Library

(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Bencao Jing Jizhu* [Supplement to the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Yi Niao (Bird) (*Shuowen Jiezi*), Xuan Niao (Dark Bird) (*Liji*), Zhi Niao (Fierce Bird) (*Gujin Zhu*), Er (*Zhuangzi*), You Bo (Wandering Wave) (*Paozhi Lun*), Tian Nu (Heavenly Maiden) (*Yi Zhan*).

Li Shizhen states: The seal script character for Yan (Swallow) is pictographic. "Yi" imitates its self-called cry. "Xuan" refers to its color. Eagles and hawks die after eating swallows, and swallows can subdue the Haibingqing Falcon and Hu (Gyrfalcon), hence the name Zhi Niao (Fierce Bird). Swallows can stir up waves and pray for rain, hence the title You Bo (Wandering Wave). Lei Gong said, "When the sea dries up and rivers wither, throwing in a You Bo (swallow) immediately creates waves," which confirms this. Jing Fang said: Seeing a white swallow predicts the birth of a noble daughter, thus the swallow is named Tian Nu (Heavenly Maiden).

**[Collection and Explanation]** *Bencao Jing Jizhu* states: Swallows inhabit high mountains and flat valleys.

Tao Hongjing states: There are two types of swallows: those with purple chests that are light and small are Yue Yan (Yue Swallows), which are not used medicinally; those with black-spotted chests and loud voices are Hu Yan (Hu Swallows), which can be used medicinally. Hu Swallows build long nests, capable of holding a bolt of silk, which is said to bring wealth to the household. If the nest entrance faces north, the tail is curved, and the color is white, it is a centuries-old swallow. The *Xianjing* (Classic of Immortals) calls it Rou Zhi (Meat Mushroom); consuming it prolongs life.

Li Shizhen states: Swallows are as large as sparrows but longer in body, with full mouths and broad chins, spread wings, and forked tails. They fly with their backs to the sun before roosting and avoid building nests on Wu and Ji days. They arrive at the Spring She festival and depart at the Autumn She festival. Upon arrival, they carry mud to build nests under eaves; upon departure, they lie dormant in caves, conserving Qi. Some claim they cross the sea; this is absurd talk. When Xuan Niao arrives, praying to Gao Mo can help conceive offspring. The idea that one gives birth by swallowing swallow eggs is a bizarre theory. Some say swallows hibernate at the bottom of wells; swallows do not enter houses because wells are void. Swallows will not dwell in nests containing Mugwort (Ai Ye). Fur from foxes or martens falls off when exposed to swallows. This is due to natural physical laws.

**[Properties and Flavor]** Sour, Neutral, Toxic.

Tao Hongjing states: Swallow meat should not be eaten as it damages human Shen Qi (Spiritual Energy); if consumed, the person will be swallowed by dragons/jiaolong when entering water. It is also inadvisable to kill them.

Li Shizhen states: *Huainanzi* says: Swallows enter water and transform into clams/shells. Therefore, Gao You's annotation states that jiaolong (dragons) crave swallows, and humans who eat swallows must not enter water, while prayer practitioners use swallows to summon dragons. I speculate that swallows are creatures that hibernate without transforming; whether the "transforming into clams" theory is true remains uncertain. However, since swallow meat is toxic, there is no need to consume it.

**[Indications]** Expels hemorrhoid worms and ulcer worms (*Bencao Jing Jizhu*).

**Yan Egg Yolk (Hu Yan)**
**[Indications]** Sudden edema (Water Swelling). Swallow ten eggs each time (*Bencao Jing Jizhu*).

**Feathers of Qin Swallows**
**[Indications]** Resolves toxicity of various herbs. Take fourteen feathers, calcine to ash, and take with water (Li Shizhen).

**Excrement**
**[Properties and Flavor]** Pungent, Neutral, Toxic.
**[Indications]** Gu Du (Gu Poison), Gui Zhu (Ghost Transmission/Infectious Consumption Disease), expels inauspicious evil Qi, breaks the five types of Lin syndrome (dysuria), and promotes urination. The *Bencao Jing* recommends using it after calcining until fragrant (Sun Simiao). Su Song states: Hu Qia uses it in Qing Yang Zhi Wan (Green Sheep Fat Pills) to treat Zhu Bing. Treats hemorrhoids, kills parasites, and removes eye nebula (Su Gong). Treats mouth ulcers and malaria (Sun Simiao). Decocted for bathing children with infantile convulsions (Tao Hongjing).

**[Attached Formulas]** Three old formulas, three new formulas.

**Resolving Gu Poison:** Zang Qi says: Take 3 he of swallow excrement (stir-fried) and 10 cloves of single-clove garlic (peeled), pound together, and form pills the size of Chinese quince seeds. Take 3 pills per dose; the Gu poison will exit with the stool.

**Suppressing Malaria:** Zang Qi says: Take one cun cube of swallow excrement, mix with one sheng of wine on the morning of the fever onset. Have the patient hold the mixture with both hands and inhale the vapor. Do not let it enter the mouth, as it causes harm.

**Expelling Kidney Stones:** Use powdered swallow excrement, taken with cold water, 5 qian. Taken in the morning, by mealtime, stones and water should be urinated out (*Ge Shi Fang*).

**Promoting Urination:** Use 1 he of swallow excrement and 1 he of Fermented Soybean (Douchi). Make pills the size of Chinese quince seeds using paste. Take 3 pills with warm water, three times daily. (*Qianjin Fang*)

**Stopping Toothache:** Use swallow excrement, form pills the size of Chinese quince seeds. Bite the pill against the painful area; pain stops when the pill dissolves. (*Xiu Zhen Fang*)

**Sudden Infantile Convulsion:** The child seems to have pain but cannot locate it. Use feces from the swallow nest, decoct in water, and bathe the child. (*Jiu Ji Fang*)

Soil from the nest is listed under the Earth section.
Yan Ru Cao (Swallow Nest Grass) is the nest grass. Listed under Section 9 of the Herb category.