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(From *Shiliao Bencao* [Food Therapy Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Wild Duck (from *Mao Shi Zheng Yi Shu* [Commentary on the Book of Songs]); Ye.
Li Shizhen states: The character "Fu" (wild duck) is derived from "Ji" (pronounced "shu"), depicting the appearance of short-winged high flight; the meaning of "Fu" is taken from this. *Erya* [An Ancient Dictionary] states: This is the ancient meaning. It is colloquially called "Chen Fu" [Morning Wild Duck], claiming that wild ducks often fly in the morning, which is also acceptable.

**[Collected Explanations]**
Li Shizhen states: Fu [wild ducks] are found throughout the rivers, seas, and lakes in the southeast. They gather in flocks of hundreds, flying day and night so densely as to obscure the sky, their flight sounding like wind and rain. Wherever they go, rice and millet are consumed entirely. Lu Ji, in his commentary on the *Book of Songs*, states: They resemble ducks but are smaller, with mixed blue-green and white plumage, patterns on the back, short beaks, long tails, low-set feet, and red palms. They are cautious and honest among water birds, fat and cold-resistant. Some say that green-headed ones are superior, while those with pointed tails are secondary. There is a type in the sea called "Guan Fu" [Crowned Duck], which has a crest on its head, said to be transformed from the Large Yellow Croaker (*Larimichthys crocea*). These should all be harvested in winter.

**Meat**

**[Flavor and Properties]** Sweet, cool, non-toxic.

Meng Shen states: Consumed after September and before the Beginning of Spring, it greatly benefits patients, surpassing domestic ducks, and although cold in nature, it does not disturb Qi.

*Ri Hua Bencao* [Bencao by Ri Hua] states: Do not consume together with walnuts, wood ear mushrooms, or fermented soybeans.

**[Indications]** Tonifies the Middle Jiao and supplements Qi, regulates the Stomach and aids digestion, eliminates twelve types of parasites. For small heat-sores on the body that have persisted for years, consuming large amounts will lead to recovery (Meng Shen). Treats heat-toxins.

**Blood**

**[Indications]** Resolves "Tiao Sheng" Gu poison [parasitic disease caused by ingestion]; induce vomiting with hot drinks (Li Shizhen. From *Zhai Xuan Fang*).

(Pronounced "Pi Ti". From *Hai Yao Bencao Shi Yi* [Supplement to Sea Drug Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Xu (from *Erya*); Shui KT (pronounced "Zha", from *Bencao Zheng Yao*); (from *Ri Yong Ben Cao*); Diao Ya [Pipit Duck] (from *Shu Ben Zhu*).

Li Shizhen states: and Xu are not detailed. , Diao, and Ling Ding all describe their small size. You describes their fattiness.

**[Collected Explanations]**
Zang Qi states: is a water bird. It is as large as a turtledove, with webbed feet connected to the tail, unable to walk on land, remaining constantly in water. When people approach, it sinks; if struck, it rises. Its grease applied to swords and knives prevents rust. The poem *Xu Ying Hua* states: "Horses chew on alfalfa leaves, swords shine with grease," referring to this property.

Han Baosheng states: Among wild ducks, some resemble domestic ducks, while others are completely different. The smallest are called Diao Ya, with the best flavor.

Li Shizhen states: are abundant in southern lakes and streams. They resemble wild ducks but are smaller, with pale white patterned plumage, rich in fat and delicious. Harvested in winter, there are many varieties. Yang Xiong's *Fang Yan* [Regional Words] mentions: "Wild ducks, very small and fond of diving into water, are called in areas outside Southern Chu, while larger ones are called Hu." This refers to them.

**Meat**

**[Flavor and Properties]** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Tonifies the Middle Jiao and supplements Qi. Roasted with five flavors, it is very delicious (Li Shizhen. From *Bencao Zheng Yao*).

**Grease**

**[Indications]** Dropped into the ears to treat deafness (Zang Qi).