A spore-bearing vascular plant, growing mainly prostrate along the ground with stems up to 1 m long; the stems are much branched, and densely clothed with small spirally-arranged leaves. The leaves are 3-5 mm long and 0.7-1 mm broad, tapered to a fine hair-like white point. The branches bearing spore cones turn erect, reaching 5-15 cm above ground, and have fewer leaves than the horizontal branches. The spore cones are yellow-green, 2-3 cm long and 5 mm broad. The horizontal stems produce roots at frequent intervals along their length, allowing the stem to grow indefinitely along the ground.

Analgesic, antirheumatic, carminative, mildly diuretic, stomachic and tonic (plant decoction); antipruritic, decongestant, diuretic and stomachic (spores)

Homeopathic Materia Medica
Plants for a Future
Excerpt from Boericke's Materia Medica: The Tinctures

Alanine, arginine, histidine, linoleic acid, myristic acid, nicotine, oleic acid, palmitic acid (pollen or spore); apigenin, azelaic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid (plant)

In the treatment of urinary and kidney disorders, rheumatic arthritis, catarrhal cystitis, gastritis, to skin diseases and irritations (plant); as a dusting powder to various skin diseases, to wounds or inhaled to stop bleeding noses (spores)