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Zikuang and Qijie (Dragon's Blood)

Sweet and salty in flavor, neutral in nature, with slight toxicity. It primarily treats evil qi in the five zang organs, leukorrhea, relieves pain, breaks up accumulated blood, and promotes flesh regeneration in traumatic wounds caused by metal weapons. Zikuang and Qijie are largely similar with minor differences.

The *Tang Bencao* commentary states: The color is purple like glue. It is made into red powder and decorative ornaments, used as a fake pigment, and also to bond treasures. It is said that ants create it within the bark of tree vines by the sea. The tree producing Zikuang is named "Kelín", and the tree producing Qijie is named "Keliu", analogous to bees making honey. They are harvested by chopping. Wu Lu refers to it as "Red Glue".

Current examination of other versions' notes states: Although Zikuang and Qijie share the same source category, their efficacies are entirely different. Zikuang is red with black hues; its leaves are large as plates, and Zikuang exudes from the leaves. Qijie resembles a peach pit, triangular in shape, exuding from the wood like pine resin. (Originally attached to *Tang Bencao*, now moved to the Jade and Stones section.) Ministers Yuxi et al. carefully note: Rihua Zi says: Zikuang is non-toxic. It treats ulcers in donkey or horse hooves and can be melted for repair. Also, Qijie is warm and non-toxic. It works well when combined with Ledouqin (Litharge). It treats all kinds of malignant sores, scabies, and tinea that have not healed for a long time; applying this medicine, though potent, should not be overused, as it may draw out pus.

*Tujing* states: Qijie was not recorded in old texts regarding its place of origin; it is now produced in various Southern Fan countries and Guangzhou. The trees are several zhang high, with graceful foliage. The leaves resemble cherry leaves but have three angles. Its resin flows from the wood, dripping down like maltose syrup, hardening over time to form Jie. It is red like blood, hence also called Xuejie (Blood Dragon's Blood). There is no fixed season for harvesting. The one that tastes salty and smells fishy is the authentic type. Haimu blood is unusable. Authentic Jie is slightly salty and sweet, with the aroma of Gardenia. Old theories suggest it is mostly similar to Zikuang but is actually a different substance with distinct efficacy. Current examination of Duan Chengshi’s *Youyang Zazu* states: Zikuang comes from Chenla Country, where locals call it "Le". It is also produced in Persia. The trees are about one zhang high, with dense branches and foliage resembling citrus leaves, which do not fall in winter. Flowers bloom in March but do not bear fruit. Whenever mist, dew, or light rain wets the branches, Zikuang forms on them. An envoy from Persia named Shali stated this. However, an envoy from Chenla stated: Ants carry soil to the top of the tree to build nests; the ant soil, when wetted by mist and dew, transforms into Zikuang. Furthermore, *Jiaozhou Dizhi* also states: This prefecture annually tributes Zikuang, which originates from ant soil. Thus, although both Zikuang and Xuejie come from trees, they are clearly not the same thing. Currently, medical prescriptions rarely use it; only dyers require it.

*Haiyao* states: Zikuang, according to *Guangzhou Ji*, grows in the valleys of the South Sea. The trees are purple-red, formed from the tree's sap. It treats dampness-induced itching, sores, and scabies, suitable for inclusion in plasters. It can also be used to make Hu Yanzhi (foreign rouge); the residue is used for servants. Also, Qijie, according to *Nanyue Zhi*, is the resin of the Zikuang tree. It is sweet in flavor, warm in nature, and non-toxic. It mainly treats pain from all types of falls and fractures, tonifies deficiency, and regulates Qi and blood. For internal injuries with blood accumulation due to piercing, it is best taken with wine. To verify authenticity, chew it; the superior quality does not rot like wax. Leigong states: When using Qijie, do not use Haimu blood, which resembles Qijie but tastes salty and smells fishy. True Qijie tastes slightly salty and sweet, with a Gardenia-like aroma. Before use, grind it into powder and sieve it finely. When administering, add it to pills, powders, or plasters as needed. Do not pound it together with other medicines to avoid turning into flying dust.

*Shenghui Fang*: For postpartum blood syncope causing unconsciousness and delirious speech. Take 1 liang of Qijie, finely ground into powder, and mix with 2 qianbi of warm wine at any time.

*Guangli Fang*: For uncontrollable bleeding and pain from traumatic wounds. Apply Qijie powder externally to stop bleeding immediately.

*Jiaxiang Niu Jing*: For hoof rot in cattle and horses. Mix a small amount of Zikuang with lard, insert it into the lesion, and cauterize with a heated iron comb.

*Youyang Zazu*: Zikuang trees grow in Chenla. Envoy Chong Duwei, Monk Tuosani Ba, stated: Ants carry soil under trees to build nests; the ant soil condenses with rain and dew to form Zikuang. Kunlun origin is good; Persian origin is secondary.

*Taiqing Fulián Lingsha Fa*: Qilin Jie comes from the Western Hu. It inherits the Qi of Yinghuo (Mars), grows in the shade of hot stones, and condenses into substance.

*Yanyi* states: Zikuang resembles sugar frost clustering on fine branches, appearing in clusters, purple-black in color, turning red when crushed. Nowadays, people use it to make mianyanzhi, but it has become rare lately. The rest remains as described in the classics.