Doederlein's Spikemoss Herb — Classic Formulas
Shi Shang Bai · Herba Selaginellae Doederleinii
Primary Actions
- Clears heat and removes toxicity - Shi Shang Bai is used for sore throat, mastitis, eye swelling, and other hot, inflamed, toxin-pattern presentations.
- Promotes urination and clears damp-heat - traditional indications include jaundice and heat-type urinary difficulty when dampness and heat obstruct the lower burner.
- Relieves lung heat and related upward inflammation - classic use extends to cough, wheezing, and asthma with evident heat signs.
Classic Formulas
- Shi Shang Bai with Pu Gong Ying or Zi Hua Di Ding - common heat-toxin pairing logic for mastitis, throat swelling, and inflamed superficial lesions.
- Damp-heat urinary combinations with Che Qian Cao and Jin Qian Cao - traditional strategy when jaundice or hot urination patterns are prominent.
Classical Text References
- TCM Wiki describes Shi Shang Bai as bitter and cold, entering the Liver, Gallbladder, and Lung channels, with actions of clearing heat, removing toxicity, and promoting diuresis.
- Traditional indications include sore throat, jaundice, eye pain and swelling, acute mastitis, cough or asthma due to lung heat, and heat stranguria.