Library

(From *Ri Hua Ben Cao*)

[Nomenclature] Ci Man (from *Ri Hua Ben Cao*), [Missing Character], Gou Yu (Dog Fish) (from *Ri Hua Ben Cao*).

[Collected Explanations] *Ri Hua Ben Cao* states: It lives in the East Sea. It resembles *Manli* (Eel) but is larger, and its therapeutic efficacy is the same as that of *Manli*.

[Flavor and Properties] Same as *Manli* (Eel).

[Therapeutic Actions] Treats malignant skin sores, scabies, childhood malnutrition with abdominal distension (Gan Ji), and hemorrhoids (from *Ri Hua Ben Cao*). Li Shizhen notes: According to Li Jiu Hua, "Gou Yu has a warming nature but lacks tonifying properties." This refers to this fish.

Eel (Shan Yu) (from *Ming Yi Bie Lu*, listed as Upper Grade)

[Nomenclature] Huang Shan (Yellow Eel) (pronunciation similar to "Tuan").
Su Song states: The abdomen of the eel is yellow, hence it is commonly called Huang Shan (Yellow Eel).
Li Shizhen states: *Yi Yuan* writes it as "Huang Tuan," stating that the name "Huang Dan" originates from this, referring to the yellow fish.

[Collected Explanations] Han Baosheng states: Eels live in mud burrows at the water's edge. They resemble *Manli* (Eels) but are thinner and longer, also resembling snakes but without scales; they come in green and yellow colors.
Li Shizhen states: The body base color is yellow with black markings, covered in mucus. Large ones can be two to three chi long. They emerge in summer and hibernate in winter. There is a variety transformed from snakes called She Shan (Snake Eel), which is toxic and harmful to humans. In southern regions, vendors keep hundreds of eels in water-filled jars. At night, they illuminate them with lamps; those transformed from snakes will have white spots on their necks. They float entirely on the water surface and are discarded. Alternatively, garlic cloves are thrown into the jar, causing the eels to jump incessantly, demonstrating the mutual restraint of natural natures.
Chen Cangqi states: When preparing eel, it should be boiled repeatedly. Mulberry wood fire should not be used, as it is also a snake species.
Tao Hongjing states: Eels are said to transform from Xing Qin roots, or from human hair. However, since they naturally carry eggs in their bellies, not all are products of transformation.

[Flesh · Flavor and Properties] Sweet, very warm, non-toxic. Sun Simiao states: Black eels are toxic.
Tao Hongjing states: Its hot nature is tonifying. Consuming it after an epidemic disease often leads to relapse.
Su Song states: It stirs up wind pathogenic factors. Overconsumption causes Huo Luan (Cholera-like syndrome). I once witnessed an official who ate this and suffered vomiting and diarrhea nearly to death.
Li Shizhen states: According to *Yan Shou Shu*: Overconsumption triggers various sores and shortens lifespan. Large eels are toxic and can cause death. Do not consume together with dog meat or dog blood.

[Therapeutic Actions] Tonifies the Middle Jiao (Central Digestive System), benefits blood, treats deep ulcers of the lips (from *Ming Yi Bie Lu*). Tonifies deficiency and damage, treats postpartum lochia dripping in women, irregular Qi and Blood, emaciation, and expels Wind pathogens. For those suffering from Damp-Wind or noxious Qi, bathing in eel decoction is recommended.

[Attached Prescriptions] Two new prescriptions.
Ulceration and Rotting Sores: Kill several yellow eels, smear their bellies with sesame oil, coil them onto the sore, and secure them. After a moment, the pain becomes unbearable, then remove them. Inspect the belly for needle-eye holes, which indicate worms. Repeat if necessary. Afterwards, apply human tibia bone ash mixed with oil to the area (from *Qi Xiao Liang Fang*).
Fleshy Hemorrhoids Bleeding: Boil and eat eel; its nature is cool (from *Bian Min Shi Liao*).

[Blood] (Obtained from the tail)

[Therapeutic Actions] Apply to treat Tinea and [Missing Character] (from Chen Cangqi).
Treat facial paralysis (Kou Yan Xie Pi): Mix with a small amount of Moschus (She Xiang). Apply to the right side if the left is paralyzed, and to the left if the right is paralyzed. Wash off immediately upon correction. Treat earache by dripping a few drops into the ear. Treat Epistaxis (Bi Nu) by dripping a few drops into the nose. Treat corneal opacity after smallpox/rash by applying a few drops to the eye. Treat facial erythema (Chi Ci) by frequently applying with garlic juice and ink juice. Also applicable for treating Chi You Feng (Red Roaming Wind) (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen states: Eels are good at burrowing and crawling without feet, sharing the same nature as snakes. Therefore, they can unblock meridians and treat the Twelve Wind Pathogens, as well as diseases of the mouth, eyes, ears, and other orifices. When Wind pathogen invades the blood vessels, causing facial paralysis, Eel Blood is used as the primary treatment, following the principle of treating like with like.

[Head] (Harvested on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month)

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

[Therapeutic Actions] Burn to ash and ingest to stop dysentery, treat Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst/Diabetes), expel cold Qi, eliminate Plague Syndromes (Pi Zheng), and aid digestion (from *Ming Yi Bie Lu*). Burn together with Snake Head to ash, take with wine to treat Small Intestine Abscess effectively (from *Yi Fang Ji Cheng*). For insects entering the ear, burn, grind into powder, and pack with cotton wick.

[Skin]

[Therapeutic Actions] For hard, painful breast nodules in women, burn to ash, take with warm wine on an empty stomach (from *Sheng Hui Fang*).