Juan Bai

Star

Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring

Genus: Selaginella Species: tamariscina Pinyin: Juan Bai
Spikemoss卷柏

☯ TCM Properties

Category: regulating blood
Temperature: neutral
Taste: pungent
Meridians: liver, heart
Functions:

Invigorates Blood and Regulates Menstruation; Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Reduces Swelling and Alleviates Pain; Stops Bleeding

Traditional Chinese Uses

Juan Bai (selaginella or spikemoss) is used in two preparations with different actions. The raw herb circulates Blood and clears Damp-Heat to stop bleeding from Heat in the Blood, addressing bloody dysentery, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and uterine bleeding. When charred, its astringent properties are greatly enhanced for stopping bleeding. It is a versatile hemostatic herb applicable to various bleeding conditions.

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
astringent

Botanical Description

Selaginella tamariscina is a resurrection spike-moss in the family Selaginellaceae, native to East and Southeast Asia where it grows in dense rosette-like cushions on dry rocks and cliff faces. The plant is a lycophyte (fern-ally), not a true moss, reaching 5–15 cm tall with a short woody caudex bearing tightly imbricate, scale-like microphylls arranged in four ranks along branched stems. During drought the fronds curl inward into a tight ball and turn brown, then unfurl and green again upon rewetting — hence the name “resurrection plant.” Reproduction is by heterosporous strobili borne at branch tips. In traditional Chinese medicine the whole dried plant (Juan Bai) is harvested year-round and used as a hemostatic and blood-invigorating herb.

Dosage

FormAmount Frequency Duration Population Notes
decoction 6-15g Daily

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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