Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Selaginellae Doederleinii Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 石上柏 · Shi Shang Bai |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Selaginella doederleinii Hieron. (Selaginellaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter, Astringent; Cool |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Liver |
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What Is Shi Shang Bai?
Shi Shang Bai (Doederlein's Spikemoss Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter, Astringent; Cool
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver
Shi Shang Bai: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Selaginellae Doederleinii Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Selaginella doederleinii Hieron. (Selaginellaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is green, leafy and complete.
Macroscopic Features
Whole herb about 35 cm long; main stem flat, branched; leaves dense, dimorphic, dorsal leaves ovate-lanceolate, ventral leaves ovate, all green or yellowish-green; spores tetrahedral, borne in terminal strobili; texture brittle; faint odor; bland taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter, Astringent; CoolLungLiver
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves toxin, dispels wind-dampness.
How Shi Shang Bai Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Shi Shang Bai is classified among the Heat-clearing 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.
