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Bao Meat (Leopard Meat)
Taste: Sour. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Main actions: Calm the Zang organs, supplement severe injuries, lighten the body and augment Qi. Long-term consumption benefits humans.

Tao Hongjing stated: Leopards are extremely rare, and their uses are few; only the tail is valuable. The annotation in *Tang Bencao* notes: The tails of the Yin-Yang Divine Leopard and those on the imperial carriage's ceremonial array bear names that imply respect and honor. What is truly valuable about a real leopard tail? It is unclear what reasoning Tao [Hongjing] relied upon. Current examination of Chen Cangqi’s *Bencao* states: Leopard treats demonic spirits and evil influences. Taking the nose of the leopard and the nose of the fox, boiled together for consumption, also treats fox-mania diseases. Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to Meng Shen: The meat, when consumed, makes one’s will and temperament coarse; after digestion over time, it settles. Long-term consumption enables one to endure cold and heat. The fat can be compounded into hair-growth ointment; applied in the morning, new hair grows by evening. The skull bone, calcined to ash and leached for juice, removes dandruff. Ri Huazi stated: The meat is slightly toxic. It strengthens sinews and bones, fortifies willpower, and makes one fierce and vigorous.

*Tujing* states: Regarding Bao meat, *Jingben* does not record its place of origin. Currently, they are occasionally found in the regions of He, Luo, Tang, and Ying. The skull bone, calcined to ash and used for washing the head, removes wind-induced dandruff. The fat can be compounded into hair-growth medicine; applied in the morning, new hair grows by evening. Carefully examined, there are several types of leopards. There is the Red Leopard (*Chi Bao*). The *Classic of Poetry* says: "Red Leopard, Yellow Bear." Lu Ji’s commentary states: A tail that is red with black patterns is called the Red Leopard. There is the Black Leopard (*Xuan Bao*). The *Classic of Mountains and Seas* says: "In the mountains of Youdu, there are Black Tigers and Black Leopards." There is the White Leopard (*Bai Bao*). The *Erya* says: "Mo (pronounced same as Mo), White Leopard." Guo Pu’s annotation states: Resembles a bear, with a small head and short legs, black and white mottled, capable of licking and eating copper, iron, and bamboo. The joints are stiff, solid inside with little marrow. The hide repels dampness; sleeping on its skin can dispel warm pestilence. Some say: The white leopard is alternatively named Mo. In the Tang dynasty, images of Mo were often painted on screens; Bai Juyi wrote eulogies and prefaces for them. It is unknown which type is actually used for medicinal purposes. In ancient and modern medical prescriptions: fresh usage is rare. Currently, in Qian and Shu regions, Mo appear from time to time, with elephant-like noses, rhino-like eyes, ox tails, and tiger feet. Locals' cauldrons are often eaten by them, posing a hazard to mountain dwellers; they are also captured for medicinal use. Their teeth and bones are extremely hard; striking them with knives, axes, or hammers shatters iron, and burning them in fire cannot destroy them. Humans obtain them and fraudulently pass them off as Buddha teeth or Buddha bones to deceive the common people.

*Dietary Therapy*: Benefits humans. Consumption strengthens sinews and bones, making the will and temperament coarse. Upon ingestion, effects are felt immediately; after a short time of digestion, stability returns. Long-term consumption ultimately enhances one’s spirit and Qi.

*Yanyi* states: Bao meat has fur that is reddish-yellow, with black patterns like coins that are hollow in the center, arranged sequentially. This beast is fiercer and more agile than tigers, thus it can calm the Zang organs, supplement severe injuries, and lighten the body. There is also the Earth Leopard, whose fur lacks patterns entirely and is not reddish, and whose form is smaller. These are distinct species and cannot transform into tigers; sages merely used them as metaphors. Fearing that medical practitioners might not understand, this is recorded here.