Fern: medicinal properties and contraindications

The ancient Slavs believed in the miraculous power of fern. It has been believed to this day that this relic plant blooms every year on the night of Ivan Kupala. And that lucky one who sees a beautiful flower bloom will surely find a treasure, which will ensure a good life for himself and his family. But this is just a legend, because flowers never appear on the fern due to botanical features. But this perennial has a lot of medicinal properties, the main of which is the ability to remove radionuclides and toxic products from the body.

The Japanese were the first to experience this feature of the plant on themselves, who managed to survive after the Americans first used nuclear weapons. Scientists of the Land of the Rising Sun drew attention to the fact that the ants did not affect the increased radioactive background. Given that the diet of insects was fern bracken, doctors began to recommend its use to the Japanese affected by radiation.

A detailed study of the oldest plant on Earth later revealed a lot of useful properties. In some countries of the world fern crops are actively used in cooking. Fern for a long time remained poorly understood, but today its composition and therapeutic effects have been proven experimentally. In traditional medicine, recipes are actively used for home treatment of various diseases. Gourmet gourmets regularly use original dishes from different parts of the plant. Therefore, it is time to get to know the oldest representative of the plant world.

Chemical composition

In the scientific community, it was believed that fern is one of the first forms of life on our planet. And this statement is confirmed by many historical facts. So, even in pagan times, the Slavs called the plant "flog" for the similarity of its leaves with the wings of a bird. Later, such loud nicknames appeared: peruns, fireflower, bloody beard, shrike, bracken, spool, heat-color, coomber.

In general, our ancestors always associated this wonderful plant with the lord of lightning and thunder - the god Perun. They believed that it was Perun who sent this plant to the earth so that people could be healed of wounds and diseases.

Modern scholars rely more on evidence than on divine power. Thanks to a detailed study of the plant, they were able to describe its composition. The bulk of the active components are concentrated in the brackets rhizomes. The following components make up this useful complex:

• alkaloids;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• essential oils;
• organic acids: hydrocyanic, glutamic, bracken-tannic;
• saponins;
• starches.

As well as:

1. Vitamin group (found in young shoots): nicotinic acid, tocopherol, carotene, riboflavin.
2. Mineral elements: sulfur, manganese, iodine in large quantities, copper and others.
3. Plant enzymes that provide the process of hydrolysis of thiamine (vitamin B1).

Also in the composition are fats and proteins, which are similar in properties to the proteins of crops. But the main value of the composition is represented by biologically active elements, the concentration of which is very high in the root of the fern.

It is worth adding that the energy value of a plant as a food product is only 34 kcal per gram serving. Therefore, salads, which include fresh green cabbage, will contribute to weight loss.

How it looks and where it grows

It should be understood that ferns are a numerous genus of spore-bearing plants, including 48 families. All representatives are vascular plants. Fern wild crops prefer to live in swampy, highly humid places. Some species in such favorable conditions reach a truly gigantic size. For example, in the tropics there are specimens of ferns up to 16 m high with four-meter leaves. Ferns growing on Russian territory have more modest parameters: their height varies from 30 cm to 1 m.

External signs

1. The thyroid is a thick rhizome of saturated brown color. A large number of subordinate roots resembling threads depart from the main trunk to the sides.
2. Scaly leaves extend from the top of the rhizome. Young leaves (vayi) in appearance resemble a snail. Then they turn around and look like hooks.
3. The flowering period in the usual sense of fern crops is absent. This function was assumed by long leaves during the period when they are collected in a brush before full disclosure. Spores form on the bottom of the leaf plate.

Propagation Features

The ability to reproduce by spores once again confirms the ancient origin of ferns. Despite the presence of soruses, these representatives of the flora do not produce seeds. Reproductive functions are performed by mature spores, which are spontaneously thrown into the external environment.

