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(Registered as a Superior Grade drug in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**Names:** Hong.
Li Shizhen states: According to the *Qin Jing* (Birds and Poultry Classic), regarding water migration, they fly from north to south; regarding mountain ranges, they fly from south to north. Zhang Yi provided the pronunciation for "Yan" (Wild Goose). In winter, they migrate south and gather on dry banks of water bodies, hence the character contains "Gan" (dry); in spring, they move north and gather on mountain shores, hence some call them "Hong". "Hong" means large. They often gather in large flocks at riverbanks, hence the character contains "Jiang" (river). In Sanskrit texts, it is called "Sengsuo".

**Collected Explanations:** The *Bielu* (Recorded Additions) states: Wild geese inhabit the ponds and marshes of Jiangnan; they can be collected at any time.
Tao Hongjing states: The *Mao Shi Zhengyi* (Correct Meaning of the Mao Poem) records: The larger ones are called "Hong", the smaller ones "Yan". Current goose species also vary in size but share the same shape. There are also wild swans larger than geese, resembling domestic grey geese, called "Jia'e". Geese live in rivers and lakes; during summer when they lay eggs and hatch, they all go north, perhaps fearing that people north of Yanmen Pass do not eat them? Although collection has no fixed season, winter is considered best.
Su Gong states: The goose is a Yang bird, moving in the opposite direction to swallows; it flies south in winter and north in summer, breeding in the north. Could it be because northerners do not eat them?
Chen Cheng states: When hot, geese go north; when cold, they go south, to harmonize with the Qi. This is why they are used as ritual gifts: first, to symbolize trustworthiness; second, to symbolize harmony.
Li Shizhen states: The goose resembles the domestic goose, coming in grey and white varieties. Currently, people identify the white and small ones as "Yan", the large ones as "Hong", and the grey ones as wild geese, also called [Jia] goose. The *Erya* calls it [Jia]. The goose possesses four virtues: migrating south in winter to Hengyang and north in summer to Yanmen demonstrates its **trustworthiness**; flying in order with leading calls and responding echoes demonstrates its **propriety**; refusing to remate after losing a partner demonstrates its **integrity**; roosting in groups at night with one standing guard, and carrying reeds during the day to avoid nets and arrows, demonstrates its **wisdom**. However, hunters raising one as bait to lure others shows stupidity. Geese are thin and inedible when arriving in the south, but fat when heading north, so this is the appropriate time to catch them. Additionally, Han and Tang histories record the existence of five-colored geese.

**Goose Fat**
**Correction of Errors:** Also known as [Jia] fat.
Tao Hongjing states: [Jia] refers to wild ducks. The *Bencao Jing* lists goose fat also as [Jia] fat; this is an error due to the similarity between geese and [Jia] ducks.

**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

**Indications:** Wind-induced spasms, stiffness, hemiplegia, and stagnation of Qi and blood. Long-term consumption tonifies Qi, prevents hunger, lightens the body, and delays aging (*Bencao Jing*. *Xinjing* states: For the above symptoms, use 4 liang of fat processed into ointment). It neutralizes the toxicity of various mineral drugs (Wu Pu). Treats deafness. Mixed with fermented soybean pills, it treats consumptive weakness and emaciation. It also treats chest fullness and vomiting due to constrained heat (Li Shizhen notes: *Waitai Miyao* uses Goose Fat Decoction for these conditions).

**Attached Prescriptions:** One new prescription.
Promote Hair Growth: Apply goose fat daily (*Qianjin Fang*).

**Meat**
**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
Sun Simiao states: Do not eat goose in the seventh lunar month, as it harms the spirit. The *Book of Rites* states "remove the kidney when eating goose," as it is detrimental to health.

**Indications:** Numbness caused by wind. Long-term consumption boosts Qi and strengthens sinews and bones (*Rihua Bencao*). Promotes the free flow of Zang-Fu organs and resolves Dan-Shi (mineral pill) toxicity (Li Shizhen).

**Elucidation:** Tao Hongjing states: People rarely eat goose fat, but the meat should be good.
Chen Cheng states: People do not eat geese because they understand the rise and fall of Yin and Yang and maintain proper social order among young and old. Daoists call this "Heaven's Abhorrence," which is another interpretation.

**Bone**
**Indications:** Burned to ash and washed with rice water for hair growth (Meng Xi).

**Feathers**
**Indications:** White feathers growing under the throat; effective for treating pediatric epilepsy (Su Gong). Naturally shed feathers

**Elucidation:** Li Shizhen states: According to records: *Youyang Zazu* mentions that people in Linyi captured wild goose feathers in spring and summer to protect against heat. *Huainan Wanbi Shu* states: A bag made of wild goose down can be used to cross rivers. This reflects the principle of "a flask in mid-stream" (relying on essential resources); those who travel by water must know this.

**White Droppings**
**Indications:** Swelling and pain from moxibustion sores; mixed with human semen and applied topically (*Meishi Jiyianfang*).