Lycopodium clavatum L.

English Name : Stag's-horn Clubmoss or Ground Pine

Family : Lycopodiaceae

Description

A spore-bearing vascular plant, growing mainly prostrate along the ground with stems up to 1 m long; the stems are much branched, and densely clothed with small spirally-arranged leaves. The leaves are 3-5 mm long and 0.7-1 mm broad, tapered to a fine hair-like white point. The branches bearing spore cones turn erect, reaching 5-15 cm above ground, and have fewer leaves than the horizontal branches. The spore cones are yellow-green, 2-3 cm long and 5 mm broad. The horizontal stems produce roots at frequent intervals along their length, allowing the stem to grow indefinitely along the ground.

Habitat
Moorland, fields, pastures and rare in lowland areas.

Parts Used : Plant, spores

Herb Effects
Analgesic, antirheumatic, carminative, mildly diuretic, stomachic and tonic (plant decoction); antipruritic, decongestant, diuretic and stomachic (spores).

Active Ingredients
Alanine, arginine, histidine, linoleic acid, myristic acid, nicotine, oleic acid, palmitic acid (pollen or spore); apigenin, azelaic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid (plant).

Medicinal Use
In the treatment of urinary and kidney disorders, rheumatic arthritis, catarrhal cystitis, gastritis, to skin diseases and irritations (plant); as a dusting powder to various skin diseases, to wounds or inhaled to stop bleeding noses (spores).

Dosage
Specific Medicine Lycopodium: one to fifteen minims.
Tincture: one to twenty minims.

Reference