- Research shows that Pyrrosia lingua, a traditional Chinese herb, is mainly used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, coughs, and osteoporosis.
- The evidence seems to back up its effectiveness in easing kidney stones and preventing bone loss. However, there’s not much information about its toxicity or side effects, so it’s best to use it under professional guidance.
- Modern medicine has found that it contains quercetin and kaempferol, which might work by regulating gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. This is a surprising and unexpected way it could benefit health.
Pyrrosia lingua, widely known as Shi wei in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a fascinating fern with a rich history of healing. Often called Japanese Felt Fern or Pyrrosiae Folium, this herb has been used for centuries to tackle everything from urinary tract infections to coughs. But what exactly is this plant, and does modern science back up its traditional uses?
In this article, we’ll dive into what Pyrrosia lingua is, explore its potential benefits, and uncover what research reveals about this ancient remedy—all while keeping things clear, engaging, and grounded in evidence.
What Is Pyrrosia lingua?
Pyrrosia lingua is a perennial evergreen fern from the Polypodiaceae family, native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Its leaves—dried and often cut into pieces—are the star of the show in TCM, where it’s known as Shi wei1. Unlike the decorative ferns you might spot in a garden, this plant has earned its place in herbal medicine for its supposed ability to support urinary health, ease respiratory issues, and more2.
In TCM, Pyrrosia lingua is considered bitter, sweet, and slightly cold, with an affinity for the lungs and bladder. Traditionally, it’s prepared as a decoction—boiled in water to make a tea—or turned into powders and pills. Harvested year-round in regions like Zhejiang and Hubei, it’s a staple in herbal recipes aimed at clearing “heat” and “dampness” from the body3.
Traditional Uses of Pyrrosia lingua
For hundreds of years, Shi wei has been a go-to herb in TCM for a variety of ailments. Here’s a rundown of its most common traditional uses4:
- Urinary Issues: It’s prized for easing symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and painful urination (known as “lin syndrome” in TCM). Practitioners often pair it with herbs like plantain seed or talc for added effect.
- Coughs and Asthma: By clearing heat from the lungs, it’s used to soothe coughs and breathing difficulties, sometimes blended with ginger or betel nut.
- Bleeding Problems: It’s believed to cool the blood and stop bleeding, making it a remedy for conditions like uterine bleeding or blood in the urine.
Ancient texts, like the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), praise its ability to “open the water passages” and treat “five types of urinary obstruction.5” But while these claims have history on their side, let’s see what science has to say.
Scientific Evidence and Benefits
Modern research is starting to catch up with tradition, shedding light on how Pyrrosia lingua might actually work. Here are the standout benefits backed by studies:
1. Kidney Stone Prevention
Kidney stones are like tiny, painful roadblocks in your urinary system, often formed from oxalate buildup. A 2022 study in Phytomedicine found that Pyrrosia lingua may help prevent them by regulating oxalate metabolism and tweaking gut bacteria—yes, your gut plays a role in kidney health! Xu et al., 2022.
- What it means: Imagine your kidneys as a filter prone to clogs. This herb might reduce the “debris” (oxalate) and keep things flowing smoothly, partly by fostering a healthier gut microbiome.
2. Bone Health Support
Osteoporosis weakens bones, especially in older adults or postmenopausal women. Research published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy showed that an extract of Pyrrosia lingua prevented bone loss in mice by slowing down cells that break down bone tissue Jang et al., 2022.
- What it means: Think of bones as a scaffold that needs maintenance. This herb might help keep that structure strong by putting the brakes on bone-dissolving processes.
3. Other Potential Perks
Early studies hint at additional benefits, though more human research is needed:
- Antibacterial Power: Lab tests show its decoction can fight off bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, common culprits in infections6.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Compounds like quercetin in the herb may calm inflammation, which could benefit a range of conditions7.
These findings are promising, but they’re just the beginning—more studies will help clarify how well these effects translate to people.
How Does Pyrrosia lingua Work?
So, what’s behind these benefits? Pyrrosia lingua is packed with bioactive compounds, including8:
- Quercetin: An antioxidant that fights inflammation and cell damage.
