Japanese climbing fern (jin sha teng)

Lygodium japonicum

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic in cystitis and stones; also for sore throat and mumps.

Safety notes

Spores not for urinary complaints from yin deficiency. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Have kidney stones with severe pain or fever assessed medically at once.

Preparation

Herb; the spores (hai jin sha) mainly for stones. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool heat and detoxify'. The golden spores of this climbing fern (hai jin sha, 'golden sand of the sea') are used for cystitis and urinary stones.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, cold
Meridians: bladder, small intestine

Attributed effects

Drains damp heat in cystitis and blood in the urine, helps pass stones and cools in sore throat and mumps.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 15–50 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With knotgrass for heat in the urinary tract
With woad for sore throat and mumps

Caution: Have kidney stones with severe pain or fever assessed medically at once.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →