What are the benefits of male fern root?
Male fern root, also known as Dryopteris filix-mas, Bear’s paw, Knotty Brake, and Sweet Brake, has been used for centuries as a defense against harmful organisms. Beyond that, the male fern root also offers other health benefits for humans such as digestive support and detoxification. Ferns have historically been used extensively by humans as ornamental plants, in domestic utensils, in handicrafts, as components of cosmetic formulations and foodstuffs, and for medicinal purposes (Morais-Braga et al.Male fern is used to treat nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, wounds, and tumors. It is also used to expel worms, typically tapeworms, from the intestines. Some veterinarians use male fern to treat worms in animals.
What is a male fern?
The male-fern is a large, clump-forming fern that is common in woodlands, hedgerows and ditches throughout the UK. Fresh green fronds unfurl from scaly, brown, underground rhizomes that push through the soil in mid-spring. Dryopteris filix-mas, commonly known as the male fern, is a plant whose rhizome was historically used as an antihelminthic drug but is highly toxic and can cause serious poisoning, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological disturbances.Male fern is used to treat nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, wounds, and tumors. It is also used to expel worms, typically tapeworms, from the intestines.
Is male fern toxic to humans?
Historically, the male fern was used in phytotherapy as a vermifuge. However, its rhizome is toxic, and medicinal use is now discouraged. Ferns can be used for decorations, ornaments, fertilizer, medicine, food or conservation. Ferns are considered vascular cryptogams. Vascular means that within the plant water and nutrients are transported through specialized tissues.Ferns are an important phytogenetic bridge between lower and higher plants. Historically they have been used in many ways by humans, including as ornamental plants, domestic utensils, foods, and in handicrafts. In addition, they have found uses as medicinal herbs.
What does fern do to your body?
The extracts of edible fern species exert antioxidant anti-inflammatory and related biological activities, which is consistent with their traditional medicinal use in the treatment of wounds, burns, colds, coughs, skin diseases and intestinal diseases. Vegetable fern is celebrated for its dense nutritional content. This leafy vegetable is packed with vitamins like A, C, and E, which are essential for various bodily functions. Additionally, it contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium, contributing to overall health and well-being.