- Kaempferol: Another inflammation-busting antioxidant.
- Mangiferin: Known for antiviral and antibacterial properties.
These work together to:
- Reduce inflammation (think of it as calming a fire in your body).
- Protect against oxidative stress (like shielding cells from rust).
- Possibly influence gut bacteria, which might explain its kidney benefits.
It’s a bit like having a multi-tool in your herbal toolkit—different parts tackle different jobs, from soothing irritation to supporting your body’s natural defenses.
Dosage and Usage
In TCM, Pyrrosia lingua is typically used like this9:
- Decoction: Boil 5-10 grams of dried leaves in water and drink as a tea.
- Powder or Pills: Ground into a fine powder or pressed into tablets for convenience.
Clinical recipes vary—some combine it with herbs like gardenia or licorice for kidney stones, or ginger for coughs. But here’s the catch: there’s no one-size-fits-all dose. Your needs depend on your health, so it’s smart to check with a healthcare provider or TCM expert before diving in.
Safety and Side Effects
Pyrrosia lingua has a long track record in TCM with few reported issues, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Here’s what to watch for10:
- Diuretic Effect: It boosts urination, which could lead to dehydration if overdone.
- Limited Data: Modern safety studies are scarce, so we don’t fully know its long-term effects.
- Who Should Avoid It?: TCM advises against it if you have “yin deficiency” (a state of low energy or dryness) or no signs of “wet heat.”
To play it safe, talk to a doctor before trying it, especially if you’re on meds or have kidney issues. Better safe than sorry, right?
Modern Research Highlights
Science is digging deeper into Pyrrosia lingua, revealing some cool insights:
- Gut Connection: That kidney stone study showed it tweaks gut bacteria, hinting at broader health effects11.
- Cough Relief: Its decoction has shown cough-suppressing and phlegm-clearing effects in lab tests, supporting its lung health reputation12.
These discoveries bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern medicine, but researchers agree: we need more human trials to nail down its full potential.
Quick Look: Benefits and Evidence
Here’s a snapshot of what we know so far:
| Benefit | How It Helps | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Stones | Regulates oxalate and gut bacteria | Xu et al., 2022, Phytomedicine |
| Bone Health | Slows bone breakdown | Jang et al., 2022, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy |
| Antibacterial | Fights common infection-causing bacteria | Traditional use + lab studies |
The Bottom Line
Pyrrosia lingua, or Shi wei, is more than just a pretty fern—it’s a time-tested herb with growing scientific cred. From potentially preventing kidney stones to supporting bones, its benefits are intriguing, though not fully proven yet. Whether you’re drawn to its TCM roots or curious about its modern promise, one thing’s clear: more research will unlock its secrets.
Thinking of giving it a try? Don’t go it alone—chat with a healthcare pro to make sure it fits your health puzzle. After all, when it comes to herbs like this, knowledge is your best ally.
Trusted Source
- https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/cmed/mmid/detail.php?pid=B00336&page=1&sort=name_cht&lang=eng ↩︎
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E7%9F%B3%E9%9F%A6/2535828 ↩︎
- https://portal.smu.edu.cn/lnzcykpjd/info/1054/1146.htm ↩︎
- https://yibian.hopto.org/db/?yno=127 ↩︎
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- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/23/5679 ↩︎
- https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/2021 ↩︎
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344800455_Biological_activities_of_extracts_from_Tongue_fern_Pyrrosia_lingua ↩︎
- https://jiankang.baidu.com/dict/pages/speTopic/index?contentid=ydyp_15511879752818773451&query=%E7%9F%B3%E9%9F%A6%20%E7%94%A8%E6%B3%95%E7%94%A8%E9%87%8F&sf_ch=ch_search_5713&sf_ref=search&subTab=%E4%BD%BF%E7%94%A8%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95&tab=%E4%BD%BF%E7%94%A8%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95 ↩︎
- https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_14560374359136802230(Wang Chengyang, Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chaohu Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University) ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711322000071 ↩︎
- 吴超权,韦奇志,王稼农,等.壮药光石韦急性毒性及对凝血功能影响和止咳作用的研究[J].中国中医药科技, 2020, 27(1):4. ↩︎
