Traditional Uses: Traditionally used by the Mapuche people of Chile for respiratory congestion and coughs, by European herbalists in tinctures for joint pain and muscle strains, and in Nepalese Sherpa communities as a calming tea for nervous tension and insomnia.
Potential Benefits: A methanol extract of the whole plant has shown strong prolyl-endopeptidase-inhibiting activity, which is expected to have effects on memory loss, and the plant has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in pharmacological studies.
Warnings: The plant contains toxic alkaloids, including lycopodine, which is poisonous by paralyzing the motor nerves, and is considered POSSIBLY UNSAFE for internal use; it should be strictly avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding and used cautiously with anticholinergic drugs, Alzheimer’s medications, and in individuals with slow heart rate, ulcers, lung conditions, seizures, or urinary obstruction.
