Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Lygodii Spora |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 海金沙 · Hai Jin Sha |
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| Medicinal Part | Seaweeds and fungi |
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| Efficacy Category | Dampness-draining |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature spores of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.(Lygodiaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Salty; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Bladder, Small Intestine |
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What Is Hai Jin Sha?
Hai Jin Sha (Japanese Climbing Fern Spore) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Salty; Cold
Channels Entered: Bladder, Small Intestine
Hai Jin Sha: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Lygodii Spora
Botanical Origin
The dried mature spores of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.(Lygodiaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is thin, light, lustrous.
Macroscopic Features
Spores are thin, even granules, often gathered in a powder. Brownish-yellow or pale brownish-yellow. Light, smooth feeling when twisted with the hands, it can slip through the fingers when held in the hand. By observing with magnification, the size is even, sub-spherical or blunt triangular tetrahedrons form triangular conical granules. From the top view one can see the triangular conical shape and three-fork-like cracks; the side view shows a triangular shape, with granular thin wrinkles on the outer walls.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Salty; ColdBladderSmall Intestine
Traditional Functions
Clears and leaches damp-heat, and relieves stranguria and pain.
How Hai Jin Sha Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Hai Jin Sha is classified among the Dampness-draining herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
