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Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)

Fern
View Images of Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
Common Name Latin Name Plant Family
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Polypodiaceae

The leaves are used as a hair tonic and treatment for dandruff[21, 106, 222].

  • Medicinal Use

    The maidenhair fern has a long history of medicinal use and was the main ingredient of a popular cough syrup called ‘Capillaire’, which remained in use until the nineteenth century[268]. The plant is little used in modern herbalism.

    The fresh or dried leafy fronds are antidandruff, antitussive, astringent, demulcent, depurative, emetic, weakly emmenagogue, emollient, weakly expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, laxative, pectoral, refrigerant, stimulant, sudorific and tonic[4, 7, 9, 21, 46, 61, 218, 222, 240, 268]. A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of coughs, throat afflictions and bronchitis[222]. It is also used as a detoxicant in alcoholism[7] and to expel worms from the body[222]. Externally, it is used as a poultice on snake bites, bee stings etc[218, 222, 257]. In Nepal, a paste made from the fronds is applied to the forehead to relieve headaches and to the chest to relieve chest pains[272]. The plant is best used fresh, though it can also be harvested in the summer and dried for later use[7, 9].

  • Edible Use

    The fronds are used as a garnish on sweet dishes[5].

    The dried fronds are used to make a tea[2, 106, 115, 177, 183].

    A syrup is made from the plant – it makes a refreshing summer drink[115, 183]. The fern (does this refer to the rootstock?) is simmered in water for several hours and the liquid made into a thick syrup with sugar and orange water. It is then mixed with fruit juices to make a refreshing drink.

  • Cautionary Notes

    Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].

Cultivation & Habitat

Spores – best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Germination should take place within 6 weeks[238]. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division in spring or autumn. Best carried out in early spring[238].
Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and in the soil[4], though the soil should be well-drained[238]. Likes a position with plenty of light but dislikes full sun[1]. Prefers a sheltered shady position[238]. If the plant dries out temporarily it will lose most of its fronds, though it will usually resprout from the base[238]. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain, even though they are a native species[K]. They only succeed in areas with little or no frosts, growing well on maritime cliffs in the milder areas of the country[K]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. A very ornamental plant[1].
Tropical and warm temperate zones throughout the world, including Britain.

Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.

*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.

As with ALL things; Take only what resonates with your heart and higher self, and leave the rest behind.

Repository of Divination tools, News, Elements, Spells, Rituals, Clearings, Entities, Ascension; Kitty is a magpie at heart, gathering information trinkets from everywhere and sharing them here in hopes that some might shine a light on your journey in this Incarnation. Please only take what resonates with your heart and leave the rest behind. Tionscadal Mo Chroi (Project of my heart) Lovingly curated by Kitty, bean draío leabharlannaí (Librarian Witch)

  • For any question, you can cast a handful or bag of Runes and read the meaning of the runes that land face up only.
  • You may cast them into a circle (drawn with chalk or as a pattern on a cloth). Read the runes that land inside the circle AND face up.
  • If The Eye (Witches Rune) or Tiwaz (Elder Futhark) appears amongst the runes when cast, pay extra attention to where the eye is looking or Tiwaz is pointing.
  • Pro Tip: You can also use runes just as you would the Tarot, with ANY tarot spread. Simply pull one at a time from your bag to fill the layout.

*while Witches’ and Elder Futhark are different sets of runes, (just as English and Gaelic are different languages) I use mine together;  my rune casts are “bilingual”. I have made the same choice in my online rune layouts. Alainn Tarot interactive includes both sets at the same time. 

These are plants that grow in my own yard or elements that I keep in stock personally, gathered in a single category for my own quick navigation.