All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss
- Chinese
- 卷柏
- Pinyin
- Juan Bai
- Latin
- Herba Selaginellae Tamariscinae
Known in TCM as Juan Bai (卷柏), this acrid, neutral herb enters the Liver and Heart. Traditionally, it invigorates blood and regulates menstruation; treats amenorrhea, menstrual obstruction, and postpartum blood stasis, most often applied for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Amentoflavone among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Selaginellae Tamariscinae | Pinyin: Juan Bai | Chinese: 卷柏
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Liver, Heart
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Invigorates blood and regulates menstruation; treats amenorrhea, menstrual obstruction, and postpartum blood stasis
- Dispels blood stasis and reduces masses; used for traumatic injury, fixed abdominal masses, and chronic pain
- Stops bleeding when charred (Juan Bai Tan); treats uterine bleeding, hematuria, and hemorrhage with underlying stasis
Secondary Actions
- Reduces swelling and alleviates pain from traumatic injury
- Raw form moves stagnant blood; charred form arrests hemorrhage while transforming stasis
Classical References
- Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica) … 'governs pathogenic Qi of the five organs; addresses women's vaginal pain, blood obstruction, and infertility'
- Ben Cao Jing Shu … explicitly states 'pregnant women are prohibited from using this herb'
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Amentoflavone (primary biflavonoid)
- Selaginellin derivatives
- Additional biflavonoids
- Lignans
- Phenolic compounds
Studied Effects
- Anti-inflammatory … biflavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines via ERK 1/2 signaling (PMID 29673161)
- Antioxidant … scavenges free radicals via phenolic compound activity
- Hemostatic … charred preparation (Juan Bai Tan) promotes coagulation (PMID 34302944)
- Antidiabetic … inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B
- Anticancer potential … synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapy in preclinical models
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy … explicitly prohibited per Ben Cao Jing Shu; strong blood-invigorating action risks miscarriage
- Bleeding without underlying blood stasis … raw form may worsen hemorrhage
Cautions
- Raw vs charred form (Juan Bai Tan) have opposite therapeutic actions … confirm preparation before dispensing
- Use cautiously in patients with digestive weakness or pronounced deficiency patterns
Conditions
- Amenorrhea Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Dysmenorrhea Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Uterine Bleeding Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss used for?
All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss is traditionally used to Invigorates blood and regulates menstruation; treats amenorrhea, menstrual obstruction, and postpartum blood stasis, Dispels blood stasis and reduces masses; used for traumatic injury, fixed abdominal masses, and chronic pain, Stops bleeding when charred (Juan Bai Tan); treats uterine bleeding, hematuria, and hemorrhage with underlying stasis. Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-inflammatory … biflavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines via ERK 1/2 signaling (PMID 29673161); Antioxidant … scavenges free radicals via phenolic compound activity.
What are other names for All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss?
All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss is also known as Selaginella. In TCM: 卷柏 (Juan Bai); Herba Selaginellae Tamariscinae.
Is All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss safe during pregnancy?
All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss?
All-Grass of Tamariskoid Spikemoss should not be used in: Pregnancy … explicitly prohibited per Ben Cao Jing Shu; strong blood-invigorating action risks miscarriage; Bleeding without underlying blood stasis … raw form may worsen hemorrhage. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.