Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum capillus-veneris

Maidenhair Fern Rock Fern Venus'- hair Fern Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents Applications Maidenhair fern syrup

The plant called the maidenhair fern is of great delicacy and beauty. The plant is characterized by the presence of a thin and polished, black colored main leaf stalk, this is in contrast to the fan like leaflets which are held up by stalks fine as human hair - the overall effect is very beautiful and nice. There is a great demand for the plant in the preparation of dried flower arrangements because of the leaves which resemble gossamer. The ideal environment for the maidenhair fern is a wet environment - and wild ferns are found growing in abundance on limestone rich soils which is dampened or moistened by a waterfall spray or stream. The plant has water repelling compounds on the foliage with the result that water runs off the leaves, and even when the plant is immersed in water the leaves remain dry. This strong water repelling property is the scientific basis for the botanical name - Adiantum, translated as "unwetted." Traditionally a fern based herbal tea was made for people with hair loss problems, this association of the fern with human hair is a very old one, and it was believed that the fern could prevent human hair from falling out of the scalp. The belief has no real basis in fact.

The ancient Greeks prepared the fern into an herbal tea and used it as an expectorant in treating coughs. The fern was also used by medieval herbalists, who used to give maidenhair fern to their patients with severe respiratory conditions, like the disorder called pleurisy - such treatments were not very successful as the maidenhead fern is not a very potent herb for medicinal usage. Traditionally, the maidenhair fern was used as a mild diuretic and often utilized to promote menstruation in women.

The maidenhair fern is related to the northern maidenhair - species A. pedatum. This plant has a forked kind of stalk, which is very different from the single stalk of the A. capillusveneris plant - that is also known as the southern maidenhair fern by common people.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

USES

The remedies made from the maidenhair fern are still used and prescribed by many Western herbalists. Such remedies are used in treating coughs, in the treatment of bronchitis, in reducing excess mucus, and in alleviating sore throat, as well as chronic nasal congestion affecting the person. The remedies made from maidenhair fern also possess enduring value for hair and scalp conditions.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Maidenhair fern grows along moist and shady sites and is a native of Europe and the North American continent.

CONSTITUENTS

Maidenhair fern contains flavonoids (including rutin and isoquercitin), terpenoids (including adiantone), a tannin, and mucilage.

APPLICATIONS

Leaves:

FLUID EXTRACT – The maidenhair fern extract, made using the fresh fern leaves is marketed in the herbal stores of Europe as a treatment for cerebral arteriosclerosis in older individuals. This extract is also marketed as a distinct treatment for diseases affecting the peripheral circulation system.
TINCTURE – The maidenhair fern is often used in a combination herbal formula along with other cardiovascular affecting herbs. It is combined in remedies with the greater periwinkle and the lime flower, for the treatment of circulatory problems. It is also combined with the king's clover for the treatment of venous disorders affecting various patients.
INFUSION – The maidenhair fern can be made into an herbal infusion using 50 g of the dried fern leaves added to 0.5l water and boiled. This infusion can be used by patients affected with arteriosclerosis and other varicose disorders. The herbal infusion can also be used as a wash for treating various varicose ulcers or hemorrhoids in the body.

Seeds:

DECOCTION – The maidenhair herb can be made into a combination herbal decoction mixed with other useful herbs like the ma huang, the elecampane, or some mulberry leaves - this decoction can be used to treat asthma and related severe or persistent coughs affecting patients. Taking three to four seeds of the herb is sufficient for 3 doses.

MAIDENHAIR FERN SYRUP

Equal parts, dried and crumbled.

• 2 cups (40 g) fresh maidenhair fern leaves
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 2 cups (500 ml) unpasteurized honey

Boil the plant in the water for 3 minutes, cover and infuse for 3 hours. Strain the decoction, and then gently melt the honey, without bringing to a boil, for 5 minutes. Pour the mixture into a glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 months at a rate of 1 to 2 T (15 to 30 ml) diluted in water, 3 times daily. Take in the event of chronic pulmonary disease, anemia or persistent skin disorders. This gentle treatment can be followed for 1 month without risk, by adding other, more caustic pectoral plants such as horseradish or wild thyme, but in small quantities.