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

Blackwell, E., Herbarium Blackwellianum, vol. 5 (1765)

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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)

Main Preparations used: