Fern: therapeutic properties and contraindications

The ancient Slavs believed in the miraculous power of the fern. Until our days, there is a belief that this relic plant blooms every year on the night of St. John's Eve. And the lucky one who sees how the beautiful flower blooms, is sure to find the treasure, than provide himself and his loved ones a good life. But this is just a legend, because due to botanical peculiarities, flowers never appear on the fern. But this perennial has a lot of medicinal properties, the main of which is the ability to remove radionuclides and toxic products from the body.

The first people to experience this feature of the plant were the Japanese, who managed to survive the first-ever use of nuclear weapons by the Americans. Scientists in the Land of the Rising Sun noticed that the ants were not affected by the increased radioactive background. Considering that the diet of insects was orlyac fern, doctors began to recommend its use to the Japanese who suffered from radiation.

Detailed study of the most ancient plant on Earth later allowed to reveal a lot of other useful properties. In some countries of the world fern crops are actively used in cooking. For a long time fern remained little-studied, but today its composition and therapeutic effects have been proven experimentally. In folk medicine, recipes for home treatment of various diseases are actively used. Gastronomic gourmets regularly consume original dishes from different parts of the plant. Therefore, it is time to get acquainted with the most ancient representative of the plant world.

Chemical Composition

In the scientific community, there is an opinion that the fern is one of the first forms of life on our planet. And this statement is confirmed by many historical facts. So, back in pagan times, the Slavs called the plant "thunder" for the resemblance of its leaves with the wings of a bird. Later on, such famous nicknames appeared: Perunov ogninetsvet, devil's beard, magpie-toothed, orlyak, zolotnik, jar flower, kochedychnyk.

In general, our ancestors always associated this wonderful plant with the lord of lightning and thunder - the god Perun. They believed that it was Perun who sent this plant on earth, so that people could heal from wounds and diseases.

Modern scientists rely more on evidence than on divine power. Thanks to a detailed study of the plant, they managed to describe its composition. The main mass of active components is concentrated in the rhizomes of orlyak. This useful complex consists of the following components:

• alkaloids;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• essential oils;
• organic acids: hydrocyanic, glutamic, orleic-tannic;
• saponins;
• starches.

Also:

1. Vitamin group (found in young shoots): nicotinic acid, tocopherol, carotene, riboflavin.
2. Mineral elements: sulfur, manganese, iodine in large quantities, copper and others.
3. Plant enzymes that provide the process of hydrolysis of thiamine (vitamin B1).

It also contains fats and proteins, which are similar in properties to the proteins of cereals. But the main value of the composition are biologically active elements, the concentration of which is very high in the root part of the fern.

It is worth adding that the energy value of the plant as a food is only 34 kcal per hundred grams serving. Therefore, salads, which include fresh mullein greens, will contribute to weight loss.

How it looks and where it grows

It should be understood that ferns are a numerous genus of spore-bearing plants, including 48 families. All representatives are vascular plants. Wild ferns prefer to live in waterlogged, heavily moistened places. Some species reach truly gigantic sizes in such favorable conditions. For example, in the tropics there are examples of ferns up to 16 m high with four-meter long leaves. The ferns growing on Russian territory have more modest parameters: their height varies from 30 cm to 1 m.

External signs

1. The shield fern has a thick rhizome of a rich brown color. From the main trunk, a large number of adventitious spines, resembling threads, depart to the sides.
2. Scaly leaves grow from the top of the rhizome. The young leaves (bracts) resemble a snail. Then they unfurl and become hook-like.
3. The flowering period in the usual sense of the fern crops is absent. This function is taken over by the long leaves during the period when they are gathered in a brush before fully opening. Spores are formed on the lower part of the leaf plate.

Reproduction features

The ability to reproduce by spores once again confirms the ancient origin of ferns. Despite the presence of soruses, these representatives of the flora do not produce seeds. Reproductive functions are performed by mature spores, which are spontaneously released into the external environment.

