Fern (aglaomorpha)
Synopsis of fern
Ferns are an ancient group of vascular, non-flowering plants with over 10,000 species worldwide. While many ferns are ornamental, some species have been used medicinally for centuries across different cultures. The rhizomes, fronds, or spores of specific ferns contain flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, and have been used for purposes ranging from digestive and respiratory support to antiparasitic and skin applications.
Not all ferns are medicinal, and some are toxic, but the most notable medicinal species include:
- Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern): Traditionally used as a vermifuge (expels intestinal worms)
- Polypodium leucotomos: A Central and South American fern known for its antioxidant and skin-protective properties, particularly in UV damage and inflammatory skin disorders
- Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Used in European folk medicine as a mild laxative and diuretic
- Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern): Sometimes used in poultices for wounds and bites
Medicinal ferns have been studied for:
- Antiparasitic action: Especially Dryopteris filix-mas, once a standard treatment for tapeworm and roundworm infections
- Skin protection and photoprotection: Polypodium leucotomos extract has been shown to reduce UV-induced skin damage, support pigmentation disorders like vitiligo, and calm inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Via polyphenols and flavonoids in certain fern species
- Mild digestive stimulation: In traditional herbal remedies, fern rhizomes were sometimes used for bloating, constipation, and weak digestion
Ferns are typically used in capsule, tincture, or powdered extract form, and only certain species are safe for internal use.
Historical Use
Ferns have a long-standing history in European, Native American, Asian, and South American herbal traditions:
- In Western herbalism, Dryopteris filix-mas was listed in major pharmacopoeias as a vermifuge, particularly for tapeworms, and used cautiously due to its potential toxicity at high doses
- Native American tribes used different fern species for fevers, wounds, digestive complaints, and women’s health
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, some ferns were used to expel parasites, cool heat, and reduce inflammation
- In South and Central America, Polypodium leucotomos (known as "calaguala") was used as a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory agent, especially for skin and immune health
Today, the most widely used fern extract in modern natural medicine is Polypodium leucotomos, often found in:
- Skin care supplements to reduce sunburn, melasma, and photoaging
- Autoimmune skin condition protocols (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo)
- Adjunct therapy for sun sensitivity disorders like polymorphic light eruption (PMLE)
Because some ferns are toxic in large doses or with prolonged use, identification and preparation by knowledgeable practitioners is essential.
Fern is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Broken Bones (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Knees (weak) (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
