Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Fern
Plants of The Cherokee informs us that this fern was used in a formula for chills:
“A warm infusion made of the roots of several ferns: Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Brittle Fern (Cystopteris fragilis), Hay Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctiloba) and Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) are blown upon the person from the east, north west and south in succession, four times in the morning for four days….” An incantation is said by the healer.
Also, “A cold water infusion of the roots is drunk by old folks for stomach or bowel complaints.”
Plants for A Future states:
Christmas fern was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes, who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A tea made from the root is blood purifier, emetic and febrifuge. It is used in the treatment of chills, fevers, pneumonia, stomach or bowel complaints and rheumatism. A poultice of the root is used in the treatment of rheumatism. A decoction of the root has been massaged into rheumatic joints. The powdered root has been inhaled and then coughed up in order to restore the voice.
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase.
The Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants tells us:
American Indians used root tea for chills, fevers, stomachaches (to induce vomiting), pneumonia; poulticed root for rheumatism. Warning: Of unknown toxicity.
Polystichum aculeatum
I have found no medicinal use of this fern, but it has been considered edible, traditionally.
Polystichum munitum, Giant Holly Fern
Plants for A Future states:
An infusion of the fronds has been used as a wash or poultice to treat boils and sores. The young shoots have been chewed and eaten as a treatment for cancer of the womb and to treat sore throats and tonsillitis. The leaves have been chewed by women to facilitate childbirth. The sporangia have been crushed and applied as a poultice to burns, sores and boils. A decoction of the rhizomes has been used in the treatment of dandruff.
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase.
This article is an excerpt from
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Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.
