Selaginella as a healing power in a plant-based diet

A florist’s item, selaginella seems to have the remotest chance of being a vegetable. However, a trip to a local organic food fair proved the opposite, that: various species of selaginella they are also used as edible vegetables, some as a ground cover plant in terrariums or landscapes, and others also as ferns for cut flowers and bouquets. Despite there being over 700 species, Selaginella is relatively underused as its medicinal value is not yet fully understood.

health benefits

This spike moss contains a variety of compounds such as alkaloids, phenol and terpenoids, the main substance of which is biflavonoid, the type of which varies depending on the species. These compounds are the source of many beneficial effects.

For example, it is similar to shallots in that both have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-allergy benefits. They improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels. While shallots stimulate digestive enzymes, spike moss affects protein metabolism. However, both protect against UV rays and blood clotting as well.

Like tea, it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties; but it does even better with antimicrobial resistance.

Natural Foods vs. Healthy Processed Foods

It is imperative to state here that while a processed health food can duplicate the work of natural foods, it should only be taken occasionally. For example, there is a highly alkaline processed food made from 9 foods: labor’s tears, buckwheat, oat bran, black sesame, white sesame, and Chinese yam. Despite claims reflecting nearly all of selaginella’s health effects, it is not a substitute for selaginella. Also, selaginella is just a whole food but with many chemical diversities that work synergistically to target various biological targets.

resurrection plant

Nicknamed ‘resurrection plant’, spike moss hydrates and becomes active in moist conditions, or alternatively dries up and becomes dormant when dryness takes over. For example, Selaginella bryopteriswhich grows in the Aravali mountains in western India, it is most likely sanjeevani, the magical herb that can cure any disease; and it is still taken to extend the shelf life to this day. Another species endemic mainly to Asia, Selaginella tamariscina, is a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Considered a modifier of gene expression and cytokine production, it could be a chemopreventive candidate against gastric cancer.

miracle herb

Another miracle herb, black seed (nigella sativa) has a wide spectrum of activities related to the immune and respiratory, stomach, hepatic and renal systems; and in the relief of pain and spasms. All of these can complement the work of selaginella and contribute to your general well-being.