Library

Southerners use it to make wine vessels and combs. (Da Guan Ben Cao, Vol. 21, p. 24; Zheng He Ben Cao, p. 435)

According to the "Zheng Jing": It is produced in the South Sea, where Shijueming (Abalone Shell, a medicinal material with effects of soothing the liver and subduing yang, clearing liver heat, and improving vision) is produced. It primarily treats eye disorders to improve vision, removes facial melasma, and stops diarrhea. Combined with Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, a medicinal material with effects of clearing heat and purging fire, generating fluids and moistening dryness), it treats irritability, fever, and Xiao Ke (a syndrome characterized by excessive thirst, hunger, urination, and emaciation). Using Zuochan Gen (Zuo Chan Gen, a herbal name) treats Erzi Fudou Chuang (a skin disease similar to smallpox or chickenpox) invading the eyes. In the western route of Shu, Nü Gua also produces Zhenzhu (Pearl), which is produced by mussels and clams; its luster is white and very good, but not as dazzling as the colorful pearls from overseas. To drill holes, one must use a diamond drill. When used as medicine, it must be ground finely into powder for a long time before it can be taken. If not ground finely enough, it will damage the Zang-Fu organs. (Da Guan Ben Cao, Vol. 20, p. 9; Zheng He Ben Cao, p. 414)

According to the "Yi Zhi": It grows in the mountains of the South Sea, where males and females often stay together inseparably. It primarily treats essence retention and reduces urination. It resembles green-gold color. People collect it, grind it into powder according to specific methods, apply it to coins for trade, using it during the day and returning it at night. It is also a rare item in the human world. (Da Guan Ben Cao, Vol. 22, p. 34; Zheng He Ben Cao, p. 456; Ben Cao Gang Mu, p. 1525)

It grows in Jiaozhi. Its root resembles Yizhi (Yi Zhi Ren, a medicinal material with effects of warming the spleen to stop diarrhea and warming the kidneys to secure essence); the peel is thick. The nut resembles a pomegranate, tastes pungent and fragrant, and is a herbaceous tree. The leaves resemble Wanlan (Wan Lan, a plant name) but are smaller. The leaves are collected in March, broken finely, and dried in the shade. The taste is close to bitter with a hint of sweetness. (Da Guan Ben Cao, Vol. 23, p. 1; Zheng He Ben Cao, p. 460; Ben Cao Gang Mu, p. 811)

According to the "Guangzhou Ji": It grows in Lingnan and Persia. The tree resembles Qingmuxiang (Qing Mu Xiang, a medicinal material with effects of promoting qi circulation to relieve pain, strengthening the spleen, and promoting digestion). The taste is sweet and sour. It primarily treats irritability and thirst, heavy head, mental restlessness, and fatigue/stuffiness in the back and shoulders; eating it is suitable. Below Jiazhou and in Yuzhou, there are also productions. Its fruit is sweet and delicious when ripe. When Lychee is ripe, if humans do not harvest it, hundred insects dare not approach. Once humans start harvesting, crows, bats, and other creatures are all harmed. Therefore, those who harvest Lychee do so collectively at noon. Lychee seeds change color after one day, change taste after two days, and both color and taste change after three days. Ancient poetry says: Color and taste do not last beyond three days. Yuan Anyu's Lychee poem says: Fragrance changes after three days. Now, people in Luzhou and Yuzhou who eat it often develop Re Chuang (skin sores caused by heat toxicity) if they eat too much. (Da Guan Ben Cao, Vol. 23, p. 22; Zheng He Ben Cao, p. 470; Ben Cao Gang Mu, p. 1299)