Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Lycopodii Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 伸筋草 · Shen Jin Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-damp dispelling |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Lycopodium japonicum Thunb.(Lycopodiaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Spleen, Kidney |
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What Is Shen Jin Cao?
Shen Jin Cao (Japanese Clubmoss Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Warm
Channels Entered: Liver, Spleen, Kidney
Shen Jin Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Lycopodii Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Lycopodium japonicum Thunb.(Lycopodiaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has long stem, yellowish-green color.
Macroscopic Features
Rhizome is slightly curved, knotty shaped, upper side has scar of stem, lower side has numerous thin and long root, 12~32cm long, 1~3mm diameter; externally yellowish-white or yellowish-brown, with thin wrinkles. Pliable texture, hard broken, fractured surface is uneven, white, with yellowish-white woody core. faint odor, slightly bitter taste and sticky.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter; WarmLiverSpleenKidney
Traditional Functions
Dispels wind-dampness, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals.
How Shen Jin Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Shen Jin Cao is classified among the Wind-damp dispelling 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.
