Can Sedum sarmentosum treat athlete's foot?

Jun 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, athlete's foot refers to tinea pedis. Whether Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) can treat tinea pedis needs to be determined based on the specific condition. If tinea pedis presents symptoms such as local redness, swelling, and itching, and is diagnosed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as being of the damp-heat internal accumulation type, then under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner, using Sedum sarmentosum in combination with other Chinese herbs that have antifungal, heat-clearing, and dampness-resolving effects may provide certain auxiliary therapeutic benefits.

　　Under normal circumstances, athlete's foot refers to tinea pedis. Whether Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) can treat tinea pedis depends on the specific condition. The analysis is as follows:

　　Sedum sarmentosum possesses certain effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and relieving jaundice. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, it may offer auxiliary treatment for certain skin conditions caused by damp-heat. If tinea pedis presents with symptoms such as local redness, swelling, and itching, and TCM syndrome differentiation identifies it as internal accumulation of damp-heat, then under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner, combining Sedum sarmentosum with other traditional Chinese herbs that have antifungal, heat-clearing, and dampness-resolving properties may provide some auxiliary therapeutic benefits.

　　Tinea pedis is caused by fungal infection, and Sedum sarmentosum itself does not have a direct fungicidal effect. Therefore, for athlete's foot definitively diagnosed as fungal infection, relying solely on Sedum sarmentosum may not achieve a curative effect. If tinea pedis symptoms are severe, accompanied by significant pain, purulent discharge, or signs of spreading infection, this may be beyond the scope of what Sedum sarmentosum can address. In such cases, prompt medical attention is necessary, and treatment with antifungal medications or other modern medical interventions should be implemented.

　　Using Sedum sarmentosum to attempt treatment of tinea pedis should not replace standard medical treatments. If severe symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is essential.

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Can Sedum sarmentosum be eaten raw?

Whether *Sedum sarmentosum* (垂盆草) can be eaten raw depends on whether it is thoroughly washed and the individual's physical condition. If the *Sedum sarmentosum* is sourced safely and reliably and the individual’s constitution is suitable, it can generally be consumed. However, if there is a risk of contamination or the individual's constitution is unsuitable, it is generally not recommended. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is advised to consume *Sedum sarmentosum* under the guidance of a qualified physician, especially consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or nutritionist before consuming it raw.