Page 189 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Male Fern, Medicinal Use: The roots are used internally as a
tea or through ingestion. Do not use an alcoholic tinc-
Dryopteris filix-mas ture or oil infusion internally, only externally.

Treating Tapeworms: Treating tapeworms and
This wood fern grows in shaded, damp soils under the
canopy throughout much of Europe, Asia and North other parasites is probably the most common way that
and South America. Be careful to correctly identify this people use male fern medicinally. Use the rootstalks to
fern as it has look-alikes. paralyze parasites and thus purge them from the body.
To use this remedy, eat the root after fasting for at least
a few hours. The roots contain oleo-resins, filicin, and
filmarone, all of which work to eradicate parasites. It
works for pets as well but be careful with dosage for
both humans and pets. Do not ingest oils, fats, or al-
cohols while using this. A light laxative is often used
alongside this treatment. Use with great caution.

Colds and Viruses, Fevers, Mumps: The roots
of male fern have anti-viral and antibacterial proper-
ties. They lower fevers and help heal the body from vi-
ral and bacterial diseases.

Hemorrhage: Male fern root is useful for the treat-
ment of internal hemorrhage and uterine bleeding.

Boils, Sores, and Other Skin Conditions:
Skin infections and irritations such as boils, carbun-
cles, sores, and abscesses are treated with a tincture
made from the male fern root. Apply the tincture di-
rectly onto the affected area. Use this tincture exter-
nally only.

Identification: The Male Fern is a large fern with Harvesting: Harvest roots in the autumn. Dry for
graceful bands of fronds. It grows to 4 feet (1.2m) in later use.
height. The plant does not flower but reproduces by
spores and rhizomes. The slowly creeping rootstock
forms a crown at the soil surface with a ring of fronds.
It grows quite wide and becomes crowded over time, a
distinguishing characteristic.

The dull green leaves are usually upright, 8 to 30
inches (10 cm to 75 cm) long, and 4 to 12 inches (10 cm
to 30 cm) wide, with its widest section at its middle.
They have 20 to 30 pairs of deeply divided tapering
leaflets growing on the main stem. The bark on each
frond is usually hidden but is dark brown in color. This
plant has no smell.
Edible Use: The leaves and roots of the male fern Warning: Caution is advised. Use it in moderation
are edible. Cooked young leaves taste like asparagus or and be very careful with dosage. Best used under med-
artichoke. They should be eaten in moderation, as in ical supervision. Do not use if pregnant or if you have
large quantities they can be toxic. The rhizomes can be heart issues. Do not take with oil, fats, or alcohol as it
eaten raw or cooked and are sometimes used as a increases its toxicity.
weight-loss strategy. Use with caution.

188