Dried Toad (Contracted and shriveled, limbs unequally flexed, revealing bones and membranes)

【Name】

Dried Toad

【Source】

Lower Grade of the Běi Lù (別錄)

【Frequency of Use】

E

【Botanical/Zoological Source】

The entire dried body of the Chinese Giant Toad *Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor* or the Asian Common Toad *Bufo melanostictus Schneider* of the Bufonidae family.

【Appearance】

The entire body is contracted and shriveled, with ridges on the longitudinal surface, and the four limbs are unequally flexed. The surface is greyish-green or brownish-green. The inner surface of the abdominal cavity, with the internal organs removed, is greyish-yellow, and bones and membranes can be seen. It has a slightly fishy odor and a pungent taste.

【Preparation】

1. Remove the head and feet, and cut into small pieces. 2. Singe over a fire until blistered and has a charred aroma.

【Identification】

“*Gān Chán*, the one collected on the 1st day of the 5th month is good.” (*Yī Fāng Lèi Jù*). “Large Dried Toad (the one that is entirely yellow is better).” (*Jiàng Náng Cuō Yào*). “Large Dried Toad. (One, the more poisonous one. Two or three. The ones that live under the eaves of houses are better.)” (*Wén Táng Jí Yàn Fāng*). “One large warted Dried Toad, the more warts the better.” (*Yàn Fāng Xīn Biān*). “Freshly caught large Dried Toad (the one with a red belly is better).” (*Qí Xiào Jiǎn Biàn Liáng Fāng*).
The best ones are large, dry, and complete.

【Category】

Vertebrates