The efficacy of drinking water infused with Herba Siegesbeckiae

Jan 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Lycopodium japonicum (Shenjincao) is warm in nature and has the effects of dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, thereby removing pathogenic wind and dampness from areas such as the joints and muscles. Drinking an appropriate amount of its infused water may help alleviate obstruction of the meridians caused by wind-damp, improving symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and limited flexion and extension. Shenjincao is particularly effective in relaxing tendons and promoting circulation in the meridians, facilitating blood flow, and relieving muscle tension and spasms. Drinking water infused with Shenjincao may help alleviate symptoms of swelling and pain to some extent.

Generally, the efficacy of drinking Lycopodium clavatum (Cinderella weed) steeped in water includes relieving wind-dampness, relaxing tendons and promoting circulation, reducing swelling and relieving pain, eliminating dampness and stopping diarrhea, and promoting diuresis and relieving dysuria.

1. Relieve Wind-Dampness

Lycopodium clavatum is warm in nature and has the effect of dispelling wind and dampness, which can remove wind pathogens and dampness from the joints and muscles. Drinking it steeped in water appropriately can alleviate the obstruction of meridians caused by wind-dampness, improving symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and limited flexion and extension.

2. Relax Tendons and Promote Circulation

Lycopodium clavatum is effective in relaxing tendons and promoting circulation of qi and blood, relieving muscle tension and spasms. It can be used to treat restricted limb joint movement and tendon spasms caused by various factors. Drinking it steeped in water appropriately can alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, and limited movement in the neck, shoulders, waist, and limbs, helping to restore normal motor function.

3. Reduce Swelling and Relieve Pain

Lycopodium clavatum has a certain effect in reducing swelling and relieving pain, promoting local blood circulation and accelerating the dissipation of bruising, thus reducing tissue swelling and pain. For localized bruising and swelling caused by sprains or injuries, drinking Lycopodium clavatum steeped in water can help alleviate swelling and pain to some extent and promote recovery from injuries.

4. Eliminate Dampness and Stop Diarrhea

Lycopodium clavatum's dampness-removing effect can also regulate dampness in the spleen and stomach. It helps eliminate dampness from the spleen and stomach, improves their transformation and transportation functions, and alleviates symptoms such as diarrhea and loose stools caused by dampness affecting the spleen, thereby helping restore normal physiological function of the spleen and stomach and maintaining digestive health.

5. Promote Urination and Relieve Dysuria

Lycopodium clavatum has a diuretic effect, promoting urine excretion and helping remove excess water and dampness from the body, thus reducing edema. Additionally, for symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination caused by damp-heat accumulation in the bladder, drinking Lycopodium clavatum steeped in water can provide some auxiliary therapeutic benefits, relieving urinary tract symptoms related to damp-heat.

Lycopodium clavatum is a traditional Chinese herb; it is recommended to use it for steeping in water under the guidance of a physician. Maintain a light diet in daily life and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods, such as garlic, hot pot, and mustard.

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Can Sea金沙 (Lycopodium japonicum) be steeped in water for drinking?

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Lygodii Spora is generally consumed by steeping in water. It is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and reducing edema. For certain conditions caused by damp-heat, such as urinary tract infections and edema due to nephritis, an appropriate amount of Lygodii Spora steeped in water may help alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to use under the guidance of a TCM practitioner to confirm suitability for one's individual constitution and medical condition.

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Can Lycopodium be steeped in water for consumption?

Under normal circumstances, Herba Lycopodii (Qian Nian Jian) can be steeped in water for consumption, but it should be taken in moderation, and special populations should use it with caution. Herba Lycopodii is a traditional Chinese medicine with a mild nature, bitter taste, and slightly pungent flavor. It primarily affects the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians, and has functions of dispelling wind-dampness and relaxing muscles and meridians. Drinking it as a tea generally offers health benefits and is suitable for individuals experiencing mild symptoms such as joint soreness and limited mobility.

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Can Geranium wilfordii treat stroke?

Stroke refers to cerebral apoplexy; geranium can be used as an adjunctive therapy for stroke. Geranium is often combined with other wind-damp-dispelling and meridian-invigorating herbs, such as Siegesbeckia pubescens and Lycopodium japonicum, to jointly improve post-stroke complications. Geranium possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce the damage caused by hypertension to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, thereby exerting an indirect positive effect on the treatment and prevention of stroke.

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What are the functions and benefits of Herba Lycopodii (Climbing Spikemoss Herb)?

Lycopodium japonicum (commonly known as "Shenjincao") typically has effects and functions such as dispelling wind and dampness, relaxing tendons and promoting circulation, activating blood and resolving stasis, inhibiting bacteria, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. Shenjincao can expel wind-cold-damp pathogens from the body, alleviating symptoms such as rheumatic pain and joint soreness. It also has a significant alleviating effect on localized pain and swelling caused by contusions and injuries, providing effective pain relief.