Parts Most Frequently Used: Spores, Leaf, Stem

Flavors/Temps: Spicy, Bitter, Warm

Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or for long-term use. It is safe in recommended amounts. The compounds lycopodium and claudine found in the leaves are toxic. Only minimal amounts are used to make tea, with careful monitoring of dosing and use. However, the spore powder is nontoxic and considered safe when used as directed.

Key Constituents: Alkaloids including Lycopodine, Clavatine, Clavatoxine, Nicotine, Polyphenolic acids, Flavonoids, Apigenin, Triterpenes, Radium. Chinese Club Moss: also contains Huperzine A (HupA).​

History/Folklore: Club moss is not an actual moss but more closely related to ferns. Club mosses evolved around 410 million years ago, even before higher plants or dinosaurs appeared on the Earth. Modern species only grow to be inches tall, their ancestors grew as tall as 135 feet. In those times, scorpions could be six feet long and the average cockroach measured around 2 feet. Early lycopodiums were everywhere. Much of the coal we have today comes from their fossilized remains.

The name “lycopodium” derives from the Latin meaning “fox” or “wolf foot,” as it can look like the paw print of a wolf.

In many parts of Europe, it is protected by governments and will grow into a thick mat covering forest floors.

Club moss spores and teas made from the plant’s leaves have been used since ancient times in both Native American Indian and European cultures to treat urinary tract infections, induce labor in pregnancy, relieve headaches, and ease digestive tract issues.

Be sure not to confuse club moss (Lycopodium clavatum) and Chinese club moss (Lycopodium chensis), as they are different species. While both types of club moss are effective for treating fevers, pain, and swelling, only Chinese club moss contains the constituent huperzine A which is known for its boosting of short-term concentration as well as its long-term support of cognitive brain function, including memory function.

Huperzine A (HupA) increases the bioavailability of acetylcholine, by inhibiting the enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby fostering neural connections and improving memory retention. Acetylcholine is a key chemical messenger that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and body allowing neurons to communicate with other cells. A severe lack of acetylcholine is associated with Alzheimer’s and other signs of cognitive decline. Research in China also suggests that the constituent huperzine A, is effective in improving memory impairment in patients suffering from mild to moderate vascular dementia.

The compounds, lycopodine and clavadine are toxic and poisonous. It affects nerve function and was even used in WWII as an ingredient in a biological weapon. Only very small amounts are used to make tea, with careful monitoring of dosing and use. However, the spore powder is nontoxic and is used topically to treat skin irritations, stop bleeding, and treat a variety of other conditions including pain and swelling.

The Chinese have long used club moss to reduce fevers and inflammation..

Club moss is an ancient, magical plant, once used by the Celtic druids. The oily, yellow spore dust was known as druid flour, it contains a high-fat level that could explode with a bright flash when thrown into flames. This effect, caused by the high aluminum content in the plant, made it a popular stage trick for magicians and nineteenth-century theater directors in Victorian England. It has also been used in gunpowder, fireworks, and old-fashioned camera flashes. In theater productions, it was often used to create the effect of gunshots. In circuses, performers spitting fire were likely using lycopodium powder. It was also used to get the first internal combustion engine going.

Dry, finely powdered spores of club moss are used to promote the healing of skin irritations and the itching associated with eczema by drying out excess moisture. The spores are antibiotic and nontoxic (the leaves and stems contain lycopodine and clavadine, two poisonous alkaloids). It can be used on cuts, scrapes, and wounds, and is great for diaper rashes. The yellow powder from the tips of the plant can be used as a tea to help treat liver cirrhosis.

Scientists use the powder to see ultrasonic sound waves to measure and observe them. The powder is also used as a dusting on pharmaceutical drugs as well as medical gloves and condoms to help prevent them from sticking together and to detect fingerprints.

Lycopodium clavatum (A.K.A. stag-horn club moss) is the name of the homeopathic remedy made from club moss. At a 30C dilution, it is considered highly effective for treating bloating, gas, digestive upsets, liver complaints, arthritic pains, tonsillitis, and throat pain. Club moss is not generally foraged by animals, but opossums have been known to eat them.