Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies: 2 Short Entries

Blechnum spicant

I have found very little information on the fern, but Plants for A Future states:

The leaflets have been chewed in the treatment of internal cancer, lung disorders and stomach problems. The fronds are used externally as a medicine for skin sores. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea.

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.

(photo credit: By TheAlphaWolf - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6315621)

Botrychium virginianum, Rattlesnake Fern

This American fern was once sought after more as a plant that might indicate where ginseng grows than for its medicinal properties. However, it is a very useful herb.

Plants of The Cherokee tells us that this fern was used in a formula for “Dreaming of Snakes”. Apparently, such dreams were believed to cause both mental and physical illness when the person dreamed he was bitten by a poisonous snake. The formula consisted of a decoction of Rattlesnake Fern, or Virginia Snakeroot and the bark of the Tulip Poplar. This would be applied both externally, in the place where the person dreamed he was bitten, and taken internally as a tea. An incantation was recited and the area was breathed upon by a native healer. The tea would cause the patient to vomit.

Plants for A Future states:

A poultice or lotion made from the roots is applied to snakebites, bruises, cuts and sores. A tea made from the roots is emetic, induces sweating and is expectorant. It is used in the treatment of lung ailments.

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 

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

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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.