Library

Cang'e (Grey Goose) is toxic because it consumes many insects, leading to various scabies on the body, but it can treat conditions caused by "Shegong" (a term referring to diseases induced by water-borne toxic insects or miasma). Bai'e (White Goose) does not eat insects; its nature is cold, clearing heat from the five zang organs, and it is effective in treating Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst syndrome characterized by polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and emaciation). Its meat and eggs share the same properties, both tonifying the zang organs, but excessive consumption may trigger chronic diseases.

Indications (referencing *Dou Zhen He Can*): Meat from the goose's tail, when consumed by patients with smallpox, helps detoxify and promotes the filling of pustules.

Pheasant: Consuming pheasant during the months of September and October is beneficial, primarily tonifying the five zang organs. It treats persistent qi rebellion with wheezing, Xiao Ke with frequent urination, deficiency of qi in the intestines and stomach, profuse dysentery, and Jin Kou Li (anorexic dysentery where the patient cannot eat); it is also effective for anal pain. Consuming pheasant in other months may cause sores and hemorrhoids.

Flavor: Sweet, salty; Nature: Neutral; Toxicity: Non-toxic. Ducks with white feathers, bird-like beaks, and phoenix-like heads are considered a miraculous medicine for Xu Lao (consumptive disease), specifically entering the Lung and Kidney meridians. White corresponds to Metal in the West, and black corresponds to Water in the North, hence the name "Bai Huang Gao" (White Phoenix Paste).

Duck meat tonifies deficiency, treats Lao Qie (debility due to chronic illness), stops coughing and transforms phlegm (specifically deficiency-phlegm), promotes urination, reduces edema and distension, harmonizes the zang organs, and clears sudden heat, convulsions, and epilepsy.
Duck egg: Cold in nature. Clears heat from the heart and chest; excessive consumption leads to gradual weakness of the feet and knees, making it particularly contraindicated for children. Wild duck, although cold in nature, does not deplete qi; it clears heat, heals sores, eliminates food stagnation, harmonizes the stomach, lightens the body, reduces edema, tonifies deficiency and strengthens strength, expels malignant sores and boils, drives out heat-toxic wind, and should be avoided with walnuts, fermented soybeans (Dou Chi), and wood ear mushrooms. Smaller ducks are called "Dao Ya" (Knife Duck), with a sweet and cool flavor, providing nourishment when eaten.

Goose fat: The smaller birds are called Yan (Wild Goose), and the larger ones are called Hong (Swan Goose). It tonifies exhaustion and emaciation. It effectively expels wind-induced spasms; frequent consumption promotes hair and beard growth, and long-term use strengthens sinews, moistens the marrow, and supports qi.

Flavor: Salty; Qi: Neutral. It inherits the qi of Water and Metal, entering the Kidney and Lung meridians. It is essential for regulating essence and qi, and since the Lung governs skin and hair, it addresses dermatological issues. Sweet and cold properties resolve various toxins; thus, it treats malignant skin sores, vitiligo (Bai Ban), and leukoderma (Bai Bo Feng), and neutralizes drug toxicity. Goose eggs can preemptively resolve smallpox toxin, allowing it to exit through urine and feces. Goose droppings, named "Zuo Pan Long" (Left Coiling Dragon), also treat scabies in humans and horses; applied with vinegar, they are more effective for tinea capitis (white baldness).
Pigeon meat enters the Kidney and Lung meridians, regulates essence and qi, resolves various drug toxicities, and cures chronic scabies.