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[Fish] Nourishes harmony and regulates the Stomach Qi.

Zhiyu (Paper Fish) (specifically enters the Spleen and Stomach). This is what books refer to as "Can Yu" (Remnant Fish). Its flavor is sweet, and its nature is neutral. It is not used for therapeutic treatment. According to records, it is produced only in Suzhou, Songjiang, and Zhejiang regions. The large ones are no more than three or four cun long. They have a round body without scales. They are white as silver. The smaller ones are even superior. Fresh consumption tastes best; dried form is also good. Consuming it as soup can broaden the middle and strengthen the Stomach, without the detriment of greasiness damaging the interior.

[Fish] Ingestion causes toxicity leading to headache and diarrhea.

Shiban Yu (Stone-spotted Fish) (specifically enters □) belongs to toxic substances. Those who consume it invariably suffer from headache accompanied by diarrhea. This is likely because this fish inhabits the rocky streams and rivulets of southern regions. It measures several cun in length. It has white scales and black spots. It swims on the water surface. Upon hearing human voices, it dives deeply. This fish exists only in females, with no males. In the second and third lunar months, it mates with lizards on the water surface. Its embryonic toxin harms the human body. There is a type of earth bee in the south. Locals kill this fish and hang them on trees to attract birds to eat them, thereby driving away the earth bees. Thus, consuming it leads to the manifestation of these ailments. However, the meat is relatively less harmful, while the roe and intestines are particularly toxic. Currently, fishermen often mix this fish with others to sell for consumption. One must exercise caution.

[Scaleless Fish] Treats wind-pathogens affecting the menses, supplements Qi of the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinews and bones.

Qiu Yu (Loach/Eel) (specifically enters the meridians, additionally enters the Liver and Kidney). It is born endowing the Yang Qi of Earth. Its nature is adept at burrowing into holes. Its force is solid and sharp. It moves without feet. It shares the same nature as snakes. (Li Shizhen said: In the south, people keep hundreds of eels in water-filled vats in shops. At night, they illuminate them with lamps. The eels with patterns on their bodies must have white spots under their necks; if they float entirely on the surface, they should be discarded. Alternatively, throwing garlic cloves into the vat causes the eels to jump incessantly, which is also an example of mutual restriction among species.) Therefore, texts record that it can unblock meridians and collaterals, treating wind-pathogens of the twelve meridians, as well as diseases of the ears, eyes, and other orifices. For instance, when wind-pathogen invades the blood vessels causing deviation of the mouth and eye, use its tail blood mixed with a small amount of Moschus (She Xiang), applying to the healthy side (right lesion applied to left, left lesion applied to right); wash off immediately once symptoms cease. (*Qianjin Fang* states: Using Trionycis Carapax et Plastrum (Bie Xue) and Gallus gallus domesticus comb blood (Ji Guan Xue) mixed with Long Gu Tu (Fu Long Gan) treats facial paralysis). For ear pain, epistaxis, and corneal opacity after smallpox/variolous eruption, apply blood drops for cure. (Using blood treats the condition, following the principle of similarity). For foul ulcers and rotting sores, kill the eel, smear sesame oil on its belly (apply to the eel's belly), tie it to the sore, remove when painful, and check if worms have entered the eel; discard if found. (Repeat if not fully cleared; afterwards, apply human tibia ash mixed with oil). For postpartum lochia dripping continuously, borborygmus, and damp bi-syndrome, boiling and eating this fish eliminates them. For elderly patients with persistent deficiency-type dysentery, dry this fish, calcine to ash retaining its nature, and take with mixture to stop it. Furthermore, it can enhance strength and fortify sinews. Thus, Dali Wan (Great Strength Pill) takes this fish along with Ursine Sinew (Xiong Jin), Tiger Bone (Hu Gu), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui), and Ginseng Radix (Ren Shen) in equal parts for administration. (Take flesh from a large eel weighing over one jin, steam with wine, mix with herbs to make pills, take two xu with wine on an empty stomach). For impotence and infertility, use this fish blood combined with Gecko (Ge Jie) and other herbs. (Formula see entry for Ge Jie). All utilize their inherent properties and forces for assistance. However, this fish is sweet in flavor and hot in nature; its power is tonifying. If the disease belongs to deficiency-heat, or yin-deficiency with fire-flaring after epidemic illness, ingestion will inevitably lead to changes such as Qi weakness stirring wind and Qi rebellion. Caution is imperative.