Show 22: Medicinal Ferns

judsoncarroll4

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/ferns-final

judsoncarroll4

Here is the link I mentioned: Search for herb name: "fern" (naturalmedicinalherbs.net)

Torey

Ferns are a fascinating subject. Not sure why they fell out of more common use. Although, in one of my herbal textbooks the author says that Male Fern is the only thing he has tasted that is worse than Wormwood. So maybe that's why. It mentions being used in combination with Wormwood and that Male Fern is almost a specific for tapeworm.

One of the poisoning symptoms of Male Fern is blindness and in Boericke's Homeopathic Materia Medica it is used to treat blindness. Curious that you mentioned it being held over the eyes for blindness. Clarke's Materia Medica suggests it for confusion of the mind and stupor. Everything is so connected!

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/893529#Comment_893529

I don't know... I like fiddle heads! Within say... 2 acres of my house, are enough ferns to fill a tractor trailer repeatedly... I live in fern heaven! I eat more ostrich ferns than bracken. But, I never thought of using them just applied to sore, inflamed areas. This year, I'll find out.

Torey

I love fiddleheads, too! I think it is the root of the Male Fern that was worse than Wormwood. Some roots can taste pretty earthy, woody and usually tannic and bitter.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/893531#Comment_893531

Well, I reckon we are going to have to find out!

jowitt.europe

I have never used ferns, but now, after reading so much about ferns I will definitely start using. Externally. For muscle pains, for lighter feet and legs while hiking.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/893589#Comment_893589

I am doing the same. Time to begin experimenting with them all and growing a bunch. I just bought a book on growing ferns!