The Ink Lotus, also known as Black Ink Grass or Dry Lotus Grass, is the whole plant of the Asteraceae plant Lichang. When the fresh stems and leaves of the Ink Lotus are crushed and rubbed, a dark juice will seep out and stain the hands.
It has a cool nature and a sour and sweet taste. It enters the liver and kidney meridians and has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding. It is used to treat kidney yin deficiency, premature graying of hair, diphtheria, and urinary disorders.