Page 188 - Lost Book Remedies
P. 188
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
bronchitis, nasal congestion, and sore throats. It is a
Maidenhair Fern, mild diuretic, and reduces excess mucus. It is also an
Adiantum astringent, anti-tussive, and mild expectorant. Try
making a syrup with maidenhair fern leaves. Recipe
capillus-veneris below.
and A. pedatum Urinary Issues, Gallstones, Heartburn, Di-
gestive Disorders: Maidenhair Fern Syrup is use-
ful for the treatment of urinary tract and digestive dis-
Maidenhair fern, also known as rock fern and Venus- orders.
hair fern, is native to much of North America and down
into Central America and South America. It likes warm It helps remove toxins from the digestive tract and pro-
damp climates and is most often found in the moist soil tects the mucous membranes from irritation. It com-
of rainforests, woodlands, and along streams. bines well with red mulberry for the treatment of uri-
nary tract problems.
Circulatory System and Arteriosclerosis:
Try an alcohol tincture or a strong decoction of maid-
enhair fern leaves to treat circulatory problems. It
helps open up blocked veins and improves blood circu-
lation to the body.
The infusion is also useful for shrinking varicose veins
and hemorrhoids and treating varicose ulcers.
Apply the decoction directly to the affected areas of the
body and take the tincture internally as well.
Recipes: Maidenhair Fern Syrup: 1 cup maid-
Identification: It grows to 6 to 12 inches (15 cm to enhair fern leaves, dried and crumbled, 1-pint (500ml)
30 cm) tall with clusters of fronds growing from creep- water, 1 cup raw honey. Bring the fern leaves and water
ing rhizomes. The light green fronds are subdivided to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
into pinnae less than 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) long. The main Cover tightly and turn off the heat. Allow the decoction
leaf stalk is thin, black, and polished while its fine to steep for 3 hours. Strain out the herb and reheat
stalks are as thin as a hair, giving it a very delicate the decoction until hot but not boiling. Add
look. the raw honey and stir until it is fully dis-
Medicinal Use: Leaves and rhizomes are solved. Pour the syrup into a sterile
used for medicine and are a weak anti- glass jar and store in the refrig-
bacterial. The rhizomes have antioxi- erator for up to 2 months.
dants. Standard Dosage: Add 1
Respiratory Issues, Bronchi- to 2 tablespoons to a small
tis, Congestion, Sore Throats: amount of water or
Maidenhair fern leaves make a good treat- juice and take 3
ment for coughs and mild respiratory problems like times daily.
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