Latin name: Lycopodium ClavatumGenus: Lycopods, protected, herb poisonous (spores non-toxic) Folk name: Alpine Meal, Witchweed, Earth Sulphur, Snake MossPlant description: Persistent herb, creeping on the ground, densely covered with small leaves, not flowering Strongly branched, shoots grow ascending and reach a height of 10 to 15 cm. At their end there are velvety fruit ears which contain spores. Flowering time: The spores mature in July to August.
Origin: Occurs throughout Europe, preferably on dry heaths and moors. The collection of clubmoss is not permitted here. The plant is imported from China or Eastern Europe to produce medicines.
Medicinally used plant parts
The spores are collected from the fruit ears. They can be easily obtained by beating the spore stands.
Ingredients
The spores contain about 50% fat, organic acids, sugar and very small amounts of alkaloids which are also contained in the herb. Also sporonin, a cellulose-like carbohydrate. The herb contains toxic alkaloids.
Healing effects and application of lycopod
Lycopod spores have a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect as a wound powder. It creates a feeling of cooling. Used in the pharmacy for powdering prepared pills.
Lycopodium is more effective, it has diuretic, antispasmodic and analgesic effects, but is poisonous. In homeopathy, lycopodium is a very important remedy. Commonly used as tablets or drops in D3,4,6. Used for liver dysfunction, gall and kidney stones, congestion in the veins of the abdomen and legs, gout and rheumatic conditions.
Preparation of lycopod
Because of the toxicity of the herb, the layman should refrain from using this drug. The spores are harmless because the poisonous alkaloids are (if at all) only present in very small amounts. Lycopodium is recommended as a homeopathic remedy.
Side effect
There are no known side effects of lycopod spores as powder for external application. Lycopodium leads to poisoning!