Habitat

Ferns are widely distributed throughout the world. Different species can be found in the northern latitudes of Scandinavia, warm-loving varieties have adapted to live in the hot climate of Central Asia and South America. In the summertime in the Arctic regions of Russia, this type of vegetation can also be found. And these cultures quickly adapt not only to different climatic conditions, making a home for themselves on tree trunks, on the walls of buildings, in mountain canyons, in fields and in the aquatic environment. Even in the sweltering desert, the fern adapts well, enlivening the local landscape. But the favorite places for eaglegrass are mixed woodlands.

Useful to know! The ancient origin of ferns proves the fact that coal deposits are formed by this type of vegetation.

Species

Botanists have described more than 10 thousand species of ferns. On the territory of the CIS countries and Russia the most widespread species is orlyac, which has an impressive set of medicinal properties. Therefore, the classification of this numerous genus is very complex and multi-step. The emergence of ornamental fern crops has further complicated the task of grouping. As for the wild species, they are all divided into four main classes:

• Horsetail.
• Marattiaceae.
• Psyllotum-shaped.
• True.

The class of true ferns to which the representatives of the genus of millipedes belong is distinguished by a great species diversity. Of the ferns belonging to this genus, the following species are the most common:

1. The Thai variety is characterized by complex leaves and thin rhizomes, and adores moisture. The main sites of settlement are stagnant waters. The Thai species is of no value as a medicinal raw material.
2. The Indian species grows in the tropics. It is often grown for decorative purposes in offices.
3. Male shieldwort is particularly favored by folk healers. This particular variety has a rich chemical composition, which allows it to be used to prepare various medicinal forms.
4. The forest type of fern is resistant to temperature fluctuations. This group includes such subspecies: ostrich, marshmallow, eaglegrass.
5. Room or decorative varieties are the result of the work of breeders. Representatives of cultivated species are distinguished by the graceful shape of the leaves, they have beautiful outlines of the root part, which attracts florists. Indoor varieties of ferns are very capricious, they like plenty of moisture and light, but do not tolerate direct sunlight and cold. The most popular varieties for home cultivation are Polygonum, Dixonia, Adiantum, Nephrolepis.

Note: although there are many negative judgments about growing ferns at home, such a neighborhood is very useful for humans. Scientists have proved that the indoor plant neutralizes the effect of electromagnetic study, cleans the air.

Gathering and storage

Herbalists advise collecting ferns in early spring. During this period, the leaves and root part have the highest concentration of active substances. In summer and autumn, plants lose most of the composition.

Young shoots are harvested for culinary purposes and the preparation of some medicinal forms. Aged leaves are also used in folk medicine as a natural compress for radiculitis and osteochondrosis. But the shelf life of fresh raw materials is limited to only two days, later orlyak becomes poisonous.

The rhizomes are harvested in late autumn. They are peeled from the ground, remove the scaly leaves and small appendages. Dry the plant material in an oven or in a well-ventilated room. Store the finished raw material is recommended in a sealed container. The shelf life of such a preparation - one year.

Note: The rotted roots should not be used.

Therapeutic properties of ferns

The fern of the orleac species is actively used in medical practice. On its basis, various medicinal forms are prepared according to folk recipes. Such home remedies complement the main complex of therapy for the following diseases:

• pleurisy;
• Botkin's disease (hepatitis);
• joint pain;
• migraines;
• diarrhea;
• worm infestations;
• systematic constipation;
• intestinal disorders;
• tinnitus;
• pains of various origins;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• avitaminosis;
• swelling.

Separately want to note it is possible to restore with the help of preparations fern normal functions of the thyroid gland. This therapeutic effect is provided by a very high content of iodine.

In addition to this advantage, there is a high therapeutic effect in the local treatment of open wounds and burns with fern preparations, which also deserves attention.

The plant's ability to neutralize radionuclides is especially useful for people whose work is related to isotopes. Those who spend most of their time in front of a computer screen should also put a pot with a decorative variety of fern nearby.

The addition of fresh herbs of the most ancient of plants is worth to include in the menu of those who want to lose weight without compromising their health. To enumerate the advantages of using orleaf or shield ferns can be very long. But this kind of plant is trustworthy at least because it was comprehensively used by our ancestors.