Habitat

Ferns are widespread throughout the world. Different species can be found in the northern latitudes of Scandinavia, heat-loving varieties adapted to live in the hot climate of Central Asia and South America. In summer, this type of vegetation is also found in the Arctic regions of Russia. Moreover, these cultures quickly adapt not only to different climatic conditions, arranging their homes on tree trunks, on the walls of buildings, in mountain gorges, in fields and in the aquatic environment. Even in the sultry desert, the fern takes root well, revitalizing the local landscape. But the favorite places for bracken are mixed forests.

Good to know! The ancient origin of ferns is proved by the fact that coal deposits are formed by this particular type of vegetation.

Kinds

Botanists described more than 10 thousand species of fern. In the space of the CIS countries and Russia, the most common type of bracken is an impressive set of medicinal properties. Therefore, the classification of this numerous genus is very complex and multi-stage. Further complicating the task of grouping the appearance of decorative fern crops. As for wild species, they are all divided into four main classes:

• Horsetail.
• Marattievs.
• Psilotoid.
• The real ones.

The class of true ferns, to which representatives of the genus millipede plants belong, is of great species diversity. Of the ferns belonging to this genus, the following species are most common:

1. The Thai variety is distinguished by complex leaves and thin rhizomes, loves moisture. The main places of settlement are stagnant waters. The Thai species is of no value as a medicinal raw material.
2. Indian species grows in the tropics. It is often grown for decorative purposes in office premises.
3. The male thyroid is a special privilege among traditional healers. It is this variety that has a rich chemical composition, which allows it to be used for the preparation of various dosage forms.
4. The forest type of fern is resistant to temperature fluctuations. This group includes such subspecies: an ostrich, a nomad, skewer.
5. Indoor or decorative varieties are the result of the work of breeders. Representatives of cultural species are distinguished by the elegant shape of the leaves; they have beautiful outlines of the basal part, which attracts florists. Indoor varieties of ferns are very moody, they love the abundance of moisture and light, but do not tolerate direct sunlight and cold. The most popular varieties for home growing: millipede, dixonia, adiantum, nephrolepis.

Note: although there are a lot of negative judgments about growing fern at home, such a neighborhood is very useful for a person. Scientists have proven that an indoor plant neutralizes the effects of electromagnetic studies, purifies the air.

Collection and storage

Herbalists advise collecting ferns in early spring. During this period, the concentration of active substances in the leaves and root is the highest. In summer and autumn, plants lose most of their composition.

Young shoots are harvested for culinary purposes and the preparation of certain dosage forms. Age-related leaves are also used in folk medicine as a natural compress for radiculitis and osteochondrosis. But the shelf life of fresh raw materials is limited to only two days, later the bracken becomes poisonous.

Rhizomes are harvested in late autumn. They are cleaned of the earth, scaly leaves and small appendages are removed. Dry plant material in an oven or in a well-ventilated area. Store finished raw materials recommended in a sealed container. The shelf life of such a blank is one year.

Note: brown roots cannot be used.

The healing properties of fern

Fern species bracken is actively used in medical practice. On its basis, various dosage forms are prepared according to popular recipes. Such home remedies complement the main complex of therapy for the following diseases:

• pleurisy;
• Botkin's disease (hepatitis);
• joint pain
• migraine;
• diarrhea;
• helminthic infestations;
• systematic constipation;
• intestinal disorders;
• noise in ears;
• pains of different nature of origin;
• endocrine system diseases;
• vitamin deficiencies;
• swelling.

Separately, I want to note precisely the possibility of restoring normal thyroid functions with the help of fern preparations. Such a therapeutic effect is provided by a very high content in iodine.

In addition to this advantage, there is a high therapeutic effect in the local treatment of open wounds and burns with fern preparations, which also deserves attention.

The ability of a plant to neutralize radionuclides is especially useful for people whose work is related to isotopes. Those who spend most of the time behind the computer monitor screen should also put a pot with a decorative fern variety nearby.

The addition of fresh herbs of the oldest of the plants should definitely be included in the menu for those who want to lose weight without harming their health. Enumerate the advantages of using a bracken or a thyroid can be a very long time. But this type of plant is trustworthy, if only because our ancestors used it comprehensively.

