Lycopodia, related to ferns, have been used in phytotherapy especially against hypersweating or excess sweat, especially a fern that grows in northern Russia (Lycopodium clavatum).
Of the 400 known species, many in countries with tropical climates, in Spain we have only half a dozen.
What is lycopodium
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 conmecialized in powder form. 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 they usually go unnoticed. They have a more or less creeping stem, tiny leaves, close together and imbricated, and dense, erect spikes, loaded with sporangia, that appear in summer. They usually grow in fir trees and meadows, but also in rocks.
Properties and what it is for
For medicinal purposes the tops with the spores are harvestedwhich are obtained by shaking the bouquets, 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 powder form and their main advantage is that they have a great capacity to absorb moisture, which is why they have especially advantageous properties for the skin:
- In herbalists It is mainly used to combat hypersweating. The powder formed by the spores, yellowish in color and soft and pleasant in consistency, is considered two hundred times more absorbent and drying than talcum powder. There are those who say that by submerging yourself in a pool full of water after having applied these powders, you would come out almost dry.
- It is also considered slightly emollient and It is used as a protector on irritated skin, scratches, dermatitis and burns. It had been used, in the form of homemade washes and dressings, to cure itching, hives, rashes, eczema and even herpes. Under no circumstances 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 lycopodium It has also been considered a diuretic, but nowadays it is hardly recommended internally. In ancient texts, lycopodium remedies are collected, dissolved in wine, for kidney stones.
The aerial tops have been used in infusion to stimulate urine and in genitourinary conditions, oliguria, fluid retention, excesses of urea, uric acid and hypertension, but in no case should it be used without medical advice.
Lycopodium for excessive sweating
Lycopodium powder, known as vegetable sulfur, reduces excess sweating in prone people. 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 of high sweating, such as armpits, feet or groin, both in the morning and at night. You must avoid getting it into your eyes and mouth.
- The operation is repeated at least two or three times a day for it to be 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 odor bacteria. The most interesting thing is that it does it without closing the pores of the skin.
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 notable presence of alkaloids. It is worth insisting on the advice of our experts restrict its use to topical applicationor to homeopathic remedies under the supervision of a homeopath.
When applied to the skin It is advisable to avoid getting it into the eyes and mouth.
Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”