Maidenhair Fern

Also known as

Adiantum capillus-veneris.

Introduction

The maidenhair fern is a woodland fern often used as a houseplant. It is easily recognized by its fan-shaped leaflets and dark black stems. The seventeenth century English herbalist Culpepper noted that maidenhead ferns were "rarely used, but very good to prevent the falling off of the hair and to make it grow thick, being boiled in water or lye and the head washed with it."

Constituents

Mucilage.

Parts Used

Dried leaves and leaf fragments.

Typical Preparations

Traditionally used as a tea, sometimes available in tea bags; seldom found in capsule or extract form.

Summary

Maidenhead ferns contain soothing mucilages relieve inflammation caused by or associated with:

• Bladder gravel
• Bronchitis
• Coughs and colds
• Kidney stones
• Liver problems
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat

Precautions

Don't use ferns you have gathered yourself unless you are absolutely certain they are the species you intend to use. Other ferns may be toxic.