Library

Coconut
The taste is sweet and bitter, the nature is neutral. It is non-toxic. Although it originates from the Lingnan region, it grows particularly luxuriantly in Jiaozhi (modern-day northern Vietnam). The tree is tall like *Caryota urens* (Kokum palm), without branches growing sideways. The fruit is large, resembling a gourd (*Lagenaria siceraria*), wrapped in a thick, coarse outer skin. The leaves are at the tip of the branch, resembling Eastern cattail (*Typha orientalis*). Harvested in autumn and specific months, each part has its use. The shell sawed open serves as vessels for freely pouring wine or brewing tea. If toxic substances are present, boiling will reveal them; avoid lacquering to preserve its spiritual efficacy. (Modern people often lacquer it, thereby losing its original intent.) Consuming the flesh occasionally benefits weak middle qi (Spleen and Stomach Qi) and can treat paralysis and hemiplegia. Boiling the peel in water stops vomiting blood and epistaxis, and also manages cholera-like vomiting and regurgitation. The juice resembles milk and its aroma can induce mild intoxication. Applied to beard and hair, it turns them black; moistening the throat prevents thirst. *Records of Jiaozhi* states: "There is juice inside coconuts; drinking it causes drunkenness." This refers to that.

Lychee Flesh
The taste is sweet and slightly sour, the nature is warm. It ascends and belongs to Yang. It is non-toxic. The tree is massive, requiring two people to embrace, with lush evergreen foliage. Fruits hang from branches, abundant enough to fill one hundred hu (a unit of volume). They ripen fully by the end of May; birds eating them become fat. Because the branches are weak but the pedicels firm, humans find them hard to pick; one must use sharp knives or axes to sever the branches (pronounced 'li'), hence the name Lychee. Found in Bashu and Lingnan, those produced in Fujian are superior. The shell resembles patterns from Silla, shaped like chicken eggs; the flesh is like white jade fat, sweeter than honey. The pit is small, similar to a bird's tongue, and when dried, can be stored for a year. Universally called a precious fruit, its sweetness benefits humans. It beautifies the complexion, dispels irritability, quenches thirst, enhances wisdom, strengthens Qi, and connects the spirit. Danxi further stated: "This belongs to Yang, primarily dispersing stagnant Qi without form." For tumors, warts, redness, and swelling, consuming more can eliminate them. Excessive consumption causing deficiency-heat is resolved by drinking honey water. Swallowing flowers and root tips together is a divine prescription for treating pharyngolaryngeal obstruction pain (Hou Bi). Preserving the medicinal property of the pit and mixing with wine treats sudden heart pain and hernia pain. Burning the shell removes foul odors; it is sought after for smallpox inoculation. Wood sawn into combs is red, hard, and strong.

Longan Flesh
The taste is sweet, the nature is neutral. It is non-toxic. The tree is quite large, with tiny leaves remaining green through winter; the fruits are extremely round, with pale yellow shells patterned like scales. The flesh is very sweet and thin, ranking second only to Lychee in fame. Also produced in Shu, Fujian, and Lingnan, it ripens after Lychee season. Scholars despise it, calling it "Lychee Slave." When used medicinally, its sweet nature enters the Spleen. In ancient prescriptions like Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction), its efficacy matches that of Ginseng. *Shennong Ben Cao Jing* lists another name as Yizhi (Wisdom Enhancer), noting it benefits what the Spleen stores. (Because the Spleen stores intelligence, this is said.) It detoxifies, expels parasites, calms the mind, and suppresses appetite. It nourishes muscles, beautifies complexion, cures forgetfulness, and alleviates palpitations. Taking more strengthens the soul and sharpens hearing/vision; long-term use lightens the body and prevents aging.