Crucian Carp: Functions to replenish qi and strengthen the spleen, promote urination to reduce swelling, clear heat and detoxify, unblock collaterals to promote lactation, etc. For patients with ascites, consuming a soup made with fresh crucian carp and red adzuki beans is effective. Stewing live crucian carp with pork trotters and consuming both the fish and the soup can treat insufficient lactation in postpartum women. Crucian carp oil is beneficial for cardiovascular function, can reduce blood viscosity, and promote blood circulation.
Common Carp: Functions to strengthen the spleen and whet the appetite, promote urination to reduce swelling, relieve cough and calm asthma, prevent miscarriage and promote lactation, clear heat and detoxify, etc. Consuming a soup made with carp, winter melon, and scallion roots treats nephritic edema. Stewing a large carp with its scales on and guts removed, then dividing it for consumption, treats jaundice. Consuming a soup made with live carp and pork trotters treats insufficient lactation in postpartum women. Consuming a soup made with carp and a small amount of Fritillaria powder treats cough and asthma.
Silver Carp: Functions to warm the middle burner and replenish qi, warm the stomach, and moisten the skin. It is a nourishing food for warming the middle burner and replenishing qi.
Black Carp: Functions to replenish qi and nourish the stomach, transform dampness and promote urination, expel wind and relieve restlessness, etc. The trace elements it contains, such as zinc and selenium, help in cancer prevention.
Snakehead Fish: Functions to strengthen the spleen and promote urination, remove stasis and generate new tissue, clear heat and expel wind, tonify the liver and benefit the kidneys, etc. Eating snakehead fish cooked with ginger and red jujubes has a supplementary effect in treating tuberculosis. Consuming snakehead fish stewed with brown sugar can treat nephritis. Postpartum women who eat steamed snakehead fish can promote lactation and nourish the blood.
Cuttlefish: Functions to nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish qi and blood, clear the stomach and remove heat, nourish the blood, improve eyesight, regulate menstruation, prevent miscarriage, facilitate childbirth, stop bleeding, and promote lactation, etc.
Grass Carp: Functions to warm the stomach, pacify the liver and expel wind. It is a nourishing food for warming the middle burner and tonifying deficiency.
Hairtail: Functions to warm the stomach, tonify deficiency, moisten the skin, expel wind, kill parasites, and nourish the five organs. It can be used as an auxiliary treatment for persistent and chronic hepatitis.
Eel: Functions to replenish qi and nourish blood, soften muscles and benefit bones, etc.