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(Kuò Yú, pronounced similarly to "Kuo Yu". Listed as Middle Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])

[Names] Ling Li (pronounced similarly to "Luo", from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Fu Wo.
Yan You Luo (see below for details).

[Collection and Explanation] *Bielu* [Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians] states: Kuoyu [Slugs] grow in the ponds and marshes of Mount Tai, as well as under sandy stones and walls in shady places. Collect them in the eighth month.
Hongjing [Tao Hongjing] said: Kuoyu has no shell; it should not have the name "Wo" [Snail]. The so-called "Fu Wo" is indeed the snail. Could it be named "Wo" because its head shape resembles that of a snail?
Baosheng [Su Baosheng] said: Kuoyu is the snail, yet *Bielu* lists a separate entry for snails. Although the names differ slightly, their therapeutic indications are identical; this separation by later authors was an error. It is just like having both Jichang [Polygonum aviculare] and Fanlu [Stellaria media] in the herbal section. According to *Erya*: "Luo, Yu." Guo Pu's commentary states: This refers to the snail. * Yupian* also states: "Yu, when moving, extends its horns; when startled, it retracts, hiding both head and tail within the shell." Sugong [Su Gong] considered Kuoyu to be a shell-less snail, which is incorrect. Currently, *Shennong Bencao Jing* calls Kuoyu "Lingli," and *Bielu* has the name "Tuwo." Both "Wo" and "Li" belong to the category of shelled snails/slugs; they should not lack shells. Now, in damp places, there is a creature larger than a snail, without a shell but with horns, which people claim is an old snail.
Zong [Chen Cheng] said: Kuoyu and snails are two different things. Kuoyu has two pairs of tentacles and its body flesh consists of only one segment. Snails have four pairs of tentacles, and have additional flesh on their back to carry the shell while walking. If they were the same thing, how could the *Jing* [Classic] divide them into two entries? *Shuben* [Edition of Shu] further claims that Kuoyu is an old snail, which is highly unreasonable.
Shizhen [Li Shizhen] said: According to *Erya*, there is no term "Kuoyu"; it only says: "Luo, Yu." It only mentions Kuoyu, also known as Fu Wo. Based on this, "Yu" is "Luo" [Snail], and "Kuoyu" is "Fu Wo." They are likely two varieties of the same class, similar to clams [Ge] which have similar therapeutic functions and can both counteract centipede and scorpion toxicity. Their names are used interchangeably, all referred to as Wo and Yan You Luo. Those who consider them one entity or two entities are both mistaken due to lack of deep investigation. Only Xu Shen's *Shuowen Jiezi* states: "Those carrying shells on their backs are called Nuowo [Snails]; those without shells are called Kuoyu [Slugs]." One sentence resolves the issue.

[Correction of Errors]
Hongjing said: Kuoyu falls within the limit of the Thirty-Six Zodiac Animals and belongs to the category of four-horned insects; it is the essence of the Ying Shi Star. Practitioners no longer use it.
Gong [Su Gong] said: Tao's statement is erroneous. In the Thirty-Six Zodiac Animals, Hai position corresponds to Bishui , which is the hedgehog, with hairs like arrows. *Shanhai Jing* states: , pig-like body with human face,

[Flavor and Properties] Salty, Cold, Non-toxic.

[Therapeutic Functions] Treats wind-stroke causing facial paralysis [Zhifeng Pianpi], dislocated tendons [Yijin], and prolapsed rectum [Tuogang], as well as convulsions and spasms due to fright-epilepsy [Jingxian Luansuo] (*Shennong Bencao Jing*. , pronounced Kǔguāi qiē, meaning crooked mouth. Yi, pronounced Diē, meaning turning wheel,引申 to tendon twisting). Centipede and scorpion venom (*Yanyi* [Extended Meanings]).

[Elucidation]
Zong [Chen Cheng] said: Centipedes fear Kuoyu and dare not cross paths where Kuoyu has passed; touching its body causes death. Therefore, people use it to treat centipede venom.
Shizhen [Li Shizhen] said: According to Cai Tao's *Tiewei Shan Congtan*: In southern mountainous regions, there are many centipedes, some two or three feet long. When bitten, victims seek death but find none until they encounter the "fetus insect" [slugs/Kuoyu], at which point the centipede becomes restricted and stops moving. The insect then climbs onto its head, burrows into its brain, and kills it. Thus, people use this insect, freshly ground, applied topically to treat centipede bites. Additionally, *Daquan Liangfang* states: For hemorrhoids with heat, swelling, and pain, use one large Kuoyu, grind it into a paste, add one fen of Longnao [Borneol], and half qian of Yanzhi pi [Carmine substrate], and apply together. First use stone... [Text implies application method] Snails have the same efficacy.

[Attached Prescriptions] New prescription: One.
Leg ulcers [Jiaojing Lanchuang]: Foul-smelling and unbearable to approach. Use ten Yan You Luo [slugs], dry-roast on a tile, grind into powder, mix with oil, and apply to the affected area. Immediate effect. (*Jiuji Fang* [Emergency Prescriptions])