Maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)

Effect:

decongestant, blood purifying, expectorant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, astringent, antitussive

Areas of application:

Reduces the urge to cough, has decongestant properties for irritated bronchi, diseases of the throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, whooping cough, produces milk in breastfeeding mothers, pain-relieving for menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, as a hair conditioner, urinary tract problems, gallstones, heartburn, indigestion, circulatory problems, reduces varicose veins and hemorrhoids , spasmodic ulcers

Plant parts used:

frond

Collection time:

June to September

To find:

On damp rocky slopes in southern areas, on damp meadows in the Alps.

Ingredients:

Bitter substances, tannins, essential oils, mucilage, flavonoids, quinic acid, proanthocyanidins, triterpenes

Miscellaneous:

☕ Tea: Pour 1 heaped teaspoon of herb with 1/4 liter of boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, drink up to 3 cups daily. With less water, the tea becomes more intense and children also enjoy it.

The dried fronds are also used as a substitute for black tea.

Venus hair grows 6 to 12 inches tall and forms clumps of fern fronds that grow from branching rhizomes. The light green fronds are divided into pinnate leaves less than 1/2 inch long. The main stem of the leaf is thin, black and shiny, while the delicate stems are as thin as a hair, giving it a very delicate appearance.

🛑 Be careful when collecting ferns! All ferns with large fronds are highly poisonous. The small ferns, such as B. Angel sweet or Venus hair with the delicate leaves are non-toxic.

You can make a tasty syrup from the fronds of the Maidenhair fern, which, like tea, can be used for coughs and to loosen mucus.