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(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Xun Yu (Sturgeon) (Pronounced as "Xun" or "Yin")
Li Shizhen said: This fish has an elongated body, hence the character components "Xun" and "Tan," both implying elongation. The *Liji Yue Ling* states: Thus it is called Wang Wei (King Sturgeon). Guo Pu said: The large ones are named Wang Wei, the small ones Shu Wei, and the even smaller ones... In the Zhou dynasty, Lu region called it Wei, while Shu region called it... Those who drowned in the bright sea transform into this fish. Presumably, Wei also...

**[Collection and Explanation]** Chen Zangqi said: Sturgeon lives in rivers. Its back resembles a dragon, measuring one to two zhang in length.
Li Shizhen said: It is found in deep waters of the Jianghuai, Yellow River, and Liaohai regions, belonging to the ... family. It dwells in rocky crevices, with long individuals exceeding one zhang. It emerges to float on the surface only in spring. Upon seeing the sun, its eyes become dizzy. Its shape resembles ..., but lacks scales on its back. Its color is blue-green, with a white belly. Its nose is as long as its body, and its mouth is located under the chin; it eats but does not drink. There are blue spots on its cheeks, resembling plum blossoms. Its tail is forked like the character "Bing." The meat is pure white, inferior in taste to ..., and its bones are not crisp. Luo Yuan said: The sturgeon resembles a cooking tripod, larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, with a large head gaping... meat.

**[Nature and Flavor]** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
Meng Shen said: It is toxic. Although delicious, it can induce toxicity from other medicines and cause illness; people avoid it. Do not consume it with dried bamboo shoots, as it may induce paralysis wind. If eaten by children, it causes coughing and zhijia (abdominal masses). Prepared as ..., although precious, it is not beneficial to humans.

**[Therapeutic Actions]** Tonifies deficiency and benefits qi, making one fat and strong (Chen Zangqi). Boil the juice and drink it to treat xuelin (blood strangury) (Meng Shen).
Nose Meat
Prepared as jerky, it is called Lutu (Deer Head), also known as Lourou (Deer Meat), indicating its exquisite taste.

**[Therapeutic Actions]** Tonifies deficiency and directs qi downward (Chen Zangqi).

Eggs (Shaped like small beans)
**[Therapeutic Actions]** Eating them makes one fat and beautiful; they kill small worms inside the abdomen.

(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])

**[Collection and Explanation]** Chen Zangqi said: It grows in the East Sea. Its head resembles that of a cow.
Li Shizhen said: According to the *Yitong Zhi*: Niu Yu (Cow Fish) originates from the Hundong River in ancient Wuzhuren. Large specimens exceed one zhang in length and weigh three hundred jin. They lack scales and bones; their meat and fat are intermixed, offering a lasting flavor. Additionally, the *Yiwu Zhi* states: In the South Sea, there is a Cow Fish, also called Yin Yu, weighing three to four hundred jin. It resembles Liyu (Snakehead fish), lacks scales and bones, has patterned markings on its back, and a cyan belly. It responds to tidal changes, and its meat has a distinct flavor. Observing these two accounts, this too belongs to the ... family. The sounds of " " and "Yin" are similar.

Meat
Non-toxic.

**[Therapeutic Actions]** Treats epidemics among the six domestic animals. Grind dried jerky into powder, mix with water, and instill into the nostrils to expel yellow mucus. Alternatively, place it near sick cattle so that their vapors熏 (fumigate) each other (Chen Zangqi).