MAIDENHAIR Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, L.( N. O.: Filices)
Common Names: Maiden Fern, Common Polypody. Features: There are some eighty varieties of this plant, some of which grow abundantly in Canada and the United States. Maidenhair is perennial and is found in deep woods and moist, rich soil. This is a very delicate and graceful flowering fern growing from 12 – 15 in. high, with a slender, polished stalk. The leaves are aromatic and bitterish. Medicinal Part: The herb. Solvent: Boiling water. Bodily Influence: Pectoral, Demulcent, Tonic, Refrigerant, Expectorant. Uses: Maidenhair has had a long and active life as a helpful agent for pectoral conditions of coughs resulting from colds, nasal congestion, or catarrh and hoarseness, bronchial disorders including shortness of breath, asthma, influenza, pleurisy, etc. Dose: The infusion of 1 – 2 oz. to 1 pint of boiling water may be taken frequently in wineglassful doses. Culpeper tells us that it is also used in hair tonic preparations. Should be combined with supporting herbs for more effective results.
MAIDENHAIR Adiantum Capillus, L.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
MALLOW( COMMON) Malva sylvestris, L.( N. O.: Malvaceae)
Common Name: High Mallow. Features: Mallow, popular name of plants of the genus Malva, family Malvaceae, including annuals, biennials and perennials. There are about thirty species native to Europe, North Africa and Asia, several of which have been naturalized in North America. Malva sylvestris grows abundantly in fields, roadsides, and waste places.
This species is erect or branching, 1 – 3½ in. high, with rounded heart-shaped leaves; small flowers are pink-veined against purple appearing clustered or single flowering from May to October. The whole plant abounds in mucilage, more especially the root; odour slight; taste sweetish. The fresh dried leaves are put into decoctions; the root may be dried but it is best fresh, if chosen when there are leaves growing from it.