Overview

Clubmoss is an herb. People use the whole plant to make medicine.

People use clubmoss for bladder and kidney disorders, and as a diuretic to increase urine, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using clubmoss might also be unsafe.

Don't confuse clubmoss with Chinese club moss or fir club moss. Chinese club moss and fir club moss contain a chemical called huperzine A. Clubmoss does not contain this chemical.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough information available to know how clubmoss works.

There isn't enough information available to know how clubmoss works.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Bladder disorders.
  • Kidney disorders.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of clubmoss for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Clubmoss is POSSIBLY UNSAFE because it contains several poisonous chemicals. However, so far, no poisonings have been reported.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Clubmoss is POSSIBLY UNSAFE because it contains several poisonous chemicals. However, so far, no poisonings have been reported.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clubmoss is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for anyone, including pregnant and breast-feeding women. Don't use it.

Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Clubmoss might slow down the heartbeat. This could be a problem in people who already have a slow heart rate.

Gastrointestinal tract blockage: Clubmoss might cause "congestion" in the intestines. This might cause problems in people who have a blockage in their intestines.

Ulcers: Clubmoss might increase secretions in the stomach and intestines. There is concern that this could worsen ulcers.

Lung conditions: Clubmoss might increase fluid secretions in the lung. There is concern that this could worsen lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema.

Seizures: There is concern that clubmoss might increase the risk of seizures.

Urinary tract obstruction: Clubmoss might increase secretions in the urinary tract. There is concern that this could worsen urinary obstruction.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with CLUBMOSS

    Clubmoss might increase levels of certain chemicals in the body that work in the brain, heart, and elsewhere. Some drying medications called "anticholinergic drugs" can decrease levels of these same chemicals. These drying medications might decrease the effects of clubmoss, and clubmoss might decrease the effects of drying medications.

    Some of these drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, some medications used for allergies (antihistamines), and some medications used for depression (antidepressants).

  • Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with CLUBMOSS

    Clubmoss might increase certain chemicals in the brain, heart, and elsewhere in the body. Some medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions also affect these chemicals. Taking clubmoss with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

    Some of these medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions include pilocarpine (Pilocar and others), donepezil (Aricept), tacrine (Cognex), and others.

  • Medications for Alzheimer disease (Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors) interacts with CLUBMOSS

    Clubmoss might increase certain chemicals in the brain, heart, and elsewhere in the body. Some medications used for Alzheimer disease also affect these chemicals. Taking clubmoss along with medications for Alzheimer disease might increase effects and side effects of medications used for Alzheimer disease.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of clubmoss depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for clubmoss. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.