For women

For women's health, ferns that grow in our latitudes can provide significant support. The powerful antioxidant abilities of the relic plant can be used in home cosmetology to correct minor skin imperfections and age-related changes. Decoctions and infusions can be used at home to treat gynecological diseases. Very often in medical practice, such solutions are used in adnexitis for douches.

In inflammatory processes of the genitourinary tract in women, it is allowed to take such medicines internally. And auxiliary methods of treatment involving orlyak are allowed to combine with the admission of medicines, including potent antibiotics. The plant will help to solve the following female problems:

• eliminate acne;
• Relieve the pain of premenstrual period;
• Improve the condition of varicose veins;
• Get rid of migraines;
• cope with metabolic disorders.

For men

Fern is useful for the representatives of the male half of mankind with its high content of nutrients. In physical and psycho-emotional stress, it can be a valuable source of biologically active components. For preventive purposes, herbalists recommend the use of orlyak to improve performance, as well as to neutralize the harmful effects on the body of radioactive radiation. With the medicinal purpose of the fern is used in male infertility, prostatitis, sexual weakness.

When pregnant.

Eagle fern contains poisons and highly toxic compounds. As an example, a whole group of alkaloids. In addition, the roots and leaves contain components that stimulate blood flow. All this poses a danger to the normal carrying of the fetus. Therefore, during pregnancy, the use of fern in any form or form is unacceptable.

When breastfeeding

After childbirth, every woman tries to recover faster. But breastfeeding places a ban on the use of many foods. Suitable varieties of fern are not prohibited for a nursing mother, but all such supplements should be included in the diet very carefully. If the new plant product does not cause the baby an allergic reaction, you can add small portions of vitamin greens in everyday dishes.

Regarding the use of medicines, the opinion of medics is unequivocal - it is forbidden to take such preparations for breastfeeding women.

Important! It should be reminded that any kind of self-treatment with herbs is potentially dangerous to health. Only a competent approach to home therapy can reduce the risks, which is difficult to perform without the participation of professionals in this process.

Fern in traditional medicine

In the medicine of Eastern countries, fern species of plants are widely used to replenish vital energy and treat various diseases. But the main purpose of these flora is to fight parasites. Particularly outstanding results are given by the process of bovine chain expulsion. This type of infestation is considered the most difficult, because it is very difficult to treat. In addition to helminth infestations, in folk medicine, many other pathologies are treated with the use of orlyac, as already noted.

Here are a few recipes from the collection of folk healers. Each recipe is unique in its content, but all methods are time-tested. Therefore, their effectiveness can be considered proven.

Therapeutic baths

Water home treatments with the addition of decoction of the fern will relieve acute symptoms with exacerbation of rheumatism and gout. To do this, you need 50 g of dry or 100 g of fresh rhizomes of the plant for 2-3 hours boiled in 2 liters of water. The process of preparing a healing solution should take place under a closed lid. When the composition is ready, pour the decoction into a prepared bath with a water temperature of 28-32 ° C. A course of 10-12 baths will localize unpleasant symptoms and improve the general condition.

As an alternative treatment option for rheumatism you can use a very simple folk method - stuff a mattress with fresh fern leaves. Such an unusual bed will promote fast falling asleep and soothe painful joints.

Remedy for solitaire

The treatment process in the way that will be described below will take two days.

Day one. A complete refusal of food is envisaged. It is allowed to drink only liquids. Before going to bed, drink some castor oil and eat a piece of herring with onions.

The second day. In the morning on an empty stomach take a vegetable pill of fern. Then take one pill every 3 minutes. In this mode act for a full hour. At the end of the treatment, drink a whole dessert spoonful of castor oil again.

Anthelmintic pills are prepared from a mixture of fern root powder and 2 ml of essential oil of this plant. The resulting mass is divided into 30 equal parts.

Method of expulsion of worms and tapeworm

In this case, as the main medicinal raw material, the young leaves of orlyaca are used. In a glass of boiling water should be poured a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs. The vessel with the resulting composition to determine on a slow fire and a quarter of an hour to simmer it, then strain. Take decoction in the morning for 4 days, but every day should prepare a new composition.

