Wild octopus

Wild octopus

　　Octopus (English name: octopus), belonging to the phylum Mollusca, class Cephalopoda, order Octopoda, is a general term for eight-armed cephalopod mollusks in the order Octopoda, but strictly speaking refers only to species in the genus Octopus. Other names include zhang, zhangju (from *Collected Works of Han Yu*), changzhang, duanjiao zhang, luoti (from *Dongui Bogam*), zuoxiao, shixi, wangchao (from *Fujian Marine Life Records*), bazu zhiyu, bazhang yu, xiaobashao yu, xiao (from *Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zoology*), and in Taiwanese Hokkien “TAKO,” derived from the Japanese “たこ (tako).” It is called an “eight-armed class” because it has eight arms on its head, connected by membranes of varying lengths, with two rows of sessile suckers on each arm, hence the name “eight-armed.”

　　Nutritional and therapeutic value

　　Explanation of the name

　　Its form resembles that of a cuttlefish but is larger, and its taste is much better than that of a cuttlefish. It has eight feet and is rich in meat. Also called zhangju.

　　Properties and flavor

　　Sweet and salty, cold, non-toxic (from *Compendium of Materia Medica*); neutral in nature, sweet in flavor, non-toxic (from *Dongui Bogam*)

　　Efficacy and indications

　　1. Octopus is rich in nutrients such as protein and minerals, and also contains important health-promoting factors like natural taurine, which helps combat fatigue, aging, and can extend human lifespan. *Compendium of Materia Medica* states: “Octopus and shiju resemble cuttlefish but are slightly larger and have a finer, more delicious taste. They are valued as food but are not used medicinally.”

　　2. Octopus is neutral in nature, sweet and salty in flavor, and affects the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians; it helps nourish blood and qi, and treats abscesses and toxic swellings.

　　Functions and indications

　　Nourishes qi and blood, astringes, and promotes tissue regeneration. Indicated for qi and blood deficiency, abscesses and toxic swellings, and long-term ulceration.

　　Nourish blood and qi: Regular consumption of stir-fried octopus with ginger and vinegar. For abscesses and toxic swellings: mash octopus, mix with borneol, and apply to the affected area. (from *Quanzhou Materia Medica*)

　　Nourishes blood and boosts qi (from *Compendium of Materia Medica*)

　　Promotes lactation and tissue regeneration, quite similar to cuttlefish. Used for qi and blood deficiency, dizziness, fatigue, postpartum insufficient milk supply. Can be combined with pork, pig trotters, peanuts, or red dates. Can be boiled, stewed, or stir-fried.

　　Suitable groups

　　Generally suitable for everyone, especially those who are physically weak, have qi and blood deficiency, or are malnourished; suitable for postpartum women with insufficient milk supply. Not suitable for those with a history of urticaria.