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Bai E Gao (White Goose Fat)
Sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. Commonly raised in villages near water, it can ward off toxins from streams; kept in houses at the foot of mountains, it prohibits snakes and insects. (The claim that it wards off stream toxins and prohibits snakes/insects is not necessarily because they are edible, but rather through intimidation.) It can keep watch at night and also serves to guard the residence. Cang E (Grey Goose) eats many insects and is toxic, causing various sores and scabies, but is most effective against She Gong (a poisonous aquatic insect); Bai E (White Goose) does not eat insects, has a neutral nature, and is extremely effective in clearing internal heat and stopping thirst. For dietary therapy, only Bai E is suitable. For sudden deafness, goose fat instilled into the ear opens the orifices; for rough and dry skin all over the body, applying goose fat moisturizes and plumps the skin. The tail and feathers both repel She Gong, and when burned to ash, they treat sudden dysphagia; this must be remembered. Meat and eggs together tonify the Zang-Fu organs, but excessive consumption may trigger chronic diseases, which requires caution. If rice awns are accidentally swallowed and block the throat, induce salivation and swallow it immediately; if suddenly infected with stream toxins adhering to the body, seek goose blood and smear it all over. For bites from snakes and insects, applying goose feces can heal the wound.

Yan Fang (Wild Goose Fat)
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Non-toxic. Often roosts on reed islets and also dwells on grassy shores. Small ones are called Yan, large ones Hong. (The *Shennong Bencao Jing* lists another name "Hu", which is likely incorrect.) They fly in orderly ranks of age and size; in cold weather they fly south, in hot weather north, anticipating the rise and fall of Yin and Yang. They naturally obtain the harmonious Qi of heaven and earth, hence people use them as ceremonial gifts. This is done first for their trustworthiness, and second for their harmony. People nowadays, because of this, cannot bear to kill and eat them. Some say Heaven detests it, which is a Daoist fallacy. For medicinal use, seek goose fat; collected in winter, it is excellent. In June and July, eating it damages the Spirit. Mixed with fermented soybean pills, it can tonify consumptive emaciation; alone refined and mixed with wine (one cup of wine mixed with one spoonful of goose fat, taken on an empty stomach), it specifically expels wind-induced spasms. Taking more promotes hair and beard growth; long-term use strengthens sinews and bones and boosts Qi. The fat also promotes hair growth; used with rice-washing water to wash the head (also treats deafness). Feathers can drive away epilepsy; taken and worn by children (naturally shed ones are best. Another theory: white feathers under the throat are especially effective for treating fright-epilepsy).