Drynaria quercifolia Health Dictionary

(Linn.) J. Smith.

Synonym: Polypodium quercifolium

Family: Polypodiaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India, in plains and low mountains.

Ayurvedic: Ashvakatri (non- classical).

Folk: Baandar-Baashing (Maharashtra).

Action: Pectoral, expectorant. anthelmintic. Used in the treatment of chest diseases, cough, hectic fever, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, chronic jaundice and cutaneous affections. Pounded fonds are used as poultice for swellings. Peeled rhizome with sugar is prescribed for urinary disorders and in spermatorrhoea.

Aqueous extracts possess antibacterial properties.