Means for the treatment of varicose veins

To treat varicose veins, you will need to prepare fresh roots of the fern. After primary processing of plant material, the roots should be well washed, dried, crushed to a pulp. It is possible to use any auxiliary means to simplify the task, including household appliances. The resulting mass immediately mix in the same amount of sour milk (homemade product is ideal). Then apply the ready mixture in a thick layer on the problem areas. Fix the herbal compress on top with a piece of gauze. The duration of the procedure is 6 hours.

Tincture for the treatment of pleurisy

This option is suitable for the treatment of dry pleurisy. The remedy is prepared from an alcohol base and crushed orlyaca root. The ratio of the components: 1:4. It is necessary to insist the medicine for two weeks. Before use, strain the solution.

A single dose for ingestion - 20 drops of tincture, but this amount is better diluted with a small amount of water. It is better to take the tincture on an empty stomach. This remedy is suitable for external use for joint pain. The procedure consists of rubbing problem areas with the tincture 3-4 times.

To treat inguinal hernia

With such a disease, a person experiences a certain discomfort, and often to the unpleasant sensations are added more nagging pain. To relieve unpleasant symptoms will help compresses from a mixture of fern root powder with kefir. The procedure is best performed at night, putting to the groin area a piece of cloth with a thick layer of the mixture applied to it. Such a compress is easy to fix with underwear.

Elixir of health from the fern

Such a promising name this recipe got for the versatility of the medicinal composition. This means that with the help of this simple remedy, you can treat almost all the above pathologies, except for worms. For this purpose, the forest dried fern is optimally suited. The sequence of preparation is as follows:

1. Boil a glass of water.
2. In the boiling liquid add 10 grams of powder.
3. Boil the solution for another half hour.
4. In the ready solution add a little honey.
5. Drink the cure once a day. The maximum daily dose of the drug is a teaspoon. The duration of the course of therapy is 2-3 weeks.

With leukemia

It is not possible to cure such a serious disease with ferns, but it is possible to relieve the patient's condition considerably. This method does not qualify in any way as a cure, because it consists of adding to food fresh young shoots of orleaguet or dried raw materials. Such an additive can season soups, main courses and salads for a month.

Types of medicinal compositions

It is not difficult to conclude that on the basis of the ground and underground part of the fern, according to folk recipes, you can prepare at home almost all popular medicinal forms. Of course, each individual recipe differs in the ratio of the main ingredients, so the concentration of preparations for external and internal use is different. But the principle itself of preparation of medicines is identical.

Infusion

The therapeutic infusion is prepared from a tablespoon of dried leaves and a glass of hot water. After combining the components, the composition should be placed in a water bath for 15 minutes. Before use, strain the solution. The daily dose is 20 ml. This recipe is used to treat inflammation of the appendages in women.

Tincture .

During the preparation of the tincture, it is necessary to adhere to the following proportion: take three parts of vodka for one part of the crushed roots. After two weeks of soaking in the dark, the drug will be ready for use. You can use both for ingestion (no more than a tablespoon), and for external treatment of wounds, boils.

Decoction .

According to the classic recipe, the decoction is prepared in a water bath. Ingredient proportions: 10 g of dried fern roots take 200 ml of water. Keep the composition on the bath until the volume of liquid decreases exactly two times. Before use, bring the amount of liquid to its original volume. The solution can be used for enemas. The norm for internal administration is a teaspoon.

Tea

To maintain vitality, you can add a tablespoon of decoction or infusion of dried leaves of the fern to the traditional tea drink. Such a supplement will benefit the body.

Oil

To prepare the oil of the fern will need to harvest the young shoots of the male fern or shield-fern. In a liter jar tightly put the plant material, pour the green mass with olive oil. Place the vessel in a water bath for 40 minutes. Then separate the liquid part. Obtained in this way fern oil is used to treat sick joints and back. Rub the preparation into the skin with massaging movements.

Cooking applications

Fern species of the plant are willingly used in the national cuisine of Japan, China, Korea. Residents of the Far East also add a useful natural product to the diet. New Zealanders and Americans grind the roots and use the flour to bake delicious cakes.

