Lycopodium belongs to the family of vascular spore plants (Pteridophyta). The plant parts used in the form of a fine spore powder are effective against a large number of internal and external diseases. The scientific name is Lycopodium clavatum, which is known mainly from homeopathy.
Occurrence and cultivation of Lycopodium
Since the herb is poisonous, Lycopodium is hardly used unprocessed. Especially for laymen who do not have sufficient knowledge of herbs, there is a risk of overdose or misuse of the drug. Lycopodium clavatum is a moss that grows in subarctic and temperate regions in open forests, meadows, and mountains. In addition, large artificial growing areas exist in China and Eastern Europe. Its bulbous fruiting bodies produce a fine yellow spore powder that is used as a plant extract to treat various diseases. Lycopodium is a perennial ground creeper with moss-like leaflets. The small forked branches run upward where the fruiting spikes with small leaflets grow. These shoots can grow between 10 and 15 high. The evergreen medicinal plant does not flower. There are over four hundred different species that have existed for several million years. The spore containers are located between the leaves. They are easily extracted by tapping out the fruiting spikes. These produce the yellow spores that are harvested from August to September. The herb is collected from May to September. The popular name witch’s meal is due to the fact that the spores were already thrown into the fire in medieval rituals due to their easy flammability, where they burn with pyrotechnic effects such as flying sparks, loud bangs and heavy smoke. Other familiar names include wolf vine, vine green, druid’s foot, gouty moss, snake moss, witchweed, and devil’s claw. The name Lycopodium goes back to the old German term “lappo”, which means “flat hand”. According to many people, the soft tips of the stems resemble the paws of a bear, so the plant was given this name. The scientific name was also inspired by an animal. The word component “lycos” comes from the Greek language and stands for wolf and foot. Due to its furry outer appearance and fine hairs, the wolf vine reminds many people of a wolf’s paw. In Germany, collecting lycopodium is prohibited because it is protected due to endangerment and is on the Red List of plants threatened with extinction. Because of this legislation, the plant is imported from China and Eastern Europe for the production of medicines.
Effect and application
Externally, the spore powder is effectively used against various skin diseases. Drunk as a tea, Lycopodium is effective against all diseases of the urinary system. In this area, gout moss is used as a soothing wound powder that leaves a cooling sensation on irritated skin. The medicinal herb is also good for metabolism, as it stimulates urine excretion and at the same time rids the body of all kinds of unwanted harmful substances. For this reason, the use of Lycopodium is indicated for gout and rheumatism. Folk medicine uses not only the spores, but also the herb. Lycopodium is also effective in kidney gout, kidney colic, sores in babies, liver congestion, varicose veins, bloating, loss of appetite, flatulence, shortness of breath, irritation of the cough and larynx, and inflammation of the genitals. It has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emetic (inducing vomiting), piscicidal (toxic), diuretic (excreting urine), antipyretic, and irritant effects. The ingredients are lycopodin, clavotoxin, clavatin, fatty oil, organic acids, glycerin, palmitin, arachin, stearin, citric acid, hydrocaffeic acid, and malic acid. Pharmacists use bälapp powder to dust prepared tablets. They also offer the dried plant extracts as a tea preparation. The spores are rich in fatty oils and the herb is enriched with various alkaloids, which makes devil’s claw so valuable for the treatment of skin diseases. The powder enriched in the spikes develops a cooling effect, which is why it is so suitable for treating sore skin.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Since the herb is poisonous, lycopodium is hardly used unprocessed. Especially for lay people who do not have sufficient knowledge of herbs, there is a risk of overdose or misuse of the drug.In this case, the gastrointestinal tract can be sensitively disturbed by vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. A risk of confusion with extremely poisonous and similar-looking plants is possible. However, when used as homeopathic extracts, the components of the medicinal plant are harmless. The spores do not contain any toxic substances. In homeopathy, Lycopodium is one of the most important constitutional remedies in the form of globules, tablets and drops in the potencies D12 to D30. In general, Lycopodium is one of the so-called “great remedies” in alternative medicine because of its wide range of effects, as it is used for depressive moods in addition to liver, gall bladder, urinary tract, kidney and skin diseases. People for whom the administration of Lycopodium is useful have a contradictory nature. They feel ravenous hunger, but after little food intake they are already full. They are mentally active people, but suffer from mood swings and the feeling that they cannot cope with the performance demands placed on them. When they feel well, they seek the company of their fellow human beings; when they feel unwell, they want to be left alone. They exhibit a high intellect, yet lack of concentration and sometimes a poor memory. They often sleep poorly, are tired during the day and brisk during the night time. The medicinal herb affects the whole body and can help to strengthen and stabilize the organism in case of chronic diseases. If lycopodium is used as directed, there are no health risks and side effects. Contraindications are hypersensitivity to the ingredients, pregnancy, lactation, infants and children not older than 12 years.
