墨: Traditional Uses and Benefits
Taste and Nature: Spicy taste, moist nature, and non-toxic.
Meridian Channels: Heart, Liver, and Kidney channels.
Source: Ink made from pine soot combined with glue and aromatic materials. Aged ink is preferred for medicinal use.
Physical Characteristics: Ink sticks are cylindrical, 10–20 cm in length and 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter. The surface often shows cloth-like patterns or cracks. It has a hard and brittle texture, with a smooth cross-section, either glossy or not, and sometimes with tiny pores. When chewed, it feels sticky and cool on the tongue, with a fragrant aroma.
How to Use Ink (墨)
Internal Use: Decoction of 1.5–4.5 g; can also be used in pills or powders.
External Use: Grind into juice and apply to the affected area.
Benefits and Applications
Benefits: Stops bleeding and reduces swelling.
Applications: Effective for symptoms such as vomiting blood, nosebleeds, uterine bleeding, bloody diarrhea, and boils or abscesses.
Traditional Perspectives
1. Ben Cao Yan Yi: Ink is derived from pine soot. Counterfeits made with straw soot are unsuitable, as only pine soot ink is medicinally effective. The best ink comes from pine soot in Huaiyuan; ink made from petroleum soot is not recommended for medicinal use.
2. Compendium of Materia Medica: High-quality ink is made using pine soot, mixed with glue and sometimes aromatic herbs. Modern ink often uses soot from chimney smoke, mixed with sesame oil and burnt multiple times. While it appears black, it lacks the same quality as pine soot ink.
3. Yi Lin Zuan Yao: Ancient ink, made from pine soot, is slightly warm in nature. Modern ink from tung oil soot is slightly cold. Both are balanced in taste and nature but may vary in quality. Premium ink may include additives like pearls or musk, and aged ink is considered the best.
Safety Tips
While ink has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, it is crucial to consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to ensure safe and appropriate use.
References
3-Second Self-Test + 30-Second Self-Care
If you’ve experienced unexplained bleeding or swelling, immediately consult a healthcare professional. For minor external swelling, consider applying a safe herbal remedy under guidance.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
