Witnessed by: TCM
Spikemoss (Selaginella tamariscina), of the Selaginellaceae family. Rosette-forming clubmoss of bare sun-baked rock; native range: dry exposed rocks and cliffs across China. Globally recognized as juan bai (卷柏) in Chinese, and spikemoss, resurrection plant in English. The part used is whole plant. Fan-shaped fronds of tiny overlapping scale-leaves, springing from a knot of wiry roots, drab and nearly tasteless.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
SPIKEMOSS
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- spikemoss
- Scientific name
- Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring
- Family
- Selaginellaceae
Form
- Part used
- whole plant
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Heart
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- used raw, invigorates blood and unblocks the menses; used charred, stops bleeding
Cautions
- Contraindications
- the raw herb is contraindicated in pregnancy
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity at usual dose
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