Genus: Lycopodium
Common name: Staghorn moss. Running clubmoss. Ground pine. Wolfs foot clubmoss.
Family: Lycopodiaceae (Clubmoss)
This flowerless, spore-bearing, creeping plant has small needle or scale like leaves that grow upright along its 2- 8 inch stem and branches. Due to their club like appearance, members of this family of plants are commonly called clubmosses, but they are more similar to ferns. Found growing in moist, undisturbed woods, Lycopodium reproduces asexually by spores and spreads by creeping rootstalks called rhizomes. The yellow-tan dust-like spores are highly flammable and are used for special effects in magic shows or theatrical performances, fireworks, dust explosions, fingerprint powders, and as a coating for medicated pills. Historically, Lycopodium spores have been used to relieve fever, pain from gas and diarrhea, and topically to heal rashes.
The spores are used to make the homeopathic remedy, Lycopodium, which is considered a polycrest remedy, one that is commonly used for a wide range of symptoms. Lycopodium has an affinity for the digestive tract, and its symptoms are mostly right sided. A person needing this remedy tends to be hungry, chilly and sensitive to drafts, yet wanting open air. Symptoms tend to be worse between 4 – 8 pm. Colds, coughs, sore throats, bloating and indigestion can be eased by this remedy, if symptoms fit. Lycopodium personality types struggle with feelings of inferiority and may overcompensate by becoming angry and bossy, assertive and arrogant towards family members or those with less authority. Or they can be shy and introverted or fawning and servile to superiors. There may be a lack of discipline or self-control, especially in appetite, and a fear of responsibility and commitment.
Keynotes:
- Lack of self-confidence, sense of inferiority, low self-esteem
- Arrogant, bossy, dictatorial, bullying, domineering, defiant, love of power
- Self-protective, shy, sensitive, tearful, weeps when thanked
- Obsequious, pompous, pretentious, brownnoser
- Anxious when alone at night, wants someone close by or in another room
- Prefers intellectual pursuits due to poor physical stamina
- Weak memory, dyslexia, spells or writes wrong words
- Anticipation anxiety, fear of public speaking, stage fright, feeling of helplessness
- Careful, cautious, or irresolute, lack of discipline
- Irritable, worse in the morning on waking, wakes unrefreshed, “hangry”
- Hungry, must eat at regular times, wakes from hunger, craves or dislikes sweets, tends to overeat OR feels full after eating a small amount
- Bloating, full of gas, distended abdomen, heartburn, sour burps, rumbling in abdomen
- Food poisoning from shellfish or oysters
- Right sided sore throat with swollen tonsils, tonsillitis
- Snuffles in newborns, nasal obstruction worse in bed, mouth breathers
- Promiscuity, impotency, fear of commitment, adultery
- Worse 4-8 pm
- One foot or hand colder than the other
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.