Lycopodium: properties for the skin

Lycopods, related to ferns, have been used in phytotherapy, especially against hypersweating or excessive sweating, especially a fern that grows in northern Russia (Lycopodium clavatum).

Of the 400 known species, many in countries with a tropical climate, in Spain we have barely half a dozen.

What is clubmode

They are lower plants that multiply through spores, tiny reproductive cells contained in bags or sporangia. It is the spores of Lycopodium clavatum that are commecialized in the form of powder. This very fine powder, with an almost liquid texture, is reminiscent of talcum powder and is totally. lavatory.

The appearance of all these plants is modest and often go unnoticed. They have a more or less creeping stem, minute leaves, close together and overlapping, and dense, erect spikes, loaded with sporangia, which appear in summer. They usually grow in fir forests and meadows, but also in rocky areas.

Properties and what it is for

for medicinal purposes the tops with the spores are harvested, which are obtained by shaking the bunches, when the sporangia have opened, and collecting them in a jar or tray. They contain organic acids such as sporonin, malic and caffeic acids, resins, flavonoids and alkaloids.

These spores are used in powdered form and their main advantage is that they have a great capacity to absorb moisture, which is why they have particularly advantageous skin properties:

in the herbalists It is mainly used to combat hypersweating. The powder formed by the spores, yellowish in color and with a soft and pleasant consistency, is considered two hundred times more absorbent and drying than talcum powder. Some say that by immersing yourself in a pool full of water after having applied these powders, you would come out of it almost dry. It is also considered slightly emollient and It is used as a protector on irritated skin, scratches, dermatitis and rashes. It had been used, in the form of homemade washes and dressings, to cure itching, hives, sores, eczema and even herpes. In no case should it be applied to open and bleeding wounds, and as it is flammable it should be kept away from lighters and stoves.

Traditionally the clubmode It has also been considered a diuretic, but today it is hardly recommended internally. In ancient texts, lycopodium remedies, dissolved in wine, are collected for kidney stones.

The aerial tops have been used as an infusion, to stimulate urine and in genitourinary disorders, oliguria, fluid retention, excess urea, uric acid and hypertension, but In no case should it be used without medical advice..

Lycopodium for excessive sweating

Lycopodium powder, known as plant sulfur, reduces excessive sweating in prone individuals. It is an excellent remedy for athletes, people with tension or stress, women in menopause and other people with excessive sweating.

It is applied to the skin, as if it were talcum powder, in areas with high sweating, such as armpits, feet or groin, both in the morning and at night. Avoid getting it into the eyes and mouth. The operation is repeated at least two or three times a day to make it more effective.

By absorbing water, the spores prevent sweat from affecting the outer layer of the skin, and at the same time prevent the appearance of bad-smelling bacteria. The most interesting thing is that it does so without closing the skin pores.

Precautions and contraindications

It is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, as well as in childhood and in cases of heart and kidney failure, due to the prominent presence of alkaloids. It is worth insisting on the advice of our experts in restrict its use to topical applicationor to homeopathic remedies under the supervision of a homeopath.

When applied to the skin should avoid getting into eyes and mouth.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”