Library

Partridge (Zhegu)

The flavor is sweet, the nature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It primarily treats wild gecko root poison, fungal poison, and raw metal poison in the Lingnan region, as well as prolonged warm miasma diseases where the patient is on the verge of death and difficult to cure. It can be administered by soaking partridge feathers in wine and decocting them. If fresh juice is extracted by crushing and taken orally, the effect is best. It grows in the Jiangnan region. Its shape resembles a hen; those that cry "gou-ge-zhe" are authentic. The *Tang Bencao* commentary states: There is a bird similar in appearance but does not make this sound, which is not a partridge. Minister Yuxi et al., according to Meng Shen, state: Partridge can tonify the five Zang organs, and its benefits are incalculable. It must not be eaten with bamboo shoots, as this causes abdominal distension and can lead to death. Birds that die naturally should not be eaten. This emphasizes that naturally dead birds are forbidden. Ri Huazi states: Slightly toxic. It treats Gu qi (poisonous miasma) and miasma diseases causing near-death states; administer with wine. The *Tujing* states: Partridges originate from Jiangnan; currently, they are found in Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Shu, and Kuizhou commanderies. They resemble hens, have white circular spots on the chest, and purple-red feathers on the back. Locals also call them Yue zhi (Yue pheasant) or Suoyang zhi niao (birds following the sun). The *Nanyue Zhi* states: Although partridges flap their wings east and west, when spreading their wings, leopard-like patterns are revealed. The *Gujin Zhu* states: Their cry is self-called, which is incorrect. Their cry sounds like "gou-ge-zhe". There is another bird very similar, but it does not make this sound and should not be eaten. Local people eat partridge, claiming it cures wild gecko root, raw metal, snake, and fungal poisons. It must not be eaten with bamboo shoots. Naturally dead ones are also prohibited. Its fat/grease applied by hand can cure miasma and chilblains, preventing skin cracking.

*Yanyi* states: Partridge refers to the bird described by Zheng Gu as "calling each other across the vast Xiang sky," which serves exclusively as culinary food in the south. However, for treating miasma and fungal poisons, it is very effective. The rest aligns with the *Jing* (Shennong Bencao Jing).

Goose Fat (Yanfáng)

The flavor is sweet, the nature is neutral/flat, and it is non-toxic. It treats wind-induced spasms, rigidity, hemiplegia, and obstruction of Qi flow. Long-term consumption promotes the growth of hair, eyebrows, and beard, tonifies Qi, prevents hunger, lightens the body, and delays aging. Also known as Fang. It originates from ponds and marshes in Jiangnan. It can be harvested at any time.

Tao Hongjing states: The *Classic of Poetry* says, large ones are called Hong, small ones are called Yan. Current goose species vary in size but share the same form. Additionally, there is a wild goose larger than the Yan, resembling the domestic grey goose, called Jia-e (pronounced 'jia'). Goose fat is not commonly consumed, but the meat should be good. Pronounced with a wood radical, referring to wild duck; now this name is called "Fang." Thus, Yan and Ya are similar. Previously, notes on duck were placed before; Geese inhabit rivers and lakes, lay eggs in summer伏 (Fu), and migrate north. Winter might be better for harvesting. The *Tang Bencao* commentary states: Geese have white feathers under the throat. It is effective for treating pediatric epilepsy. Geese are Yang birds; they fly south in winter and north in summer. During spring and summer, they breed in the north. Do northerners not eat them? However, Geese are opposite to swallows; when swallows arrive, geese leave, and when geese leave, swallows arrive. Thus, the *Li Ji* states: In autumn, we await the arrival of geese; in spring, migratory birds arrive. Minister Yuxi et al., according to Wu Shi, state: For Goose Fat, Shennong, Qibo, and Leigong consider it: Sweet flavor, non-toxic. It kills various mineral drug poisons. Meng Shen states: Goose grease can be used to make hair-growth ointments and treats deafness. Ash mixed with tears for washing the head promotes hair growth. Ri Huazi states: Cool nature, non-toxic. Treats wind and numbness. Long-term consumption aids Qi and strengthens sinews and bones. Grease mixed with fermented soybean pills treats consumptive thinness and fattens thin people. Feathers that fall off naturally, if worn by children, treat fright and epilepsy.

Mei Shi Fang: Treats swelling and pain from moxibustion sores. Take goose droppings (white part) and human essence, mix and grind, then apply to the sore. Sun Simiao states: Do not eat geese in June and July, as it damages the Spirit. *Shiyi Xinjing* treats wind-induced spasms, rigidity, hemiplegia, and obstruction of Blood and Qi. Take four liang of refined and filtered goose fat. Every morning on an empty stomach, drink one cup of warm wine with a spoonful of goose fat.

*Yanyi* states: People rarely eat goose fat because they believe geese understand the rise and fall of Yin and Yang and distinguish order among elders and juniors. The world sometimes calls it "Heaven's Abomination," which is also a Daoist perspective. Consuming it treats various wind diseases.

*Tang Bencao* commentary states: The meaning of "Goose is a Yang bird" is not fully explained. This is because the goose obtains the Qi of Harmony; when hot, it goes north; when cold, it goes south, thereby harmonizing its Qi. Therefore, it is used as a gift for rituals: first, to取其信 (take its trustworthiness/reliability); second, to取其和 (take its harmony).