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[Helix Aspersa / Snail]
Salty in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats hemiplegia caused by thief-wind (wind-stroke), traumatic injuries, prolapse of the rectum, tendon spasm, and convulsions with epilepsy.

Tao Hongjing states: The character "Wo" (Snail) is pronounced via the fanqie method of Li-Ge, but it is commonly called "Guan Niu". It lives in mountains and near human dwellings; its head resembles that of a slug, but it carries a shell on its back.

This has been annotated previously. There is another variety by the sea that looks exactly alike; when its shell is roasted over fire, it crawls out. Consuming it benefits complexion, and it is called "Ji Ju" (Hermit Crab). Since medical texts no longer use it and people do not collect it, it is unclear which one is the authentic species. Current annotation: In the *Tang Bencao*, the Snail entry was placed after the Field Snail. Upon detailed examination of Tao Hongjing's statement: "Resembling a slug but carrying a shell." The *Tang Bencao* annotation states: "The slug has no shell; Snail and Luo are two different things, yet they should be approximated as one substance, with similar therapeutic effects. Therefore, it is now attached under the Slug entry." Ministers Yuxi et al. respectfully note according to *Yao Xing Lun*: "Snail can also be used alone, also named Li Niu, slightly toxic, capable of treating rectal prolapse; taken raw and ground, it stops thirst (Xiao Ke). Ri Huazi states: Cold in nature, toxic. Treats convulsions and epilepsy. For medicinal use, stir-fry before application; this refers to the shell-bearing slug (Yan Qu)." *Tu Jing Ben Cao* has detailed records under the Slug entry.

*Shenghui Fang*: To treat teeth infested with worms. Use 20 snail shells, calcine them to ash, grind finely. Apply to brush teeth each time; effective. Another prescription: To treat centipede bites. Use 7 snail shells, calcine to ash, mix with freshly drawn water, apply to the wound, sweep evenly with a chicken feather until the rice is cooked, allowing the powder to adhere. *Yan Yi Ben Cao* has detailed records under the Slug entry.

[Shi Long Zi / Gecko]
Salty in flavor, cold in nature, slightly toxic. It primarily treats five types of strangury (Wu Long) with pathogenic qi stagnation, breaks down lithiasis (Shi Lin) and expels blood, and promotes urination through the urinary pathways. Also known as Xi Yi (Lizard), Shan Long Zi, Shou Gong (Gecko), or Shi Yi. It grows in valleys of Pingyang and among rocks in Mount Jing. Collected in the fifth lunar month, dried on stones. (Averse to Realgar, Mylabris, and Houttuynia.)

Tao Hongjing states: There are four varieties. One is large and pure yellow, called She Yi Mu (Snake Doctor Mother) or She Jiu Mu, not used in medicine. The second resembles the Snake Doctor, small in size with a long tail, remains motionless when seeing people, named Long Zi. The third is small with five colors, tail green-blue and lovely, named Xi Yi, none of which bite. The fourth likes to climb fences and walls, named Ting Yan, small and black; some say being bitten causes death, but I have never heard of anyone being bitten. According to Dongfang Shuo: If it is not Shou Gong, then it is Xi Yi; thus, this Ting Yan is called Shou Gong. Feed it cinnabar until it weighs three jin, kill it, dry and powder it. Apply to a woman's body; if sexual intercourse occurs, the mark disappears; otherwise, it remains like a red tattoo, hence called Shou Gong. Currently, this name Shou Gong is like the terms Ye Ge and Gui Jiu, making distinction difficult. *Tang Bencao* annotation states: Regarding the four types mentioned, She Shi grows in valleys, with a large head and short tail, blue-yellow or white-spotted. Ting Yan resembles She Shi, does not grow in valleys, but in house walls between Jingchu and Jianghuai; in Heji region, it is called Shou Gong, also Rong Yuan, or Xie Hu. Because it stays on walls, it is called Shou Gong or Bi Gong. It is unlikely to involve feeding cinnabar to women as described; these are likely false interpretations. Those named Long Zi and those with five colors are all named Xi Yi. The five-colored ones are male and superior; those lacking color are female and inferior. Their shape is slender, tail similar to body, resembling a snake with four legs; without legs, it looks like a straight snake. She Yi is different. According to *Erya*: These terms are used interchangeably, not strictly accurate. Also, feed cinnabar until three jin, collect in 4th, 8th, and 9th months, remove internal organs, and dry by fire.

*TU Jing Ben Cao* states: Shi Long Zi grows in valleys of Pingyang and rocks of Mount Jing, now found everywhere. Also known as Xi Yi. Respectfully consulting *Erya*: Rong Yuan is Xi Yi. Xi Yi is Xi Ting. Ting Yan is Shou Gong. Commentary states: *Shi Jing · Xiao Ya · Zheng Yue* says: "Hu Wei Hui Yi", Yi refers to this. These four names refer to one animal, similar in shape but with four names. *Zi Lin* states: Rong Yuan is She Shi. *Shuo Wen* states: In grass, it is Xi Yi; on walls, it is Ting Yan. *Fang Yan* states: In Qin, Jin, and Western Xia, it is called Shou Gong, or Lu KT, or Ci Yi. People in Nanyang call it Ting Yan; in marshes, it is Yi Xi; in Chu, it is She Shi, or Rong Yuan. Dongfang Shuo says: Not Shou Gong, then Xi Yi. Based on these texts, those in grass/marshes are named Rong Yuan, Xi Yi; those on walls are named Ting Yan, Shou Gong. However, for medicinal use, those from grass/marshes should be used. Five-color complete ones are male and superior; incomplete ones are female and inferior. Collected in the 5th month...

*Yan Yi Ben Cao* states: Shi Long Zi is Xi Yi, currently only called Yi Xi. Large ones are 7-8 inches long, with golden-green color. During Emperor Renzong's reign, a lizard came out..., drank water, and went back. After a while, it repeated this over a hundred times. A woodcutter suspected something, turned over the stone, and found one or two sheng of hail. The woodcutter left in surprise. After walking three to five li, heavy rain fell, followed by strong wind and hail. Current prefectures and counties follow the law to use this for praying for rain. The Classic says: Treating Wu Long, breaking Shi Lin, promoting water passages, is this also the meaning?