- Research shows that Lygodii Spora might help prevent and treat kidney stones, but most of this is based on animal studies. More human studies are needed to confirm this.
- Using too much of it can lead to side effects like a numb tongue, nausea, dizziness, feeling cold, and frequent urination. There isn’t much data on whether it’s safe for pregnant women, so it’s best to talk to a doctor first.
- It’s the spore of Lygodium japonicum, also known as climbing fern, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat urinary tract issues.
In a world where ancient remedies are making a comeback, Lygodii Spora, commonly known as Hai Jin Sha or Japanese Climbing Fern Spore, stands out as a fascinating herb from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For centuries, it’s been used to tackle urinary troubles and swelling, earning a reputation as a natural helper for the body’s plumbing system. But what exactly is this herb, and does modern science back up its traditional claims? Let’s explore everything you need to know about Lygodii Spora—its origins, benefits, uses, and more.
What is Lygodii Spora?
Lygodii Spora, or 海金沙 in Chinese, comes from the mature spores of the Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), a perennial plant native to East Asia, including regions like Guangdong and Zhejiang in China. Harvested in autumn, dried, and used raw, this herb belongs to the Lygodiaceae family. In TCM, it’s prized for its sweet and cold properties, targeting the bladder and small intestine meridians1.
Imagine it as a gentle cleanser for your urinary system. According to TCM, it “clears heat” and “removes dampness,” making it a go-to remedy for conditions like painful urination or water retention2. Its botanical name might sound technical, but its role is straightforward: helping your body flush out what it doesn’t need.
Health Benefits of Lygodii Spora
In TCM, Lygodii Spora is celebrated for its ability to support urinary health and reduce discomfort. Here’s a closer look at its key benefits:
- Relieves Painful Urination: Known as a star player in treating “lin syndrome” (a TCM term for urinary issues), it’s used for conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or blood in the urine. It’s especially praised for soothing that sharp, burning sensation during urination3.
- Reduces Swelling: Thanks to its diuretic properties, it helps the body get rid of excess water, making it a natural choice for edema or bloating caused by “damp-heat.4”
- Clears Heat and Dampness: TCM practitioners believe many urinary problems stem from too much heat or moisture in the body5. Lygodii Spora works to balance things out, like opening a window to let out steam.
Picture this: if your urinary system is a clogged pipe, Lygodii Spora acts like a gentle flow of water to clear the way. Historical texts, like the Jiayou Materia Medica and Compendium of Materia Medica, back this up, noting its use for everything from heat-related madness to urinary stones.
How to Use Lygodii Spora
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how Lygodii Spora is typically prepared6:
- Dosage: The recommended amount is 6-12 grams, though this can vary based on your age, health, or condition.
- Preparation: Wrap the spores in a cloth bag (to avoid a gritty mess), then boil them in water for 20-30 minutes. Strain and drink the liquid.
- Pairings: For specific issues—like kidney stones—it’s often combined with herbs like talc or money grass. For UTIs, it might be paired with licorice root.
Important: Don’t go it alone. Dosages and combinations should be tailored by a registered TCM practitioner to fit your needs. As with any herb, professional advice is your best friend.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While Lygodii Spora is generally safe for most people, it’s not without its cautions. Here’s what to watch out for7:
- Overuse Risks: Too much can lead to nausea, dizziness, chills, tongue numbness, or overly frequent urination. Stick to the recommended dose!
- Who Should Avoid It:
- People with kidney yin deficiency (a TCM condition where the body lacks cooling energy) should steer clear.
- Pregnant women need a doctor’s okay, as safety data is limited.
- Anyone allergic to Lygodii Spora or its components should avoid it.
- Liver and Kidney Load: Like most herbs, it’s processed by your liver and kidneys, so overdoing it could strain these organs.
Moderation is key. Think of it like seasoning a dish—too much salt ruins the flavor, and too much of this herb could upset your body’s balance.
Modern Research on Lygodii Spora
Science is starting to catch up with tradition, and early studies on Lygodii Spora are promising. Here’s what researchers have found:
- Antibacterial Power: Its decoction can inhibit bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, common culprits in UTIs, according to studies like one published on PubMed.
- Diuretic Effects: Animal studies suggest it boosts urine output, supporting its use for swelling and urinary issues8.
- Chemical Makeup: It contains fatty oils, caffeic acid, and coumaric acid, which may contribute to its effects9.
That said, most research is still in the lab or on animals—not humans. So, while the results are encouraging, we need more clinical trials to say for sure how effective and safe it is. For now, it’s a case of “promising, but proceed with caution.”
A Quick Comparison: Tradition vs. Science
Here’s a simple table to see how traditional uses stack up against modern findings:
| Aspect | Traditional Use (TCM) | Modern Research |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary Health | Treats painful urination, stones, UTIs | Antibacterial effects observed |
| Swelling | Reduces edema and water retention | Diuretic properties in animal studies |
| Safety | Safe in moderation, with precautions | Limited human data; more research needed |
The Bottom Line
Lygodii Spora (Hai Jin Sha) bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern curiosity. Whether you’re battling a UTI or just intrigued by natural remedies, this herb offers a glimpse into TCM’s approach to wellness. Its potential to ease urinary woes and reduce swelling is backed by centuries of use—and, increasingly, by science.
But here’s the takeaway: it’s not a magic fix. Before brewing up a batch, chat with a healthcare provider or TCM expert to make sure it’s right for you. After all, when it comes to your health, a little knowledge goes a long way—but expert guidance is what keeps you on the right path.
Trusted Source
- https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/cmed/mmid/detail.php?pid=B00357&page=1&sort=name_cht&lang=eng ↩︎
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%B5%B7%E9%87%91%E6%B2%99/465597 ↩︎
- 赵扬,谭艳云,刘映红,等.中药”四金”治疗泌尿系结石的研究进展[J].中医药导报, 2018, 24(10):3.DOI:CNKI:SUN:HNZB.0.2018-10-034. ↩︎
- 王琍文,陈秀英,孙安盛,等.金钱草,马蹄金,鸭跖草,海金沙,满天星利尿作用的实验观察[J].遵义医学院学报, 1981(1). ↩︎
- 马玉国.一种海金沙通利湿热口服液及其生产方法:CN201410678187.0[P].CN105685609A[2025-03-09]. ↩︎
- https://jiankang.baidu.com/dict/pages/speTopic/index?contentid=ydyp_16153702043277325732&query=%E6%B5%B7%E9%87%91%E6%B2%99%E7%9A%84%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_9849243798757281444(Zhang Ziyi, Chief Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital) ↩︎
- Cho H J, Bae W J, Kim S J, et al. The inhibitory effect of an ethanol extract of the spores of Lygodium japonicum on ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi in rats[J]. Urolithiasis, 2014, 42: 309-315. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00240-014-0674-z ↩︎
- https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Lygodium-Japonicum-Cid1355 ↩︎
