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Cura x Cura

Shen Jin Cao伸筋草

Lycopodii Herba · Club Moss · Ground Pine

Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness 祛风湿药《本草拾遗》

Overview

A creeping club moss whose Chinese name — the herb that stretches the sinews — states plainly what it is used for: opening wind-damp obstruction in the channels and loosening sinews that have gone short and stiff. Acrid, slightly bitter and warm, it suits aching, heavy joints that worsen in cold or damp weather, and the stiffness that lingers after a sprain or a long spell of immobility. It frees movement rather than supplements, so where the underlying picture is deficient it is normally combined with blood-nourishing or Kidney-strengthening herbs.

Nature & Flavor

slightly bitter, acrid · Warm

Channels

Liver · Spleen · Kidney

Typical Dosage

3–12 g in decoction
伸筋草Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dispels wind-damp, unblocks the channelsAching, heavy or swollen joints that stiffen in cold, damp weather; numbness and a dull, wandering ache through the limbs.
  • Relaxes the sinews, restores movementDifficulty bending and straightening a joint, cramping or contracted sinews, stiffness after immobilisation or long-standing injury.
  • Moves blood, eases traumatic painBruising, sprains and strains; also decocted as a hot soak or wash for the affected limb alongside internal treatment.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Shen Jin Cao

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Wind-damp joint pain with stiffness, heaviness and cold aggravation
    - Restricted flexion and extension, cramping or contracted sinews
    - Numbness and aching of the limbs from channel obstruction
    - Lingering stiffness and pain after sprains or soft-tissue injury

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

OsteoarthritisJoint stiffnessMuscle spasmSprains and strainsLow back pain

Contraindications

Cautions

Warming, moving and mildly blood-invigorating: unsuitable where there is active bleeding or a bleeding tendency, and used cautiously in patients on anticoagulants such as warfarin. It is not appropriate for hot, red, acutely inflamed joints without accompanying heat-clearing herbs. Reserve for practitioner-directed use in the elderly and the frail.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy — its channel-freeing, blood-moving action is traditionally considered unsuitable while pregnant.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中华本草》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.