For women

For women's health, ferns that grow in our latitudes can provide significant support. The powerful antioxidant abilities of a relic plant can be used in home cosmetology to eliminate minor skin defects and age-related changes. Decoctions and infusions can be used to treat gynecological diseases at home. Very often in medical practice, such solutions are used for adnexitis for douching.

In inflammatory processes of the genitourinary sphere in women, internal intake of such drugs is allowed. Moreover, auxiliary methods of treatment involving bracken are allowed to be combined with the use of medications, including potent antibiotics. The plant will help to solve the following female problems:

• eliminate acne;
• relieve soreness of the premenstrual period;
• improve the condition with varicose veins;
• relieve migraines;
• cope with metabolic disorders.

For men

Fern is useful for representatives of the strong half of humanity with a high content of nutrients. With physical and psycho-emotional stress, it can become a valuable source of biologically active components. For prophylactic purposes, herbal brackets are recommended to be used to increase efficiency, as well as to neutralize the harmful effects of radiation on the body. For therapeutic purposes, fern is used for male infertility, prostatitis, sexual weakness.

During pregnancy

The bracken contains poisons and highly toxic compounds. An example is the whole group of alkaloids. In addition, components that stimulate blood flow are present in the roots and leaves. All this creates a danger to the normal bearing of the fetus. Therefore, during pregnancy, the use of fern in any species and forms is unacceptable.

When breastfeeding

After childbirth, every woman tries to recover faster. But breastfeeding puts a ban on the use of many food products. Fern varieties suitable for consumption are not prohibited for a nursing mother, but all such additives should be very carefully included in the diet. If the new herbal product does not cause an allergic reaction in the baby, you can add small portions of vitamin greens to everyday dishes.

Regarding the use of medicines, the opinion of doctors is unequivocal - it is forbidden to take such drugs to a nursing woman.

Important! It should be recalled that any kind of self-medication with herbs is potentially dangerous to health. Only a competent approach to conducting home therapy can reduce risks, which is difficult to accomplish without the participation of professionals in this process.

Fern in folk medicine

In medicine of eastern countries, fern plant species are widely used to replenish vital energy and treat various diseases. But the main purpose of these representatives of the flora is the fight against parasites. Particularly outstanding results are given by the process of driving a bull’s tapeworm. This type of invasion is considered the most difficult, since it is very difficult to treat. In addition to helminthiases, in traditional medicine with the use of bracken, as already noted, many other pathologies are treated.

Here are some recipes from the collection of traditional healers. Each recipe is unique in its content, but all methods are time-tested. Therefore, their effectiveness can be considered proven.

Healing baths

Water home procedures with the addition of a decoction of fern will relieve acute symptoms with exacerbation of rheumatism and gout. To do this, you need to boil 50 g of dry or 100 g of fresh rhizome of a plant for 2–3 hours in 2 liters of water. The process of preparing the healing solution should take place under a closed lid. When the composition is ready, pour the broth into the prepared bath with a water temperature of 28–32 ° C. A course of 10-12 baths localizes unpleasant symptoms, will improve the general condition.

As an alternative treatment option for rheumatism, you can use a very simple folk method - to fill the mattress with fresh fern leaves. Such an unusual bed will contribute to quick falling asleep and soothe aching joints.

Remedy for tapeworms

The treatment process in the manner described below will take two days.

The first day. There is a complete rejection of food. Allowed to drink only liquid. Before going to bed, drink a little castor oil and eat a piece of herring with onions.

Second day. In the morning on an empty stomach, take a vegetable pill from a fern. Then drink one pill every 3 minutes. In this mode, act for an entire hour. At the end of the treatment, once again drink a whole dessert spoon of castor oil.

Anthelmintic pills are prepared from a mixture of fern root powder and 2 ml of the essential oil of this plant.The resulting mass is divided into 30 identical parts.

The method of expelling worms and tapeworm

In this case, young bracken leaves are used as the main medicinal raw material. In a glass of boiling water, pour a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs. Determine the dishes with the resulting composition on a slow fire and simmer it for a quarter of an hour, then strain. Take a decoction in the morning for 4 days, but every day you need to prepare a new composition.

