Evidence supporting the use of: Fern
For the health condition: Broken Bones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Synopsis: Ferns, particularly species such as Osmunda regalis (royal fern) and Polypodium vulgare, have been referenced in various traditional medicine systems for supporting the healing of broken bones. Ethnobotanical records from regions in Europe and Asia indicate that poultices made from the leaves or rhizomes of ferns were applied topically to fractures and bruises. These practices were rooted in folk beliefs about the fern’s supposed ability to “knit” bones, possibly due to the plant’s resilience and regenerative growth patterns observed in nature. However, there is minimal scientific validation for these uses. No high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies have established that ferns contain bioactive compounds that significantly promote bone healing. Some preliminary phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of flavonoids and other antioxidants in certain fern species, but these are not specifically linked to bone repair. Therefore, while the use of ferns for broken bones is well documented in traditional medicine, particularly before the advent of modern orthopedics, the evidence base is weak and predominantly anecdotal. Modern medicine does not endorse the use of ferns for bone healing, and patients are advised to seek appropriate medical care for fractures. The continued reference to ferns in this context is a reflection of cultural heritage rather than scientific efficacy.

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