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Shexiang (Moschus)
Flavor: Acrid. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. It grows in all valleys of Shaanxi, and is particularly abundant among the various barbarian tribes in Wenzhou. Its shape resembles that of a muntjac but is slightly smaller; the fragrance accumulates near the umbilicus close to the yin region.
When the umbilical sac is fully closed and taut, it naturally uses its hoof tip to extract it. Wherever it falls, grass and trees turn scorched and yellow. Also known as Yixiang (Relic Fragrance), its nature is extremely acrid and potent. If found by humans, its price equals that of bright pearls. Stored in snake shed skin, the fragrance does not dissipate. Since it daily feeds on snakes, this represents a mutual antagonistic relationship. Market vendors often only obtain the umbilical sac and grind lychee seeds to adulterate the sale. The genuine "Dangmenzi" granules are also artificially manufactured. To seek truth and authenticity, one must personally witness the dissection. Avoid proximity to fire and sunlight; grind finely in a porcelain mortar. It repels venomous snakes, eliminates roundworms, and resolves all conditions such as Gu (poisonous parasite disease), Zhu (wandering pestilence), and epilepsy. It destroys evil spirits, drives away epidemic miasma, and alleviates distension, urgency, and fullness. It induces labor, aborts fetuses, and unblocks orifices including those for magnetite. It removes恍惚 (trance-like confusion) and fright, calms the heart and spirit; treats carbuncles, sores, and ulcers, erodes pus, and expels blood stasis. It expectorates wind-phlegm, preventing nightmares and sleep paralysis; applied to the eyes, it removes nebulae, membranes, and eye discharge. The flesh resembles muntjac meat with a slight fishy odor; consuming it confers immunity against snake venom. It is contraindicated with Allium tuberosum (Chinese chives) and garlic, which should be noted.

Tagan (Liver of Spotted Hyena / Otter Liver - *Note: Context implies Otter/Lutra based on description*)
Flavor: Sweet. Toxic. Some say: Neutral, Salty, Slightly Warm, Non-toxic. Another view states: Only the liver is warm in nature, while other parts are cold. Also known as Shuigou (Water Dog), it is mostly produced in rivers and lakes. It usually dwells in deep water eating fish, and also climbs large trees to rest. Therefore, it is listed among beasts, and capture is not difficult. Its nature favors cats; initially, boards are drawn to lure them; once they gather to play, nets are used to capture them. The liver differs greatly from other livestock, growing one lobe each month. After twelve months, it completes its cycle, gradually falling off and regenerating. To obtain the genuine article, one must witness the dissection. It can be roasted and eaten immediately, or burned to powder and mixed with wine. It is effective for treating Zhu Bing (chronic wasting diseases) and Fushi (corpse transmission disease), where an entire family may be infected. It shows remarkable merit for postpartum consumption fever and deficiency sweating occurring in all three seasons. It eliminates upward rebellious qi and cough, and dispels ghost toxins and epidemic plagues. Cui’s formula has treated Gu epidemics, and Zhang Zhongjing’s preparations frequently treat cold consumption. It removes fish bones stuck in the throat and reduces abdominal water distension. The meat treats seasonal epidemics and cattle/horse diseases; boiling the juice for administration is beneficial. The bone stops hiccups, nausea, and retching, as well as fish bone impaction; burning it to ash and taking it with liquid is effective. The kidney, baked and eaten, benefits men. The marrow, made into ointment and applied, eliminates scars. Bile applied to the eyes instantly relieves pain and removes nebulae. The saying about dividing wine in a cup is indeed a false legend, but applying it to the rim of a cup can make the wine level appear higher by one mark. Fur used to decorate sleeves and collars (commonly used in the north to trim fur garments) effectively wards off evil and resists wind-cold. Claiming it wipes away haze from eyelashes is not strange; when worn on the body, it repels dust completely. Scratching under the chin with feet and claws also effectively removes fish bone impactions. For cracked hands and feet, decocting and drinking it is superior.