Treatment for varicose veins

For the treatment of varicose veins, you need to prepare fresh fern roots. After the initial processing of the plant material, the roots should be thoroughly washed, dried, and ground until gruel. You can use any auxiliary means, including household appliances, to simplify the task. Mix the resulting mass immediately in the same amount of yogurt (a home product is ideal). Then apply the finished mixture in a thick layer to the problem areas. Fix the vegetable compress on top with a piece of gauze. The duration of the procedure is 6 hours.

Pleurisy tincture

This option is suitable for the treatment of dry pleurisy. Preparing a tool from an alcohol base and crushed bracken root. The ratio of components: 1: 4. You need to insist the medicine for two weeks. Strain the solution before use.

A single dose for oral administration is 20 drops of tincture, but this amount is best diluted with a small amount of water. It is better to take tincture on an empty stomach. This tool is suitable for external use for pain in the joints. The procedure consists in rubbing the problem areas with tincture 3-4 times.

For the treatment of inguinal hernia

With this disease, a person experiences a certain discomfort, and often aching pains are added to the unpleasant sensations. Compresses from a mixture of powder from fern root with kefir will help relieve unpleasant symptoms. The procedure is best performed at night, applying a piece of tissue to the inguinal region with a thick layer of the resulting mixture applied to it. Such a compress is easy to fix with underwear.

Fern Health Elixir

Such a promising name this recipe received for the versatility of the medicinal composition. This means that with this simple tool you can treat almost all of the above pathologies, except for worms. For this purpose, forest dried fern is optimal. The cooking sequence is as follows:

1. Boil a glass of water.
2. Add 10 g of powder to boiling liquid.
3. Boil the solution for another half hour.
4. Add a little honey to the finished solution.
5. Drink the medicine once a day. The maximum daily dose of the drug is a teaspoon. The duration of the course of therapy is 2-3 weeks.

With leukemia

It is impossible to cure with a fern such a serious disease, but to significantly alleviate the patient's condition is a completely feasible task. This method does not fit the definition of treatment, because it consists of adding fresh young bracken shoots or dried raw materials to the food. Such an additive can be seasoned with soups, main dishes and salads for a month.

Types of healing compounds

It is easy to conclude that on the basis of the ground and underground parts of the fern according to popular recipes, almost all popular dosage forms can be prepared at home. Of course, each individual recipe is different in the ratio of the main ingredients, so the concentration of drugs for external and internal use is different. But the principle of preparation of drugs is identical.

Infusion

The healing infusion is prepared from a tablespoon of dried leaves and a glass of hot water. After connecting the components, the composition should be determined for 15 minutes in a water bath. Strain the solution before use.Single dose - 20 ml. This recipe is used to treat inflammation of the appendages in women.

Tincture

During the preparation of tinctures, you need to adhere to the following proportion: for one part of the roots crushed into crumbs, take three parts of vodka. After two weeks in the dark, the drug will be ready for use. It can be used both for oral administration (no more than a tablespoon), and for external treatment of wounds, boils.

Decoction

According to the classic recipe, the broth is prepared in a water bath. Proportions of ingredients: take 10 ml of water per 10 g of dry fern roots. Keep the composition in the bath until the volume of liquid decreases exactly twice. Before use, bring the amount of fluid to its original volume. The solution can be used for setting enemas. The norm for internal use is a teaspoon.

Tea

To maintain vitality, you can add a tablespoon of decoction or infusion of dry fern leaves to a traditional tea drink. Such an additive will benefit the body.

Butter

To prepare fern oil, you will need to prepare young shoots of the male fern or thyroid. In a liter jar, tightly place the plant material, pour the green mass with olive oil. Identify the vessel in a water bath for 40 minutes. Then separate the liquid part. The fern oil obtained in this way is used to treat diseased joints and back. The drug is rubbed into the skin with massaging movements.

Cooking Application

Fern plant species are readily used in the national cuisine of Japan, China, and Korea. Far East residents also add a healthy, natural product to their diet. Residents of New Zealand and Americans grind their roots, and bake delicious cakes from flour.

