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[Kui Ge (Clam)]
Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. It primarily treats Wei Bi (flaccidity and numbness of limbs), dysentery with pus and blood in stool. Also known as Kui Lu, or Huo Dong. Grows in the East Sea. The shape is perfectly round with hollow ends, has patterns on the surface, and can be harvested at any time.

Tao Hongjing stated: Its shape resembles a spindle (pronunciation 'kuang'), small and narrow-long, with longitudinal and transverse textures on the outside. It was said to be transformed from an old bat, and its use is minimal. However, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* mentions Hai Ge (Sea Clam), also known as Kui Ge, which is different from this. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully note that the Shu Ben Tu Jing states: The shape is round and long, resembling a large belly Areca nut, with holes at both ends. It is currently produced in Laizhou. The details of the Tu Jing are recorded under the entry for Hai Ge.

Dietary therapy: Nature is cold. It moistens the five Zang organs, treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), and opens the joints. Those who consume Dan Shi (cinnabar and other mineral drugs) should eat it to avoid sores, swelling, and heat toxins.

[Li Fish (Pronunciation 'li')]
Taste is sweet, nature is cold, non-toxic. It primarily treats Shi Bi (damp bi-syndrome), edema of the face and eyes, promotes urination to reduce water retention, and treats the five types of hemorrhoids. It should not be eaten by those with ulcers, as it causes white spots (pronunciation 'pan') on the skin. Also known as Tong Fish. Grows in the ponds and marshes of Jiujiang. Can be caught at any time.

Tao Hongjing stated: Now it is written as the character "Li" (Snakehead). Old texts say it is transformed from a male oyster snake, but there are also naturally reproducing ones. It is extremely difficult to kill and retains snake-like characteristics. Boiled with white adzuki beans, it is very effective for treating swelling and fullness. Tang Ben Zhu notes: *Bie Lu* states that the intestine and liver treat worms in chronic, unhealed ulcers. Ashes of various fish all treat dysphagia. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully cite Meng Shen: Snakehead fish promotes urination and defecation, and resolves Qi stagnation. When prepared as raw slices (Kuai), it is effective for patients with Hong Jiao Jiao (Beriberi) and Feng Qi (wind-disease). Furthermore: Take a large snakehead fish, wash away mud, open the belly, insert half a liang of ground pepper and two or three cloves of chopped garlic into the belly, sew it up, and boil it together with one sheng of adzuki beans. Near completion, add three to five radishes the size of a finger, and a handful of chopped green onions. Cook thoroughly. Eat on an empty stomach, consuming the fish, beans, etc., until full. By nightfall, excessive gas will be expelled. Repeat this meal every three to five days. It expels all evil Qi. Making paste in the twelfth month is also good. Ri Hua Zi stated: Snakehead fish intestine, when grilled with five flavors and applied topically to hemorrhoids and fistulas, worms will emerge after a long time; then remove them. Among all fish, only this one's gallbladder is sweet and edible.

Tu Jing states: Li fish (commonly written as "Li"), grows in the ponds and marshes of Jiujiang, and is now found everywhere. Tao Hongjing believed it was transformed from a male oyster snake, is extremely hard to kill, and retains snake-like traits. Respectfully citing *Erya*: Li is Huan. Guo Pu's commentary states: Li is Tong (pronunciation 'tong'). Explainers say: Li is Huan. *Shi Jing · Xiao Ya* states: Fish lie on ..., Fang and Li. *Mao Zhuan* states: Li is Huan. *Zheng Yi* states: Some versions write Li, which is Chong (pronunciation 'chong'). Lu Ji considered Huan to be Li fish, similar to Li, narrow and thick. People in Jingdong still call it ... fish; they are essentially the same type. Based on the above, it seems to be what is commonly called Black Li fish today. It is also extremely hard to kill, resembles a snake in shape, and is widely eaten in Zhejiang. However, *Shennong Bencao Jing* records Li fish as treating damp bi and promoting water metabolism, whereas Black Li fish treats pregnancy in women. *Qian Jin Fang* has a formula using Black Li fish alone for calming the fetus, but *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not mention this function, suggesting it might have been omitted. Liver and intestines are also used in medicine. While most fish gallbladders are bitter, only this one's is sweet and edible, which is unique. Regarding the entry for Bao Yu (Salted Fish), according to Tao and Su, it resembles the light dried fish made in the Han and Mian river regions today, which tastes pungent and smelly. Su also cited *Li Dangzhi Bencao*, stating it is beneficial for those with dampness in the chest. The "Baoyu" (fresh/dried fish without salt) mentioned is dry on the outside but fatty inside, hence damp inside; the more damp, the smellier it becomes. Another theory says Bao Yu is a distinct species, shaped like a small fish, living in the sea, with the strongest odor. This refers to what Qin Shi Huang placed in his carriage. Although this explanation is clear, it lacks definitive evidence. *Su Wen* treats Xue Ku (blood deficiency) with Que Juan Wan, drinking Bao Yu juice to benefit the intestines.

Waitai Miyao: Treats intestinal hemorrhoids where blood often appears in stool. Eating Snakehead fish Kuai (raw slices) with Jiang Qi (minced ginger) is excellent. Dosage is flexible; it heals. Avoid cold and toxic foods.
Another prescription: Treats hemorrhoids. Three pieces of Snakehead fish intestine, grilled until fragrant, wrapped in cotton, inserted into the anus. Within the time of one meal, worms should emerge. Replace the fish intestines several times; using three pieces cures the condition.

Shiyi Xinjing: Treats severe cases of ten types of Water Qi disease nearing death. Take one Snakehead fish weighing over one jin, cook thoroughly, extract the juice, and make a soup with winter melon and white parts of green onions.
Another prescription: Treats "Wild Chicken Disease" (bleeding disorder), continuous bleeding, and intestinal pain. Take one Snakehead fish, prepare as Kuai (raw slices), and eat with Suan Qi (garlic relish).

Lingyuan Fang: Treats acute throat closure (Glotis obstruction) which may become fatal soon. Collect Snakehead fish gallbladder in the twelfth lunar month, dry in shade, and grind into powder. Apply a small amount to the affected area; the medicine works immediately. For deep-seated illness, take with water.

Yanyi states: Li fish is now called Black Carp by people. Daoists believe that stars on the head indicate a taboo, and those who know this often dare not eat it. It may also trigger old diseases, so it must be avoided. Today, when used for treating illness, only one aspect of its efficacy is utilized.