Library

(From *Shiliao Bencao* / Dietary Therapy Materia Medica)

**[Names]** Li Shizhen stated: This fish is gluttonous and has protruding eyes, hence it is called "Can" (Yin-gan). The *Yiwu Zhi* considers it to be the Sciaenidae (Stone-head Fish), which is incorrect. *Shiliao Bencao* writes it as "Can"; this character did not exist in ancient times.

**[Collection and Explanation]** Li Shizhen stated: "Can" lives in rivers and lakes. Its body is round, thick, and long, resembling the *Xilin* fish but with a white belly and a slightly yellow back. It also consumes fish meat.

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Tonifies the five Zang organs, strengthens sinews and bones, and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach. Consuming it in moderation is beneficial; making it into *Zha* (fermented fish paste) is particularly suitable. When dried, it becomes fragrant and delicious without causing disease (Meng Shen).

(Yin-gan. *Bencao Gangmu*)

**[Names]** Guan Yu (Yin-gan). Also known as Guan Fish or Yellow-cheek Fish.
Li Shizhen stated: "Guan" implies bravery. "Guan" implies living alone. (Yin-xian) means devouring all things. Its nature is solitary, hence named Guan. The *Book of Songs* says, "Among those fishes are Fang and Guan," referring to this.

**[Collection and Explanation]** Li Shizhen stated: Guan Yu lives in rivers and lakes. Its shape resembles "Can" but with a broader and slightly thinner abdomen. Large specimens weigh thirty to forty jin. They most avidly eat fish meat. *Yi Yuan* states: When various fish wish to spawn, the Guan Yu strikes their bellies with its head; the world calls it the mother of all fish. In reality, it covers the eggs with urine; it is not entirely the action of the Guan Yu itself.

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Eating it stops vomiting, warms the Middle Jiao, and benefits the Stomach (Li Shizhen).

(Included in Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao*)

**[Names]** Shitou Yu (Stone Fish, from *Lingbiao Luyi*), Xiang Yu (Yin-mian, recorded in *Haiyao Bencao Shiyi*), Jiang Yu (from *Nanhai Zhi*). Dried ones are named Xiang Yu.
Li Shizhen stated: Xiang nourishes people, and people constantly crave it, hence the character contains the radical for "nourish." Luo Yuan said: All dried fish are called Xiang, so it alone receives this specific name. White ones are considered superior, hence called Bai Xiang. If exposed to wind and dew, they turn red and lose flavor.

**[Collection and Explanation]** Su Song stated: The Stone-head Fish can make sounds when first caught from water, sees clearly at night, and has stones in its head like chess pieces. There is a type of wild duck that also has stones in its head, said to be transformed from this fish.
Li Shizhen stated: It lives in the southeastern seas. Its form resembles the Bai Yu (White Fish), with a flat body, weak bones, and fine scales yellow like gold. The head contains two white stones, crystal clear like jade. By autumn, it transforms into Guanniu, i.e., the wild duck with a crest. The white swim bladder inside can be used to make glue. Secondly, it is named Chunlai. Tian Jiucheng's *Youlan Zhi* states: Every year in April, they come from the ocean, stretching for miles, with sounds like thunder. Sea people probe the bottom with bamboo tubes; upon hearing the sound, they cast nets and intercept the flow to catch them. Sprinkling fresh water makes them lethargic. Those arriving with the first tide are best; those with the second and third tides become smaller and less flavorful.

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Made into soup with vegetables, it opens the appetite and benefits Qi (*Kaibao Bencao*).

**[Indications]** Roasted and eaten, it can dissolve melons into water, treating sudden dysentery, acute abdominal distension, and indigestion (*Kaibao Bencao*). Fresh fish is inferior to dried (Zhang Ding).

**[Elucidation]**
Li Shizhen stated: Lu Wenliang's *Shuyuan Zaji* says: Dysentery strictly forbids greasy and raw/cold foods; only Bai Xiang is suitable for consumption. This view aligns with the Materia Medica's indication for treating dysentery. Generally...

**[Prescriptions]**
Bitten by centipede: Apply skin of Bai Xiang to the wound. (*Yifang Jicheng*)

**[Indications]** Stones in the head: Treats Shi Lin (lithuria/urinary calculi). Grind with water and take orally, or burn to ash and take with water, three times daily (*Kaibao Bencao*). Urinary retention: Decoct and drink; resolves arsenic poison, wild mushroom poison, and Gu poison.

**[New Prescriptions]: Two.**
Shi Lin and other Lin syndromes: Take fourteen stones from the head of the Stone-head Fish, equal amount of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), grind into powder. Use two sheng of water, boil down to one sheng, take in one dose for immediate cure. (*Waitai Miyao* formula)

**[Appendix]** Motou Yu (Ink-head Fish) Li Shizhen stated: Produced in Jiazhou, Sichuan. Shape resembles Huan Yu fry, up to one chi long. Head is black as ink, with two white spots on the head. Also named...