The efficacy and function of dense-leaved silk moss

There are so many medicinal herbs in the world, and it is inevitable that there are some that we are not familiar with. But as long as we have the spirit of learning throughout our lives, I believe we can slowly learn more medical herbs. So do you know about the medicinal herb called dense-leaved silk moss?

【English name】 dense moss

【Other name】 Stone moss

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of the dense-leaved silk moss of the Silk Moss family.

[Original morphology] The plant body is dark green, olive green, or bright green and shiny. The stem is creeping, with nearly pinnate branches, the leafy stems and branches are flat, and the branches are about 8-10mm long. The stems and leaves are oblong, concave, obtuse at the apex and with a short tip; the leaves have 2 short midribs, which are sometimes absent. The cells in the middle of the leaf are linear, gradually shortening upwards, and the angular cells are transparent and square. The branches and leaves are the same shape as the stem leaves, but smaller and slightly narrower. Dioecious. The spore capsule is elliptical or ovate; the capsule cover is conical with a beak-like protrusion; the capsule cap is hood-shaped; the capsule teeth are double-layered, the outer teeth are linear, and the inner teeth are triangular.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in forest wetlands or on a thin layer of soil on the surface of rocks, mostly growing in patches. Visible in all four seasons.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Astringent; Neutral

【Meridian】 Bladder meridian

【Functions and indications】Diuretic and anti-edema. Mainly for urinary retention and edema

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 10-30g.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": The whole plant: tastes bitter, astringent and neutral. Has diuretic function. It is mostly used to treat edema.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the introduction in this article, we can learn some relevant knowledge about dense-leaved silk moss. Whether from the perspective of food health or traditional Chinese medicine, the role of dense-leaved silk moss cannot be underestimated.