Although little suited to Slavic food traditions, the plant can be used to prepare a host of tasty, nutritious dishes. For example, the young leaves can be added to light salads, and the petioles can be roasted with nuts. Some housewives use the fern as a condiment for meat dishes and mushrooms. The leaves of the plant can be salted and pickled. They go well with beans and cereals.

Here are some simple recipes for delicious dishes made from orleaf ferns.

Roast of fresh shoots

This great appetizer will go with any side dish. The set of products includes:

• fern shoots - 0.4 kg;
• garlic - 4 cloves;
• Onion - a couple of heads;
• tomato paste - 2 tablespoons;
• salt;
• vegetable oil.

Cooking process:

1. The most important thing is to prepare the vegetable product in advance. To do this, soak freshly harvested leaves in salted water for a day. This procedure will remove the bitterness characteristic of fern leaves.
2. Then rinse the parts of the plant with water and place them in a pot of water. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and cook the leaves for another quarter of an hour.
3. Toss the boiled herbs in a colander, cool.
4. Heat a frying pan, add oil, fry chopped onion until golden.
5. At this time, chop the cooked fern leaves, but not finely.
6. Add the green ingredient to the onions, fry with constant stirring.
7. In another container, heat a little vegetable oil and mix it with the tomato paste.
8. Add the tomato dressing to the main part of the roast, add salt.
9. At the end, add crushed garlic.

This dish should be served hot.

Salted fern

To prepare this delicacy, you will need only salt and fern greens. The ratio of ingredients is 7:10.

How to prepare:

1. Divide the well-washed leaves of the plant into small bundles. Wrap each bundle with a rubber band.
2. Then in a deep container, place the greens in layers, sprinkling each layer with salt.
3. When the leaves take their place, load the entire structure. In this state, the preparation should stand for 24 hours.
4. After this, remove the burden, and turn the whole green mass in reverse order, i.e. "upside down".
5. Again put the press for 24 hours.
6. Then drain the brine, stir the mass again.

Such a pickle is an excellent base for other dishes.

Note: In addition to salt, you can also add other spices if desired.

Salad with egg

For this dish will require:

• salted fern - 400 g;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• mayonnaise - 100 gr;
• Pickled cucumbers - 1 pc;
• Boiled eggs - 3 pcs.

Process:

1. Pre-salted vegetable product to soak for days. Then cut it as a usual salad dressing.
2. Then fry diced onions in a pan.
3. After 5 minutes add ferns to onions.
4. Simmer all for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs and cucumber, chopping them finely.
6. After mixing, dress the salad with mayonnaise.

Chicken salad with fern

For a change, you can prepare this version of a hearty salad. Need:

• chicken fillet - 0,3 kg;
• fern stalks (can be salted) - 300 g;
• onions - 3 heads
• salt, pepper, vegetable oil - in the necessary amounts.

Process:

1. Dice the boiled chicken fillet.
2. With the onion and fern also do the same way. Soak the salted stalks for 24 hours.
3. In a pan, fry the chicken with onions in vegetable oil, add salt and pepper.
4. At the final stage of cooking, add the fern.
5. Braise the whole mass for 5 minutes on low heat.

Serve the ready appetizer can be served with fresh tomatoes.

Fried potatoes with fern

Main products:

• salted orleaf fern - 200 g;
• onion - 1 head;
• Garlic - 1 clove;
• a few potatoes - 180 grams;
• pepper, paprika, salt;
• vegetable oil.

How to cook:

1. Well-soaked fern fry in oil, add spices, garlic.
2. In another pan, fry the potatoes.
3. Combine the two parts of one dish, which can be supplemented with fresh vegetables.

Korean salad

In this case, salty billet also comes in handy. The dish turns out with a bright "Korean" accent.

List of products:

• fern - 400 g;
• olive oil - 100 ml;
• onion - 1 head;
• soy sauce - 75 ml;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• chili pepper - to taste;
• Korean carrots - 200 gr.

Algorithm of action:

1. In oil in a frying pan fry first sliced onion.
2. Add chopped fern.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes, then add soy sauce.
4. In a separate bowl, mix Korean carrots and minced garlic.
5. Add the roasted fern and chili peppers to the carrots.