Although this plant is not suitable for Slavic food traditions, a lot of delicious nutritious dishes can be prepared from it. For example, young leaves can be added to light salads, and fry petioles with nuts. Some housewives use fern as seasoning for meat dishes and mushrooms. The leaves of the plant can be salted and pickled. They go well with beans and cereals.

Here are some simple recipes for delicious dishes of bracken fern.

Fresh shoot roast

This great appetizer goes well with any side dish. The set of products includes:

• fern shoots - 0.4 kg;
• garlic - 4 prongs;
• onion - a pair of heads;
• tomato paste - 2 tablespoons;
• salt;
• vegetable oil.

Cooking process:

1. The most important thing is to prepare the plant product in advance. To do this, soak freshly picked leaves for a day in salted water. This procedure removes the bitterness characteristic of fern foliage.
2. Then wash the parts of the plant with water, place in a pan with water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and cook the leaves for another quarter hour.
3. Throw boiled greens into a colander, cool.
4. Heat the pan, add oil, fry chopped onions until golden brown.
5. At this time, cut the boiled fern leaves, but not finely.
6. Add the green ingredient to the onion, fry with constant stirring.
7. In another container, heat a little vegetable oil and mix it with tomato paste.
8. Add the tomato dressing to the main part of the roast, salt.
9. At the end, add chopped garlic.

This dish should be served hot.

Salted fern

To prepare this delicacy, you only need salt and green fern. The ratio of ingredients is 7:10.

How to cook:

1. Separate well-washed leaves of the plant into small bunches. Wrap each bundle with an elastic band.
2. Then lay greens in a deep container layer by layer, abundantly sprinkling each layer with salt.
3. When the leaves take their place, crush the entire structure with a load. In this condition, the workpiece should stand for 24 hours.
4. After that, it bends to remove, and turn the entire green mass in the reverse order, that is, "upside down."
5. Put the press on again for a day.
6. Then drain the brine, mix again.

This salty billet is an excellent basis for other dishes.

Note: in addition to salt, you can add other spices if desired.

Egg salad

For this dish you will need:

• salted fern - 400 g;
• garlic - 3 prongs;
• mayonnaise - 100 g;
• pickled cucumbers - 1 pc.;
• boiled eggs - 3 pcs.

Process:

1. Soak a pre-salted plant product during the day. Then cut as a regular preparation for salad.
2. Then, fry the diced onions in a pan.
3. After 5 minutes, add fern to the onion.
4. Put out all 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs and cucumber, chopping them smaller.
6. After mixing, season the salad with mayonnaise.

Chicken Salad with Fern

For a change, you can cook this version of a hearty salad. Would need:

• chicken fillet - 0.3 kg;
• fern stalks (can be salty) - 300 g;
• onion - 3 heads;
• salt, pepper, vegetable oil - in the required quantities.

Process:

1. Dice the boiled chicken fillet.
2. With onions and fern, too, do the same. Soak the salty stems for a day.
3. In a pan, fry the chicken with onions in vegetable oil, add salt and pepper.
4. At the final stage of cooking, add fern.
5. Simmer the whole mass for 5 minutes over low heat.

You can serve the finished appetizer with fresh tomatoes.

Fried potatoes with fern

Main Products:

• salted fern orlyak - 200 g;
• onion - 1 head;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• several potatoes - 180 g;
• pepper, paprika, salt;
• vegetable oil.

How to cook:

1. Fry well soaked fern in oil, add spices, garlic.
2. Fry the potatoes in another pan.
3. Combine two parts of one dish, which can be supplemented with fresh vegetables.

Korean salad

In this case, the salted workpiece is also useful. The dish turns out with a bright "Korean" accent.

Grocery list:

• fern - 400 g;
• olive oil - 100 ml;
• onion - 1 head;
• soy sauce - 75 ml;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• chili pepper - to taste;
• Korean carrots - 200 g.

Algorithm of actions:

1. In oil, fry the chopped onion in a pan first.
2. Add chopped fern.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes, then add soy sauce.
4. In a separate bowl, mix Korean carrots with chopped garlic.
5. Add the fried fern and chilli to the carrots.

