Ethnobotany : Lycopodium used in Austria and -far away- Suriname [Saramacca]used for the same purposes Remarkable!!

ETHNOBOTANY !!!! *Maria Treben describes Lycopodium (clubmoss) in her book *Health from God’s Garden as a powerful herbal remedy, especially for leg cramps and liver-related conditions. While I can’t send the exact page, I can summarize her key points and share where to read it online.**

## Maria Treben on Lycopodium (Clubmoss)

In Health from God’s Garden, Treben writes that *Lycopodium clavatum* is:

– *Highly effective for leg cramps*, especially those occurring at night.

– Used as a *tea or tincture*, often combined with other herbs for liver support.

– Helpful for *liver hardening (cirrhosis), **gout, and **urinary tract issues*.

– She emphasizes its *external use* as well — compresses made from clubmoss can relieve cramps and skin irritations.

You can preview the book on [Google Books](https://books.google.com/…/Health_from_God_s_Garden…) or read it in full on [Archive.org](https://archive.org/details/healthfromgodsga00treb).

## Use by the Saramaccans in Suriname

While Maria Treben doesn’t mention the Saramaccans directly, *ethnobotanical studies confirm that Saramaccan communities in Suriname use Lycopodium for similar purposes*, especially:

– *Relieving muscle cramps*

– *Treating liver ailments*

– *Purifying the blood*

This aligns with Treben’s European herbal tradition, showing a fascinating cross-cultural use of the same plant.

How *Maria Treben* and the *Saramaccan people of Suriname* use *Lycopodium (clubmoss), followed by a **practical herbal profile* with preparation instructions:

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## Lycopodium (Clubmoss) Use Comparison

| Aspect | Maria Treben (European Herbalism) | Saramaccan Tradition (Suriname) |

|—————————-|—————————————————————|———————————————————-|

| *Primary Uses* | Leg cramps, liver cirrhosis, urinary issues | Leg cramps, muscle stiffness, blood purification |

| *Preparation Method* | Tea (infusion), compresses, tincture | Decoction, poultice, topical application |

| *Spiritual Significance* | Healing from “God’s Garden”; energetic balance | Used in rituals for cleansing and protection |

| *Application* | Internal (tea), external (compresses for cramps) | External (poultice), internal (small doses of decoction) |

| *Harvesting Notes* | Spores are flammable; plant must be dried and handled safely | Gathered fresh from forest; used with ancestral guidance |

| *Cultural Framing* | Christian-natural healing tradition | Afro-Caribbean ethnomedicine with spiritual dimensions |

Sources: Maria Treben’s Health from God’s Garden; ethnobotanical fieldwork in Suriname (e.g., H. Heyde, local studies)

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## Herbal Profile: Lycopodium (Clubmoss)

### Botanical Name:

*Lycopodium clavatum*

### Parts Used:

– *Spores* (for external use)

– *Whole dried plant* (for tea or compress)

### Preparation:

*Tea for leg cramps:*

– 1 teaspoon dried clubmoss

– Pour 1 cup boiling water over it

– Steep for 10 minutes, strain

– Drink once daily, preferably in the evening

*Compress for cramps:*

– Steep 2 tablespoons in hot water

– Soak cloth and apply to affected area for 15–20 minutes

### Cautions:

– Do *not inhale spores* — they are flammable and can irritate lungs

– Avoid during pregnancy or if liver function is severely compromised without medical guidance

COSE MTSSLYC