Fern herb is a very controversial plant in herbal pharmacy. However, it is still used as a remedy in alternative medicine. For what ailments the fern herb has a healing effect and what risks must be considered are questions that must necessarily be clarified before taking it.
Occurrence and cultivation of the fern
Shady forests and humus-rich soils are the perfect location for the fern. The plant itself can grow to over a meter in height and is green until winter. The fern is also known as fern root, true worm fern or devil’s weed. The fern is a plant of the genus Wurmfarne, which are native to the Wurmfarngewächse. Ferns have been native to our planet for over 400 million years and are widespread throughout Europe. Shady forests and humus-rich soils are the perfect location for the fern. The plant itself can grow up to more than one meter high and is green until winter. The leaves of the fern root are bipinnate and converge to a point. The petiole is very finely covered with yellow to yellow-brown chaff scales. The flowering period of the fern root is between June and September. During this period, the leaves of the fern are also harvested. Harvesting of the root can be started from the end of July. Generally, digging the root out of the ground is advised between August and September. After that, the root is stored. In the fern root are many ingredients that can be used for alternative healing methods. For example, the true worm fern contains tannins, essential oils and starch, as well as several butanophloroglucides.
Effect and application
The use of the fern root is very controversial. Generally, the fern is seen as an ornamental plant and is very delicate in its application. Internal use is not easily feasible due to its slightly toxic effect. As an aid to combat worms in the intestine, the fern is used in medicine. Due to this, it is not recommended to make an aid on one’s own. All the more simple and effective is an external application. To combat rheumatism and gout, fern root is a well-known remedy in herbal medicine. In case of pain of the nerves or even calf cramps a tincture of the fern root helps supportively. Positive effects are also shown by treatment of varicose veins and headaches, which occur spasmodically. In general, a tincture of the root of the fern helps. To prepare the tincture, the harvested root of the fern is well cleaned and then cut into small pieces. The root pieces are doused with high-proof alcohol and left in a well-sealed container for four weeks. The tincture is then strained and bottled in a dark bottle. The tincture can be rubbed on the affected area, or a cloth is sprinkled with the tincture and applied to the painful area as a poultice. The tincture can be stored for up to two years after bottling. The leaves of the fern root can be sewn into a pillow after drying, helping to relieve rheumatism and gout. The essential oils unfold and have a calming effect on the body. For wounds that are already a little old or festering, the root of the fern can be infused with the same amount of water as wine. The root is boiled in it and the decoction can be used to wash out the wounds. Alternatively, a cloth can be soaked in the decoction and placed on the wound. Extracts of fern are contained in ready-made preparations, which are available in pharmacies. Most often these are teas, where the fern extract is combined with other medicinal plants.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The use of fern root has long been considered reliable. The plant is said to have not only healing, but also mystical powers. Nevertheless, the magic herb is very demanding in its application. In the case of the true worm fern, in addition to the petioles, the rhizome and especially the young plants are poisonous. Therefore, the fern should not be self-dosed in therapy. Internal use is very rare nowadays. If the fern is taken, then preferably as an extract in a combination preparation. As an ingredient in medicinal capsules, the fern root is said to serve as a sunscreen. However, this field of application has not been fully researched for its mode of action. Also, in the case of a disease of worms, the treatment should not necessarily be done with the fern root.Through modern medicine and research, drugs are available that do not pose any risk to health. Even the external application is not harmless. In the event of an overdose, symptoms of poisoning occur. These make themselves felt initially with headaches, followed by respiratory problems and circulatory problems. Dizziness and severe visual disturbances are further side effects that can lead to blindness. Nausea and vomiting occur. The poisoning can also be fatal. The fern triggers severe convulsions in the body, which then lead to respiratory paralysis, among other things. Poisoning occurs in case of overdose or too rapid repetition of a course of treatment with the fern root. After a treatment with the plant, the therapy should be stopped after three days, and it is essential to have a longer break between a new treatment. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, internal therapy with fern root should not be performed. It is generally not advisable to take and use it without a doctor’s consent and information. For finished preparations, be sure to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist to ensure proper dosage.
