MEDICINAL PLANTS

This is the highest representative of the family Lycopodiaceae. They are ferns and, specifically, the lycopodium in question is characterized by fairly long stems may reach three feet long, sliding and crawling on the floor of the departing others are constructed across the floor, all of which are covered by a series of small leaves, but can distinguish those that belong to the other creeping stem from the fact that the latter have some formations called sporangia, located on the upper surface of the leaflets.

FLOWERING

Being ferns can not be much less talk of flowering, so I will explain the particular reproductive cycle of lycopodium. As noted above, the upper surface of the leaves from the stems aerial sporangia are born, which reach maturity in the summer months, these sporangia are filled with spores, which will not generate a new fern-as one might think-but training that includes sexual organs, so that, after fertilization of the female cell, that it gives new lycopodium. The party should be collected are the spores, proceeding as follows and with the utmost care, because we found a species which by their rarity is protected, we must try by every means that will last for future generations. On reaching the age of maturation of the sporangia, they are opened, allowing the spores to fall freely, to pick a role or be placed in a container bottom, and a slight movement of the stems will fall a kind of yellowish dust that is consisting of spores. This powder is also called sulfur plant or lycopodium powder.

APPLICATIONS

Lycopodium spores contain resin, sugar, fitosterina, wax, oil and glycerine, so it is mainly used on the skin, as a protector of skin to prevent irritation and sores. Its emollient action also helps improve skin conditions. The plant itself contains alkaloids such licopodina, clavatina and clavotoxina, which are highly toxic and which prevent their indiscriminate use internally to get diuretic and laxative.

ADMINISTRATION

Lycopodium powder. What are the spores in the form of fine powder is used as drying and absorbent powder, capable of healing sores and rashes. The management of lycopodium powder should be following a minimum precautions, since it is a highly inflammable powder.
Homeopathy. It is used in the preparation of different formulations in varying concentrations, starting from a mother tincture and pass through successive dilutions.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Lycopodiaceae
HABITAT: Pyrenees
FLOWERING: Mature summer sporangia
PART USED: Spores
CATALAN: Licopodi

USES

Fort dermal Protector, Mild diuretic, Mild laxative.