Spora Lygodii
Japanese Climbing Fern Spore

Source:
The mature spore of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. (Fam. Lygodiaceae).

Distribution:
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hubei and Hunan; also in Hong Kong.

Harvest & Processing:
Collect sporophylls in autumn before spores fall off; dry under the sun; rub or thresh to get spores; remove sporophylls.

Description:
Powdery, brownish-yellow or light brownish-yellow. Light in weight; smooth in texture when twiddled with fingers; slip through fingers easily when placed in hands. Odour: faint; taste: mild. Spores float when scattered over water, sink gradually when heated. Burn ealily when cast into fire, produce sparks and crackle, leaving no dregs.

Indications:
1. Urinary tract infection and stones, nephritic oedema
2. Cold, fever
3. Mastitis.

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains fatty oils and methylester of gibberellin A73.