Linn.
Family: Lycopodiaceae.
Habitat: Indigenous to North America, Europe, Asia; found in Kumaon, eastwards in West Bengal, Sikkim, Asam, Khasi Hills, Manipur and in Western Ghats.
English: Common Club Moss.
Folk: Naaga-beli (Nepal), Bendarali (Maharashtra).
Action: Sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic. At one time used for urinary disorders (spasmodic retention of urine, catarrhal cystitis and chronic kidney disorders), and as a gastric sedative in gastritis.
The plant contains alkaloids (about 0.1-00.2%), including lycopodine, ly- codoline, faucettimine and lycoflexine; triterpenoids including clavatol and oxoserrat derivatives; flavonoids including apigenin; polyphenolic acids including dihydrocaffeic.Lycopodine produces uterine contractions and stimulates peristalsis in the small intestines of rodents.The plant contains (dry basis): lipid 4.06 and desmethylsterols 0.05%.Used in homoeopathy for distended abdomen, cough, cystitis, renal colic and disorders of menstruation.Chinese Club Moss, equated with Huperzia serrata, is a different herb. Its constituent, huperzine A is thought to be beneficial in dementia due to its effect on acetylcholine levels.L. annotinum Linn., L. complanatum Linn. (American Club Moss) and L. selago Linn. are among other species of Lycopodium occurring in India.
The benefits of Club Moss tea are known for centuries. It was used by the ancient Druids and Chinese people as a homeopath remedy for various conditions.
About Club Moss tea
Botanically called Lycopodium clavatum, Club Moss is also found under the name of Wolf’s Claw. It is an evergreen plant that looks similar to a pine tree with small needles creeping along the forest floor and can be found in almost every continent in the world.
It contains radium, alkaloids, polyphenolic acids, flavonoids and minerals.
Some studies conducted in China have showed that “huperzine”, one of Club Moss tea’s constituents may improve the cognitive function raising its popularity as a memory enhancement supplement. It may also have a significant impact on amnesia and the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Brew Club Moss tea
Club Moss tea is prepared from one teaspoon of small cut pieces added to half a liter of boiled water. It is left like that for about 5 minutes. Never boil the plant, just pour the water over it. It is recommended to consume a cup per day, slowly, in the morning, on an empty stomach, half an hour before breakfast.
Club Moss tea Benefits
Club Moss tea has many health benefits. Find below a short list.
Club Moss tea is a tonic for the liver, kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, and reproductive organs.
According to the traditional Chinese medicine, Club Moss tea has been used for centuries to treat fever and inflammation.
It has diuretic, anti-alcoholic, anti-tobacco, anti-cirrhotic, and purgative properties.
If you also have a stomach that is easily irritated or chronic diarrhea, Club Moss tea can also help you feel relief.
Club Moss Tea is said to help cleanse the kidney and may alleviate urinary tract infections like cystitis.
When applied topically, this tea may help in the healing of wounds or other skin conditions and it can help stop the bleeding.
Club Moss tea Side Effects
Club Moss tea is mostly safe in the right amounts; do not drink more than 2 cups a day as it is not recommended for a long term-use. Overuse may cause griping or grumbling pains in the intestinal tract.
Pregnant women should avoid drinking it. Also, people who suffer from diarrhea should use the tea only with the greatest caution as cramps in the intestines could develop.
Club Moss tea is mostly safe and you can drink it without any problem as long as you keep in mind its precautions and you do not take more than 2 cups a day for a long period of time. So use it only when you need it.... club moss tea
Health Encyclopedia