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Crucian Carp (Jiyu)
Taste: Sweet. Temperature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. It is abundant in ponds and marshes and found everywhere. Its color is black, body shape is short and compressed, with a large belly and arched back. Legend has it that it originated from the transformation of millet (Ji rice), hence its belly retains a rice-like color, which is how it got its name. It is small in size and cold-resistant. Those weighing over half a jin (approx. 500g) are considered superior. Caution is advised when consuming it with Tianmendong (Asparagi Radix). Eating it together with Mustard Greens (Jiecai) may cause edema; eating it with brown sugar may lead to intestinal parasites (Ganchong). It should especially not be consumed together with Pheasant meat or Pig liver. In the second and third lunar months of spring, one must strictly avoid eating the head. When pan-fried with lard, it effectively treats large intestine abscesses; when braised with soy sauce and applied topically, it cures various malignant sores. Made into a soup, it regulates weak stomach function where food and drink cannot be swallowed; it harmonizes the middle jiao, tonifies deficiency, and when mixed with flour to make noodles, it primarily nourishes the intestines. For dysregulation of water and grain metabolism, it is indicated for stopping diarrhea and dysentery. [Note: Contextual interpretation varies, literal translation provided]. Mixed with salt and calcined into powder, it can be inserted into decayed teeth. Infused with alum and calcined into ash, it astringes the intestines and treats bloody dysentery caused by wind pathogens. (Suitable for summer dysentery, but not for winter.) Head powder...

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Zhu Danxi stated: All fish belong to Fire, whereas Crucian carp belongs to Earth. Therefore, it can enter the Yangming channel and possesses the merit of regulating the stomach and solidifying the intestines. However, excessive consumption may also induce internal heat. He further stated: Since all fish are constantly moving without rest, they can stir up Wind and agitate Phlegm-Fire.

Eel (Manliyu)
Taste: Sweet. Temperature: Cold. Toxicity: Toxic. The best quality comes from clear rivers, and those with five-colored patterns are particularly excellent. One should avoid consuming eels weighing over two jin, while those under one jin are suitable for hearty meals. Among them, those that swim with their heads raised high in the water are extremely toxic. If mistakenly ingested, the harm manifests rapidly. Careful examination is required before butchering and cooking. It kills various parasites and counteracts the toxicity of various herbal and mineral medicines; it regulates the five zang organs and eliminates five types of hemorrhoids and sores. It removes wind-rash from the skin, relieving itching sensations like insects crawling; it expels wind-dampness from the waist and back, providing a refreshing effect akin to washing with water. Regular consumption benefits men suffering from bone-steaming tuberculosis (Gu Zheng Lao Zhai) and Hong Kong foot (podagra/swollen feet); frequent consumption is most effective for women suffering from vaginal parasitic sores and continuous metrorrhagia (Beng Lou). Collecting eel bones and placing them in chests/cabinets can repel silverfish (Yiyu); burning them in summer produces smoke that eliminates various pests. Smoking rooms with this smoke liquefies mosquitoes and midges; smoking bed bottoms eradicates lice and fleas; smoking felt and carpets causes woodworms to die naturally; smoking bamboo and wood prevents future infestation by woodworms. Trout (Zunyu) has a sweet taste and is greatly warm in nature; it should only be harvested on the Dragon Boat Festival (May 5th lunar calendar). Its efficacy specializes in tonifying the middle jiao and augmenting Qi, and it is good at regulating diseases in pregnant women. It disperses damp-wind and removes fox odor (bromhidrosis). Any poisoning from eel can be resolved by eating crab, as trout fears crab. The head treats throat-related thirst (Xiaoke). Blood applied topically treats facial paralysis (deviation of mouth and eyes). (Apply to the right side if the left is affected, and vice versa.) Decoction of fish-string rope treats bamboo or wood splinters entering the eye. Irrigation and washing continue until the splinter flows out externally.