MAIDENHAIR FERN

Latin Name: Adiantum capillus-veneris

Alternate Names: Lady Fern, Venus Hair, Five Finger Fern, Rock Fern, Culantillo

Family: ADIANTACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, root.

Properties: Antiparasitic, Astringent, Demulcent, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hemostatic, Refrigerant, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Alcoholism, Amenorrhea, Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Congestion, Cough, Emphysema, Fever, Jaundice, Kidney Weakness, Laryngitis, Sore Throat, Worms
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.
Maidenhair Fern has been used to aid detoxification for alcoholics. It stimulates the function of the mucus membranes and can help those who have lingering coughs and are always clearing their throats.

Topical Uses: Dandruff, Insect Stings, Snakebites

Topical Applications: Wash for bee stings, centipede and snake bites. Hair rinse to give body to hair and to treat dandruff. The stems of the plant are used to make baskets.

Culinary uses: Young shoots are edible in the spring when they are still tightly coiled.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Filicine, filicinal, fernene, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, gallic acid, bitter principle (capillarine), terpenoids (adiantone), flavonoids (rutin, quercitin), mucilage, tannin.

Contraindications: Ferns that are uncoiled are somewhat toxic when eaten.

Comments: The genus name, Adiantum is from the Greek Adiantos, meaning 'unwetted' as the leaves of this plant repel water even though the herb grows in a wet environment. Ancient Mayans used it to decorate their altars for ceremonies.
The common name Maidenhair Fern also includes the species Adiantum pedatum, which is often used interchangeably with Adiantum capillus-veneris.