sucking up sand, hence the name "Sha" (Sand). Its taste is sweet, its nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic. Investigating its main therapeutic effects, it is only said to warm the Middle Jiao and benefit Qi, which is due to its sweet taste and neutral nature. Consuming it can make the Qi of the Middle Jiao mild and harmonious without causing deficiency. It does not imply that for extreme deficiency of Middle Qi, one must rely on this fish for treatment.