This appetizer is a great addition to a fish dish, but the salad can be served with meat and any side dish.

Contraindications for use

The presence of a whole list of positive properties does not exclude the presence of negative qualities in this ancient plant. Since the composition contains quite poisonous components, fern is strictly forbidden to use for the treatment of the following conditions:

• pregnancy;
• the entire period of breastfeeding;
• anemia;
• Children under the age of 6 years;
• active tuberculosis;
• individual intolerance to the plant;
• heart failure;
• Any chronic liver pathology.

Also do not forget that the spores on the leaves can provoke a strong allergic reaction. Therefore, the collection of plant material should always be carried out in clothing that protects the exposed skin.

In an overdose of medicines involving ferns, the following symptoms are observed:

• severe nausea appears;
• Vomiting is not uncommon;
• The patient complains of severe headaches;
• General weakness, dizziness are noted;
• In severe cases, seizures may occur.

In neglected situations such a clinic can lead to death. Therefore, if against the background of treatment with fern preparations such symptomatology appeared, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Superstitions and omens about the fern

One of the names of the fern "devil's beard" was not accidentally given to the plant. In ancient times, people believed that the host of hell out of this plant is preparing the coals for the hot furnace of the underworld. Otherwise, people had a positive attitude toward the fern. For example, it was thought to protect people from evil forces and trouble.

It is also worth mentioning the following positive omens:

1. Old people assured that the fern brings harmony to the house, because it charges the home atmosphere with positive energy. If the plant lives in the house, it means that there will be no quarrels in it, and between family members will always be good relations and complete mutual understanding.
2. Another folk omen says that the fern must be kept in the house if the spouses have different temperaments. The plant will quench irritation and dissatisfaction with each other and help find a compromise solution to strengthen marital bonds.
3. Even in the old days people believed that the fern brings wealth to the house, and gamblers helps to guess the right numbers and cards, guards against reckless spending.
4. There was an omen, which many adhere to even today: if you transplant a plant from a domestic pot in the open ground, the fern would be a strong talisman for the house. This belief deserves special attention. It is worth to take note of private homeowners and gardeners.
5. If suddenly the indoor plant began to wither, then according to another folk omen the unhealthiness of the fern can be explained by the fact that it absorbed the negative, protecting its owner.

To these advantages we would like to add a fact, proven by science. In the office in the workplace should be placed a pot with a fern. Such a neighborhood will provide air purification, as well as protect the aura of the owner from the destructive influence of negative emotions of colleagues and visitors.

Why can not keep a fern at home

Skeptics, and there are quite a few of them, on the contrary, believe that the fern in the house is to trouble. Of course, such a statement is controversial, but if people living in the house or apartment after the appearance of the plant began to disturb headaches, sneezing, appeared rash on the skin, such signs can indicate an individual intolerance to this type of plants. In this case, you will have to remove it from the house. As an option of the right solution - you can move the fern to the part of the house where the appliances are concentrated.

Esotericists believe that wild species of fern have magical powers. Therefore, you can not plant a plant that was brought from the forest. It is believed that torn away from its native place, it will bring bad luck to the house.

Of course, beliefs and omens can not serve as a good reason to draw the right conclusion about the value of a particular type of vegetation. But they reflect the wisdom and experience of previous generations. Therefore, if any of the household members began to complain about poor health or quarrels became more frequent in the house, it is worth remembering the ancient omens.

It is important: Believe in omens or not, everyone must decide for himself. But just in case, you should never put a fern in the bedroom, so that the plant does not take away the power and energy of sleeping masters of the house.

The fern has witnessed many historical events. Perhaps, it holds the secret of the appearance of man on Earth. Although scientists have not yet unraveled all the secrets of the ancient plant, the fact that its healing properties are boundless is beyond doubt. It can be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. Useful plant can become the basis of exclusive dishes that are not ashamed to serve on the festive table. But the most important advantage of the fern is that even at a distance from a person will protect him from trouble, if you believe folk omens.

Photo of a fern