Lycopodium: Detailed Guide to Its Origin and Distribution, Harvest Time, and Benefits and Effects

Lycopodium, also known as Shizi Cao, Shujin Cao. It is the dried whole plant of Lycopodium clavatum, a plant in the family Lycopodiaceae. It is harvested in summer and autumn when the stems and leaves are lush, cleaned of impurities, and dried in the sun. So where does Lycopodium come from? What are its benefits and effects?

Origin

It grows in shaded places under open forests. It is distributed in Northeast China, East China, South China, Southwest China, Inner Mongolia, Henan, and other places. It is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Hubei, Jiangsu, and other places, and is also produced in Hunan and Sichuan.

What are the benefits and effects of Lycopodium

[Functions and Indications - Benefits of Lycopodium] Dispels wind and disperses cold, removes dampness and reduces swelling, relaxes the sinews and invigorates the blood.

Treats wind-cold-damp impediment, joint ache, numb skin, weakness of the limbs, edema, and traumatic injuries.

1. "Herbal Gleanings": Mainly treats long-standing wind impediment, painful and cold feet and knees, insensate skin, and weak strength.

2. "Southern Yunnan Materia Medica": Lowers qi, dissipates the stuffy and obstructive qi in the chest, pushes out retained food in the stomach, removes long-standing hard accumulations in the abdomen, and reduces edema.

3. "Essential Raw Herbal Remedies": Reduces swelling, removes wind-dampness.

Soaked in liquor and drunk, it relaxes the sinews and invigorates the collaterals.

Its root treats qi-binding pain, injuries, metal-wound internal injury, and removes phlegm and stops cough.

4. "Common Folk Herbs of Zhejiang": Relaxes the sinews, reduces inflammation.

Treats joint ache and shingles.

5. "Manual of Common Chinese Herbs of Northeast China": Relaxes the sinews and invigorates the blood, dispels wind and disperses cold, and relieves pain.

Treats waist and leg ache, rheumatic joint swelling and pain, and irregular menstruation.

[Usage and Dosage] Internal use: decocted in water, 3 to 5 qian; or soaked in liquor.

External use: pounded and applied.

Other names for Lycopodium

Shisong, Shizi Cao, Niuwei Cai, Dashunjin Teng, Da Shenjin, Baibu Shenjin, Shuiyao Zhu, Shenjin Cao, Longxu Cao, Niuwei Shenjin, Niuwei Jie, Niuwei Juan, Shuiqiu Hua, Daye Shenjin, Kuanjin Cao, Niuwei Jue. Shenjin Ling.