Bracken Fern
Parts Usually Used
Roots and young shoots
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
One of the most common ferns; 3-6 feet tall, forming large colonies. Leaves are triangular, divided into 3 parts; leaflets blunt-tipped; upper ones not cut to midrib.
Where Found
Barren soils. Much of the United States; mostly absent from the Great Plains.
Uses
Historical herbal traditions regarded bracken fern as a remedy for insect bites, with some practices involving rubbing the plant directly onto the affected skin. In tropical regions, it was utilized as an insect repellent, and people stuffed pillows and mattresses with the fronds in an effort to deter bed bugs and other pests, as well as to address rheumatism. Native American traditions made use of the root brewed as a tea for stomach cramps and diarrhea, while the smoke from the plant was employed for headaches.
The roots were also prepared as poultices for burns and sores, and utilized as an astringent, tonic, and hair wash intended to stimulate growth. Additionally, historical herbalists administered root tea for intestinal worms.
Warning
Poisonous in excessive doses. Disturbs thiamine metabolism. Recently reported to cause cancer in grazing animals; contains at least 3 carcinogens. Use only with medical supervision.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000 The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr.
A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991