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(From *Tang Bencao*)
[Correction] Transferred from the Wood category to this section.
[Names] San Guo (Three Fruits).
Li Shizhen states: The tree resembles Che Li Le (*Terminalia chebula*), and the fruit is also similar, but it is round with a central depression; hence the name. "Pi" refers to the navel.
[Collected Explanations] Su Gong says: Pi Li Le originates from the Western Regions and various countries of the South Sea. In Lingnan, specifically Jiao and Ai prefectures, the Rong people call it San Guo. The tree resembles the walnut (*Juglans regia*), and the fruit shape is also like a walnut. The nut resembles Che Li Le but is rounder, shorter, and lacks ridges; its usage is the same. Foreigners make a syrup from it which is very hot in nature.
[Fragrance and Flavor] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.
Li Shizhen says: Taste is bitter with astringency, slightly warm, non-toxic. When made into syrup, its nature becomes hot.
[Indications] Wind-deficiency and heat qi; efficacy is the same as An Mo Le (*Phyllanthus emblica*) (from *Tang Bencao*). Warms the intestines and abdomen, dispels all types of cold qi. Made into syrup for dyeing beard and hair, turning them black (Zhen Quan). Directs Qi downward, stops diarrhea and dysentery (Da Ming). Burned to ash, effective for dry blood conditions (Li Xun).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen says: Pi Li Le is rarely used in ancient formulas. Only the Bu Shen Lu Jiao Wan (Kidney-Nourishing Deer Antler Pill) in *Qian Jin Fang* uses San Guo syrup for swallowing; if unavailable, wine is substituted. Thus, this fruit belongs to the same category as Yu Gan Zi (*Phyllanthus emblica*), but its nature is slightly warm and astringent.
[Attached Formulas] One new formula.
Severe wind disease causing hair loss: Burn Pi Li Le to ash, apply frequently to the affected area; effective. (From *Sheng Hui Fang*)

Mei Li Li (From *Shi Yi*)
[Collected Explanations] Chen Zangqi says: Mei Li Li grows in various southwestern countries. It resembles Pi Li Le, with a small amount of hair on top.
[Fragrance and Flavor] Pungent, neutral, non-toxic.
Li Shizhen says: Slightly warm.
[Indications] Upper Qi (rebellious Qi), digestion promotion (Chen Zangqi). Mainly treats digestion promotion, intestinal astringency, directing Qi downward, and upper Qi cough. Suitable for inclusion in facial preparations (Li Xun).

(From *Ben Cao Gang Mu*)
[Names] Wu Leng Zi (Five-Ridged Fruit) (from *Gui Hai Zhi*), Yang Tao.
[Li Shizhen says] According to Ji Han's *Cao Mu Zhuang*: Southerners call "ridges" as "lian", hence the name.
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen says: Wu Lian Zi originates from Lingnan and central Fujian. Fujian people call it Yang Tao. The fruit is fist-sized, green-yellow and lustrous, with a bizarre shape resembling a stone roller used by farmers. It has five ridges appearing carved, shaped like a sword ridge. The skin and flesh are crisp and soft. The taste is initially sour and becomes sweet after prolonged chewing. The seed resembles Nai fruit (*Malus asiatica*). It ripens in May, yielding several shi per tree, and ripens again in October. Marinated in honey, it is sweet and sour and delicious. Common people also dry it for consumption as a fruit. There is also San Lian Zi, which is likely of the same category. Chen Qichang's *Yi Wu Zhi* states: San Lian originates from Xi'an prefectures. Southerners call "ridges" as "lian". Although named San Lian, some have five or six ridges. It is juicy when eaten, sweet and sour in taste, and particularly suitable for consumption mixed with other fruits.
[Fragrance and Flavor] Sour, sweet, astringent, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Wind-heat, generates fluids, stops thirst (Li Shizhen).