Such an appetizer will perfectly complement the fish dish, but the salad can be served with meat and any side dish.

Contraindications

The presence of a whole list of positive properties does not exclude the presence of negative qualities in this ancient plant. Since the composition contains quite toxic components, fern is strictly forbidden to use for treatment in the following conditions:

• pregnancy;
• the entire period of breastfeeding;
• anemia;
• children under 6 years old;
• active tuberculosis;
• individual intolerance to the plant;
• heart failure;
• any chronic liver pathology.

Also, we must not forget that spores on the leaves can provoke a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, the collection of plant material should always be carried out in clothing that protects exposed skin.

With an overdose of drugs involving fern, the following symptoms are observed:

• severe nausea appears;
• vomiting is often;
• the patient complains of severe headaches;
• general weakness, dizziness is noted;
• in severe cases, there may be cramps.

In advanced situations, such a clinic can be fatal. Therefore, if such a symptomatology appears during treatment with fern preparations, immediate emergency should be called.

Signs and superstitions about fern

One of the names of the fern “damn beard” is not accidentally given to the plant. In ancient times, people believed that the owner of hell from this plant prepares coals for the hot hell of the underworld. The rest of the people had a positive attitude towards fern. For example, it was believed that he protects a person from evil forces and troubles.

It is worth mentioning the following positive signs:

1. Old people claimed that fern brings harmony to the house, because it charges the home atmosphere with positive energy. If a plant lives in the house, then there will be no room for quarrels in it, and there will always be good relations and full understanding between family members.
2. Another popular sign says that fern must be kept in the house if the spouses have a different temperament. The plant will suppress irritation and dissatisfaction with each other and will help to find a compromise solution to strengthen the marriage.
3. In ancient times, people believed that fern brings wealth to the house, and helps gamblers guess the correct numbers and cards, and protects them from rash spending.
4. There was a sign that many adhere to today: if you transplant a plant from a home pot into the open ground, the fern will become a strong amulet for the house. This belief deserves special attention. It should definitely be noted by private homeowners and summer residents.
5. If suddenly a houseplant began to fade, then according to another popular omen the ill health of the fern is explained by the fact that it absorbed the negativity, protecting its owner.

To these pluses I would like to add a fact proved by science. In the office at the workplace is to put a pot of fern. Such a neighborhood will provide air purification, as well as protect the owner’s aura from the damaging effects of the negative emotions of colleagues and visitors.

Why you can’t keep a fern at home

Skeptics, and there are many of them, on the contrary, believe that the fern in the house is a disaster. Of course, such a statement is controversial, but if people living in a house or apartment after the appearance of the plant began to be bothered by headaches, sneezing, a rash appeared on the skin, such signs can indicate individual intolerance to this type of plant. In this case, you have to remove it from the house. As an option for the right decision - you can transfer the fern to that part of the house where household appliances are concentrated.

Esotericists believe that wild fern species have magical powers. Therefore, you can not plant a plant brought from the forest on the site. It is believed that divorced from their native place, it will bring failure to the house.

Of course, beliefs and signs cannot serve as a good reason to draw the correct conclusion about the value of a particular type of vegetation. But they reflect the wisdom and vast experience of previous generations. Therefore, if someone from the household began to complain about feeling unwell or quarrels became more frequent in the house, it is worth recalling old signs.

Important: to believe in signs or not, everyone must decide for himself. But just in case, you should never put a fern in the bedroom so that the plant does not begin to take strength and energy from the sleeping owners of the house.

Fern has witnessed many historical events. Perhaps he keeps the secret of the appearance of man on Earth. Although scientists have not yet guessed all the secrets of the oldest plant, the fact that its healing properties are unlimited is beyond doubt. It can be used for the prevention and treatment of a range of diseases. A wholesome plant can become the basis of exclusive dishes that are not ashamed to serve to the festive table.But the main advantage of the fern is that even at a distance from the person it will protect it from troubles, according to popular signs.

Fern photo