Ophiopoglossum, Adder’s Tongue
Serpent’s Tongue, Christ’s Spear, Lancea Christi, Ophioglossum, Lingua Serpentina
Ping Er Xiao Cao (TCM)
L’Histoire des Plantes, Paris, 1584
Botanical name:
Ophioglossum vulgatum
Parts used:
Roots, leaves
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral, dry.
Classifications:
Cleansing, Alterative, Astringent, Sarcotic, Vulnerary
Arthritic, Hepatic
Uses:
1. Clears Heat, Resists Poison:
-Boils, abscesses
-Snake bite
-juice was given for Fever
2. Clears Heat, Promotes Healing:
-Trauma, Wounds
-Fractures
-Hernia (powder given for a period of time)
-Lung Ulcers (juice with brandy)
3. Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding:
-excess menstrual bleeding
-Bleeding from Heat
4. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Edema, Damp diseases
5. Externally:
-Wounds, Ulcers (fresh leaves or powder applied)
-Topically for sore, red eyes
-Burns, Scalds
-Hernia
Dose:
Leaf in Powder: 2–4 grams;
Tincture (1:5): 4–8 mls.
Main Combinations:
1. With Horsetail for internal Wounds and Bleeding (Culpeper)
Cautions:
1. Should not be confused with American Adder’s Tongue (Erythronium americanum)
