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(Tang Bencao)
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats red dysentery, white dysentery, intestinal slippage (incontinence due to weakness), promotes muscle growth. Replenishes Qi and Blood (Vital Energy and Nutritive Substance), calms the Spirit (Shen), promotes the growth of beard and hair, generates Essence (Jing), and prolongs life.
[Examination] It is stated: Wu Shi Zi (Galla Chinensis) is the same as Mo Shi Zi. It grows in the deserts of the Western Regions. The tree resembles Tamarix (Cheng Liu). In Persia, it is called Mo Ze Shu. It is six or seven zhang high and eight or nine chi in circumference. The leaves resemble peach leaves but are longer. It blooms in the third lunar month with white flowers that have slightly red centers. The fruit resembles a golden pellet; those eaten by insects and having holes are best for medicinal use. However, this tree produces Ba Lv Zi in one year, which is as thick as a finger and three cun long, with a kernel like a chestnut. Those from Da Shi (Arabia/Persia) produce Pu Lu Zi in one year, which is round and flat, also like a chestnut, about one cun in diameter, and the kernels are edible. In the second year, it produces Wu Shi Zi, which they call Ma Tu Ze. They alternate every other year, producing different fruits from the same root, similar to the harmonization of the Ten Heavenly Stems, where rigid and soft follow each other. Processing: Do not allow contact with iron vessels, nor be startled by fire. Select small granules without rice-like cores, stir-fry them, grind them thoroughly in a mortar with Jiang Shui (fermented grain liquid) until fine, dry them over low heat, and grind again. The process is complete when the color resembles that of black rhinoceros horn.
[Commentary] It is said: Retention of food and drink leads to dysentery and slippage. If there is no retained food, the slippage ceases. With bitter flavor and warm nature, it acts as an antidote, eliminating the old and generating the new. When new Qi arrives, it becomes abundant; muscles become full; the Seven Spirits (Shen) are calm; hair and fur become beautiful; Essence is generated, and the form remains stable. As the saying goes, "When there is excess, deficiency follows; when there is deficiency, excess follows." Excess and insufficiency can be seen here. Those with insect holes are good; those completely intact without holes should be avoided.

(Tang Bencao)
[Flavor and Nature] Salty, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats sudden pain in the heart and abdomen, bleeding from metal wounds, breaks up stagnant blood, relieves pain, promotes flesh regeneration, and eliminates pathogenic factors from the Five Zang Organs.
[Examination] It is said: It originates from Western Hu and Da Cang countries, and is now also found in Guangzhou. The tree is named Ke Liu, several zhang high, somewhat resembling the Myrrh tree, with a graceful and lovely posture. The bark and wood are both red and hard. The leaves somewhat resemble cherry leaves but are yellowish-red. There is fluid within the wood that flows out like pine resin; over time, it solidifies into Jie, which is red like blood. Also known as Hong Jie. When burned with fire, red juice gushes out, and if the ash does not change color, it is genuine. There is a substance called Hai Mu Xue (Sea Mother Blood) which looks very similar, but its taste is salty, fishy, and foul. Qi Jie tastes salty with a slight sweetness, and its odor resembles Gardenia (Zhi Zi) for distinction. Processing: Grind separately until dust-like, sieve before use. If pounded together with other herbs, it will turn into flying dust.
My ancestor said: Blood is a refined and specialized substance. Jie refers to continuous circulation. It has the meaning of arising urgently, of being firm and solid, and of beginning anew without end. He Jian referred to it as Blood...
[Commentary] It is said: Among domestic animals, the Horse corresponds to Wu (the 7th Earthly Branch). Horses born bearing Fire Qi, which carry heavy loads and gallop swiftly, with circulation unceasing, represent Qi Jie. Thus, comparing it to the integrity of a fine horse takes the metaphor too far regarding movement and stillness. This is merely interpreting the metaphor to explain the name and express its efficacy. It should enter the Heart Meridian, serving as a substantive and functional herb for the Heart. The Heart is the Fire Organ. The Classic states: The True Qi of the Zang connects to the Heart; the Heart stores the Qi of Blood Vessels, circulating like a ring without beginning or end, ending and starting again. Therefore, for any Qi of the blood vessels that loses its swift drive, exhausts itself in circulation, or moves beyond norms and stops beyond rules, it should be made to follow norms and observe rules again, just as Qi Jie carries loads, drives swiftly, and circulates without exhaustion.
(The presence of resin in trees is like the presence of blood in humans. Ke Liu specializes in resin, its color is exclusively red, and when burned, the ash is even redder, signifying immutability unto death. Then...)