FEMALE FERN Polypodium vulgare, L.( N. O.: Polypodiaceae)
Common Names: Rock Polypod, Brake Root, Common Polypody, Fern Root. Features: The fern family is common throughout the United States in shady woods and on mountains. This perennial has a creeping, irregular brown root which has a peculiar and rather unpleasant odour and somewhat sickening taste. The lush green and decorative fronds are from 6 – 12 in. high, smooth and deeply pinnatified. The fruit on the lower surface of the frond is in large golden dots or capsules. Should be gathered from June to September.
BRACKEN FERN, L.
Medicinal Parts: Root and tops. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Pectoral, Demulcent, Purgative, Anthelmintic. Uses: The starchy root stocks were boiled and eaten by the Indians, and they knew of their effect as a worm medicine. Our pioneers soaked them in water and wood ashes for 24 hr. and cooked the young leaves like pot herbs.
The many species of ferns were also used in decoction as a cure for rickets in children. The strong decoction is purgative. A specific in expelling tape worms, by influencing their muscle release. The presence of warms causes serious anaemia, undermining various organs of the body. The syrup as a decoction has been found very valuable in pulmonary and hepatic diseases.
The ancients used the roots and the whole plant in decoctions and diet drinks for the spleen and other disorders. The Japanese use it in soup. Combined with liverwort it is said to have restored patients severely affected with disease of the lungs. Do not use extensively. Dose: 1 – 4 drams of the powdered plant, 4 fl. oz. of the syrup decoction, three or four times a day.
FEVERFEW Pyrethrum parthenium, Sm.( N. O.: Compositae)
Common Names: Feather Few, Febrifuge Plant, Featherfoil, Pyrethrum. Features: The plant is native to Europe but common in the United States. Found occasionally in a wild state, but generally cultivated in gardens. The tapering root, with dark brown, furrowed bark,