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Zhi Meat (Meat of Pheasant)

Taste: Sour. Nature: Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Main actions: Tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), boosts Qi and physical strength, stops diarrhea and dysentery, eliminates intestinal parasites (such as Ascaris).

Tao Hongjing stated: Although Zhi does not belong to the Earthly Branch "Chen" (Dragon), it is a bird associated with the Li Trigram (Fire). It should not be consumed on Bing-Wu days (days characterized by strong Fire energy) because this contradicts the principle that the Sovereign belongs to Fire. The commentary in *Tang Bencao* states: Zhi is Warm in nature. It mainly treats various sores and ulcers. Chen Yuxi and others, according to Meng Shen, noted: Shanji (Mountain Pheasant) regulates the Qi of the Five Zang Organs; for those suffering from asthma and inability to breathe, consuming it may induce five types of hemorrhoids. Consuming it with buckwheat noodles causes the generation of fat worms (likely referring to tapeworms or similar parasites). Zhi eggs should not be eaten with Scallions (Cong), otherwise it leads to the growth of inch-long white worms (Taenia saginata/taeniasis). Furthermore, long-term consumption of Yeji (Wild Pheasant) causes emaciation. Consumption between the ninth and twelfth lunar months offers slight tonifying benefits. In other months, it induces five types of hemorrhoids and various sores and scabies. It must not be consumed with Walnuts (Hetao); consuming it with mushrooms or Wood Ear fungus induces five types of hemorrhoids and immediate bloody stool, which must be strictly prohibited. Ri Huazi stated: Zhi Ji (Pheasant) is Neutral in nature with slight toxicity. People with chronic diseases should avoid eating it. It is beneficial in autumn and winter but toxic in spring and summer.

*Tujing Bencao* (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) states: Zhi was not recorded in *Shennong Bencao Jing* regarding its place of origin; it is now found in both northern and southern regions. It is frequently caught to supply kitchens. In *Rites of Zhou - Paoren*, Zhi is one of the six types of birds offered, making it a precious food item. However, it has slight toxicity and should not be eaten regularly. Eating it from after the ninth month to before the eleventh month provides tonification; in other months, it induces five types of hemorrhoids and various sores and scabies. It must not be consumed with Walnuts, mushrooms, or Wood Ear fungus, as this also induces hemorrhoidal disease and immediate bloody stool, which must be prohibited. *Erya* lists many names for Zhi, but few people today can fully identify them. Between the Jianghuai region and the Yi and Luo rivers, there are three types with long but small tails called Shanji (Mountain Pheasant), which people often keep in captivity; these are referred to as Di Shan Zhi when kept in pens. In Jiangnan, there is another type that is white with fine black patterns on its back, named Bai Xian (Silver Pheasant), which can also be kept; locals eat its meat, which is also considered a type of Zhi. The rest are no longer used.

*Shiliao Bencao* (Food Therapy Materia Medica) states: Do not consume with Walnuts, otherwise it triggers Head Wind (Headache/Dizziness), feeling like being in a boat or carriage, and also triggers Heart Pain. Do not consume with Fermented Soybeans (Chi). If the Zhi dies naturally and its feet and claws do not extend, consuming it is fatal. *Shiyi Xinjing* treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting syndrome), excessive drinking, polyuria, and dry mouth/thirst. Take one Zhi, finely chop it, add Salt and Fermented Soybeans to make a soup/stew. It also states: Treats dysentery caused by deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi, occurring day and night without cessation, with slippery intestines preventing food intake. Take one Wild Pheasant, process as per the above method, grind finely, add Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), Sichuan Pepper (Jiao), Scallion, Salt, and Sauce, mix well to make wontons, and cook thoroughly. Eat on an empty stomach. It also states: Treats Xiao Ke with scorched tongue, dry mouth, and frequent urination. Take one Wild Pheasant, boil thoroughly with five flavors (seasonings), obtain about two sheng (approx. 2 liters) of juice, remove the meat, drink the juice when thirsty, and the meat can also be eaten. It also states: Treats postpartum dysentery with lower abdominal and waist pain. Take one Wild Pheasant and eat it as wontons.

*Yanyi* states: When flying, Zhi moves like an arrow, shooting forward until it falls. Therefore, people nowadays place its tail feathers on boats and carriages, intending to achieve such speed. Empress Dowager Lü of the Han Dynasty was named Zhi; Emperor Gaozu gave her the courtesy name Yeji (Wild Chicken). Actually, Zhi belongs to the chicken family. Consuming it causes more harm than good.