Common club moss is found world-wide and grows abundantly in moors and dry, evergreen forests. If the forests are cut down, the plant shrivels up and turns yellow due to the direct sunlight.
The plants develop yellowish spikes which yield spores called club moss powder. Belonging to the moss family lycopodiaceae, its botanical name is lycopodium clavatum but it is also known as vegetable sulphur, stag’s-horn, wolf’s claw and running ground-pine.
The Benefits of Club Moss
In herbal medicine, the plant has an important place for its haemostatic, anti-spasmodic and healing properties. Yellow club moss powder is not only used to stop bleeding, but also topically for various skin disorders, bed sores, and eczema. The powder may also be used to absorb fluids from damaged tissue in injuries.
Club Moss Tea
Club moss tea is beneficial in complaints of the urinary system such as formation of gravel in the kidneys and renal colic. Use it in the treatment of spasmodic retention of urine, cystitis and for pain in kidneys, ureters and bladder. The tea is recommended for all kinds of cramps, shortness of breath, liver complaints and chronic constipation.
How to Make Club Moss Tea
To make club moss tea, use one teaspoonful of dried herb per cup of boiling water, infuse for 3-5 minutes, strain and drink one cup daily, before breakfast.
For haemorrhoids and inflammation of varicose veins, use the following recipe:
- 50 g Common club moss
- 50 g Cranesbill
- 50 g Horehound
- 50 g Shepherd’s purse
Place the above herbs in a bowl, mix well and store in a sealed glass jar away from sunlight. Infuse one teaspoonful of the mixture with one cup of boiling water, steep for 5-10 minutes and strain. Drink two cups daily.
For severe cramps in the legs and feet, a club moss foot bath or pillow will bring relief. Fill a pillowcase with 100-300 g of club moss and apply to the cramped muscle overnight. The pillow will retain its effect for approximately one year. For cramps in the bladder, a club moss sitz bath would be most beneficial.
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