Dryopteris filix-mas, L. German: Wurm-Schildfarn. French: Fouge?re ma?le. Spanish: Polypodio. Italian: Felche maschia. Frond bases and buds of the rhizome, collected in the autumn. Constituents: filicin, triterpenes, resins, volatile oil.
Action: taenifuge, vermifuge, deobstruent.
Uses: tapeworms (Traditional). Treatment is taken fasting under medical supervision. Dr C. Hering advised an ounce of the grated root, gathered fresh, to be taken in the morning, the tapeworm usually making a speedy exit by the afternoon. Present-day dosage is much less: quarter to half an ounce taken over a longer period and mixed with a demulcent (i.e. Slippery Elm).
Dioscorides was aware of its power to induce abortion and infertility. Reported use by Chinese for tumours.
Preparations: Extract Filicis, BP. Dose: 3-6ml.
Powder: dose, 1-10 grams. Male Fern capsules BP (1958). Note: Today seldom used. Of historical interest.
Various generaDescription: Tree ferns are tall trees with long, slender trunks that often have a very rough, barklike covering. Large, lacy leaves uncoil from the top of the trunk.Habitat and Distribution: Tree ferns are found in wet, tropical forests.Edible Parts: The young leaves and the soft inner portion of the trunk are edible. Boil the young leaves and eat as greens. Eat the inner portion of the trunk raw or bake it.... tree fern
n. the appearance of a fernlike pattern in a dried specimen of cervical mucus, an indication of the presence of oestrogen, usually seen at the midpoint of the menstrual cycle. It can be helpful in the determination of ovulation. The same phenomenon occurs with premature rupture of the membranes (see fibronectin).... ferning
Health Encyclopedia