Lotus grass, a traditional Chinese medicine, is the whole plant of the Asteraceae plant Gnaphalium affine. It is also known as Mo lotus, Jinling grass, and lotus seed grass. It is distributed in Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and other places. It has the effects of cooling blood, stopping bleeding, nourishing the kidneys, and replenishing yin. It is mainly used to treat hematemesis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, bleeding from wounds, premature graying of hair, abnormal vaginal discharge, and itching in the genital area.
【Plant morphology】
The dried whole plant is covered with white hairs. The stem is cylindrical, about 30 cm long and about 3 mm in diameter, green-brown or purplish-red, with longitudinal ridges. The leaves are curled, wrinkled, or broken, and green-brown in color.
The top of the stem has a head-like inflorescence, most of which have already fruited, and the fruits are black granules. When soaked in water and rubbed, the stem and leaves turn black. It has a slight fragrance and a slightly salty taste. The best quality is green in color without impurities.
【Habitat distribution】
Lotus grass is mainly distributed in Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and other regions in China.
【Collection and storage】
The whole plant is harvested in summer and autumn, cleaned of mud and sand, and dried in the sun or shade.
【Contraindications】
Not suitable for weak stomach and diarrhea. It is contraindicated for those with deficient kidney qi and coldness.
