Effects and Efficacy of Selaginella tamariscina

Selaginella tamariscina is a resurrection plant belonging to the Selaginellaceae family and the genus Selaginella, typically growing on soil or rocks and forming cushion-like clumps. It reproduces via spores. Commonly known as “Nine-Death Reviving Grass,” its roots can detach autonomously from the soil, curling into fist-like shapes that allow the plant to be carried by wind. Upon encountering water, it revives—its roots re-embed into the soil to absorb moisture. Due to its extraordinary drought tolerance, S. tamariscina can fully rehydrate and resume normal growth simply by soaking its roots in water after prolonged desiccation—hence its evocative name. So, what are the therapeutic actions and clinical benefits of Selaginella tamariscina?

Therapeutic Actions and Clinical Benefits of Selaginella tamariscina

Selaginella tamariscina promotes blood circulation, unblocks meridians, resolves blood stasis, and alleviates pain. It has an acrid, neutral nature and enters the Liver and Heart meridians. Clinically, it is used to treat menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses (e.g., fibroids or tumors), and traumatic injuries. It is primarily employed in the treatment of neoplastic diseases and may be administered to patients who respond well to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It is commonly used for choriocarcinoma, malignant hydatidiform mole, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Charred Selaginella tamariscina (i.e., processed by carbonization) exhibits both blood-activating and hemostatic properties, and is indicated for lower-body hemorrhages—including gastrointestinal bleeding, gynecological tumor–related bleeding, and uterine fibroid–associated bleeding.

Selaginella tamariscina contains flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, polysaccharides (e.g., trehalose), and small amounts of tannins. Its flavonoid constituents include apigenin, amentoflavone, hinokiflavone, and isoscutellarein. These compounds promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation, suppress coughing, and calm the heart. It is primarily indicated for amenorrhea, abdominal masses, traumatic injury, abdominal pain, asthma, hemoptysis, hematochezia, hematuria, and epistaxis.

Clinical application of Selaginella tamariscina must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional to avoid potential adverse reactions. We hope this information proves helpful to you!