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[Scaleless Fish] Tonify the Spleen and promote diuresis

Shark (enters the Spleen meridian exclusively). This refers to sharks in the sea. They inhabit the South Sea. Their dorsal skin is rough and textured. It can be scraped with a knife. Its meat is prepared as *kuai* (sashimi). (Fresh slices are cut, seasoned with five flavors, and eaten raw.) It tonifies the five Zang organs. Its efficacy is slightly inferior to that of Crucian Carp (*Carassius auratus*). Since Crucian Carp tonifies the Spleen and promotes water metabolism, it is inferred that this fish also belongs to the category of promoting water metabolism. Hence, the statement that its efficacy is inferior to that of Crucian Carp. The skin treats *shizhu* (wasting-and-gathering disease) and gu poison. Burned to ash, it resolves fish poisoning.

[Scaleless Fish] Enters the Liver to nourish blood; enters the Kidney to nourish yin/water

Cuttlefish (enters the Liver meridian exclusively, and concurrently enters the Kidney meridian). According to texts, its taste and nature are described only as sour and neutral. It is also noted for its exquisite flavor. Consumption may trigger wind and disrupt qi dynamics. Its therapeutic indications include benefiting qi, strengthening willpower, and regulating menstruation in women. This indicates its nature is yin. Therefore, it enters the Liver to nourish blood and enters the Kidney to nourish yin (water), strengthen willpower, and ensure regular menstrual flow. Further examination of texts reveals that cuttlefish can absorb ink, clouding the water to defend against predators. It can also float on the surface during the day, feigning death to peck at crows. Its nature is thus yin and treacherous, which is self-evident. Moreover, its internal blood and gall resemble black ink, staining hands and causing written characters to fade after a year, leaving only blank paper. This demonstrates its black color entering the Kidney, which is also self-evident. Consequently, individuals with Yin-deficient constitutions who consume it may experience triggered wind and qi disruption, leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain. Individuals with Yang-deficient constitutions who consume it may experience astringency of yin and conservation of yang. Thus, its bone, known as Hai Piao Xiao (Sepiae Endoconcha), can treat conditions such as blood depletion, qi exhaustion, and Liver injury. However, its meat has long been excluded from dietary records, so its medicinal rationale remains unclear. Currently used universally in the north and south, it is beneficial for those with blood depletion and yin dryness without harm. Conversely, it is harmful for those with blood deficiency and cold qi. Is this not consistent with its yin nature that is not drying? Cuttlefish squid (soft-bodied) lacks bones. Its form, texture, and qi are similar to Sepiae Endoconcha and cuttlefish meat, but its flavor is superior. Bian Que valued it highly.

[Scaleless Fish] Warm and moisten the Spleen and Stomach

Eel (enters the Spleen meridian exclusively). This refers to loach. It burrows in mud, nourished by the yin qi of the earth. Its nature is active and invasive, allowing it to enter the soil to tonify the Spleen. Texts state it warms the middle and benefits qi; the rationale lies here. When in water, it floats to the surface; when water dries up, it buries itself in mud and becomes invisible. Thus, it directs downward. Used internally to treat diseases, texts mention cooking it with rice flour into a soup to direct downward and astringe hemorrhoids; the rationale stems from this. Other fish die when water dries up, but loaches constantly coat themselves with saliva to sustain themselves, remaining moist while buried in mud. Therefore, human consumption generates body fluids. Texts state it awakens from alcohol intoxication and relieves thirst; the rationale arises from this. (For polydipsia/xiao ke, use ten loaches, shade-dry, remove head and tail, burn to ash, mix equally with dried lotus leaf powder. Take 2 qian each time, mixed with fresh well-water, twice daily. Named Wo Jiao San.) Blacken hair and clean teeth. (Loach, Sophora flower buds, wild wolf grass, each 1 liang; one male swallow; half 1 liang of sour pomegranate peel. Pound into a paste, place in a clay jar, seal tightly with salt mud. Fire first gently then vigorously. Burn until charcoal (10 jin). Grind. Use daily. After one month, white hair turns black.) Impotence. (Cook and eat loach.) Why does application yield immediate results? Because its tendons are strong and force sharp, it enters the bones to blacken hair, and enters the Kidney and Liver to restore yang. Emaciated cattle and dogs. (Use one or two loaches, insert through mouth/nose. Immediate fattening occurs.) Why is it always effective? Because it possesses the ability to tonify Earth (Spleen/Stomach), it causes immediate weight gain. If a bone is stuck in the throat, use this method to insert into the throat and pull it out. (Tie the head of an eel with thread, insert tail-first into the throat, and pull out.) These are easily understood by people! However, it must not be consumed together with white dog blood.