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Acorn (Xiangshi)
Bitter, slightly warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats dysentery, thickens the intestines and stomach, and promotes robustness and strength in the body. The shell can be made into a powder or decocted for oral administration; it also treats dysentery and is suitable for dyeing purposes. Also known as Zhudou (Bean Cup). Both Quercus variabilis (Huzai) and Quercus dentata (Liyu) have cup-shaped shells, but those of Quercus dentata are superior. They grow in valleys throughout various regions. (Previously appended to *Xinxiu Bencao*)

Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note that *Erya* states: Xu, also called Zhu. The explanation says: Xu is another name for Zhu. Guo Pu says: It is the Zuo tree (Oak). The *Book of Songs · Tang Feng* states: "Gathering on the lush Xu," referring to this tree. Its fruit is called Zaodou (Black Bean Cup), or sometimes just Zaodou. The juice extracted from its shell can be used to dye black. Currently, in the capital, Luoyang, and Henei regions, it is called Zhudou, referring to Quercus as Zhu. This is a common term across the five directions. Rihua Zi says: Quercus bark is neutral in nature and non-toxic. It treats watery dysentery, resolves scrofula, and eliminates malignant sores. Xiangdouzi (Acorn cups) astringes the intestines and stops diarrhea. Boiled and eaten, it alleviates hunger and helps survive famine years. The shell stops intestinal wind bleeding, treats metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, and various cold-heat type dysenteries. It can also be used to dye hair and beard. For medicinal use, it should be crushed and stir-fried until charred.

*Tujing Bencao* states: Xiangshi is the seed of the Li tree (Quercus). *Shennong Benjing* does not record its specific origin provinces, stating only that they grow in valleys everywhere, which remains true today. The trees are two or three chi tall and bear fruit in the ninth month. The fruit is called Zaodou. Both Quercus variabilis and Quercus dentata have cups, but those of Quercus dentata are superior. Harvest them when not in the Gouqi season. Both the bark and the fruit are usable. *Erya* states: Li, its fruit is Jiu. The explanation says: Li is a tree resembling the Chu tree (Ailanthus). Jiu refers to the casing holding the fruit. The actual fruit is the acorn, wrapped in a cup. The *Book of Songs · Qin Feng* states: "The mountains have lush Li." Lu Ji says: People in Qin call Zuo-Li as Li. Furthermore, the *Tang Feng* states: "Gathering on the lush Xu." Lu Ji says: This is the current Zuo-Li. People in Xuzhou call Li as Zhu. This is again a common term across the five directions. Thus, Zuo, Li, Zhu, and Xu are all different names for the same oak species.

Lei Gong says: When using acorns, remove one layer of coarse skin, steam the acorns, process from Si hour to Wei hour, take out, slice into five pieces, and use. *Shiliao Bencao* states: It primarily stops dysentery; no other effects are recorded. *Beiji Qianjin Yaofang* states: Acorns are neither fruits nor grains, yet they are most beneficial to humans. If one cannot completely abstain from grains while taking tonics, eating acorns is particularly good. They receive Qi without distinct odor and receive flavors without distinct taste; they aid digestion, stop dysentery, and make the person strong without causing exhaustion.

*Yanyi* states: Xiangshi is the seed of the Li tree (Quercus). The leaves resemble chestnut leaves and are found everywhere. However, the wood is hard and unsuitable for construction materials, which is the nature of such wood. In mountainous areas, people use it as food, but it is astringent to the intestines. The wood burns well into charcoal, surpassing other woods. The shell can be used to dye black. If exposed to rain, the color becomes pale; it is inferior to those not exposed to rain. Quercus variabilis also has shells, but they are fewer and inferior to those produced by Quercus dentata.