Showing posts with label cough. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cough. Show all posts

Friday, August 14, 2015

Peruvian Pepper Tree Medicinal Uses for Lung Disease Ulcers, Sores Inflamations Hearth Problems

By Liliana Usvat    
Blog 346-365

 












Other Names
  • escobilla,
  • false pepper

Traditional Medicinal Uses: as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiseptic against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections; for Candida and yeast infections; to tone, balance, and strengthen heart function and as a heart regulator for arrhythmia and mild hypertension; to stop bleeding and heal wounds internally and externally

Suggested Use: Take 60 drops (2 ml) of a 1:4 tincture extract 2-3 times daily or as needed. Can also be used externally by applying to the skin twice daily and letting dry completely. As a gargle or mouth rinse, dilute 60 drops (2 ml) in a small amount of warm water and swish in mouth 2-3 times daily. To learn how to make your own extract, email me.

Traditional Preparation: The leaves are best prepared as an infusion, and the bark is best prepared as a decoction or an alcohol tincture. Generally, 1/2 cup of a bark decoction twice daily is used for colds, flu, sore throats and other upper respiratory infections; 2-3 ml of a 4:1 tincture taken two or three times daily can be substituted, if desired. This traditional remedy is also used as a heart tonic and for irregular heartbeat. A leaf decoction twice daily or as needed is generally used for menstrual disorders.

Contraindications: This plant has been documented with uterine stimulant and uterine antispasmodic actions in animal studies and should therefore not be used in pregnancy

WORLDWIDE ETHNO-MEDICAL USES
Argentina for diarrhea, menstrual disorders, respiratory tract infections, inflammation, urinary tract infections, wounds
Brazil for bronchitis, constipation, cough, cystitis, depression, diarrhea, eye diseases, fever, flu, gonorrhea, heart problems, hemorrhage, inflammation, menstrual disorders, respiratory tract infections, rheumatism, spasms, tumors, urethritis, urinary tract disorders, and as a astringent, stimulant, and tonic
Colombia for diarrhea, lung diseases, rheumatism
Mexico for asthma, bronchitis, cataract, colic, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, digestive disorders, flu, foot fungus, gonorrhea, gum, mouth sores, rheumatism, sores (skin), stomachache, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, ulcers, urogenital diseases, venereal disease, warts, wounds, and as an astringent
Paraguay for gonorrhea, menstrual disorders, sores, urethritis, urinary insufficiency, wounds
Peru for constipation, fevers, fractures, rheumatism, toothache, tumors, urinary insufficiency, warts, wounds, and as an antiseptic
South Africa for arrhythmia, colds, cough, depression, gout, hypertension, inflammation, pain, rheumatism
Turkey for constipation, coughs, excessive mucous, gonorrhea, urinary insufficiency, and as a digestive stimulant, and tonic
Uruguay for menstrual disorders, rheumatism, wounds, and as an antiseptic
Elsewhere for bronchitis, constipation, coughs, excessive mucous, edema, eye diseases, gingivitis, gout, hypertension, menstrual disorders, rheumatism, sores, swelling, urinary insufficiency, urogenital inflammation, venereal disease, viruses, and to stimulate digestion


This plant has a traditional use in South America for heart problems (hypertension and arrhythmia).

Main Actions


  • antibacterial, 
  • anticandidal,
  •  antifungal, 
  • antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), 
  • cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart) 
Other Uses

The leaves are also used for the natural dying of textiles in the Andean region. This practice dates back to pre-Columbian times.

Use for Reforestation

The tree reproduces through seed, suckers and cuttings. Seeds have a particularly hard coat and germination rates are greatly improved after seeds have passed through the gut of birds or other animals. Seeds germinate in spring, with seedlings slow growing until established

Monday, May 25, 2015

Mexican Trees Plumeria - Frangipani Trees Medicinal Uses

By Liliana Usvat      
Blog 324-365





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Frangipani names around the world

The botanic name is Plumeria. Around the world the frangipani (plumeria) is called:
  • The Aztec word is Cocaloxochite.
  • Tipanier in Tahiti.
  • Dok jampa  or Dok champa in Laos
  • Pomelia and Frangipane in Italy
  • Couleuvre, or Snake Tree in St.Barths Bois
  • Kemboja kuning in Malaysia
  • Pansal Mal in Sri Lanka
  • Jepun in Bali, Indonesia
  • Flor de Mayo in Yucatan, Puebla, El Salvador
  • Flor de la Cruz in Guatemala
  • Pumeli or Melia in Hawaii
  • Amapola in Venezuela
  • Kang Nai Xin in China
  • Phool in India
  • Hoa Su (Southern ), Hoa Dai (Northern) and Hoa Su Ma (ghost Plumeria) in Vietnam
  • Kalachuchi in the Philippines
  • Flor de Cebo in the Canary Islands
  • Sacuanjoche in Nicaragua (the name is derived from the word "xacuan" from a native language called náhuatl and means "precious yellow feather or flower".
  • Common names are Temple Tree or Pagoda Tree in India and the Far East, Graveyard Tree in the Caribbean Islands, Temple Flower in Sri Lanka, and May flower (for the time of flowering) in Nicaragua.
Description
 
Plumeria (English) Sac Nicte (Maya) Flor de Mayo (Spanish), Plumeria rubra, from the Apocinaceae family, it is native to Mexico and South-America. Today this perfumed flowering tree is found in many tropical countries.  Plumeria trees bloom during the spring in Yucatan. 
 
Frangipani flowers are also traditionally used in leis – Hawaiian necklaces made from leaves, seashells, ivory and flowers. The leis are made by stringing flowers through the centre until a complete necklace is formed. Polynesian custom is that leis are worn at weddings and given out to signify a genuine welcome – and a fond farewell – for visitors to Hawaii.

Flowers have various tones from white, yellow, rose, and magenta.

 Each separate species produces differently shaped, alternate leaves with specific forms and growth habits. Frangipani add a sweet aroma to the night’s air as they are nocturnally fragrant. 


These plants can reach a height of 6 meters and a spread of 5 meters wide but may grow even taller depending on age. Many Queensland gardeners who plant frangipani enjoy their beautiful fragrant smells and colors throughout the summer while they sit and relax in its shade.

Growing Frangipani By Propagating Cuttings 

Frangipani is considered one of the best plants grown in subtropical and tropical climates which is great considering that they are not extremely difficult to care for. 

These shrubs and small trees propagate well from aseptically germinated seed and cuttings obtained in the winter or early spring when their sap is less runny. These cuttings need to be left out in an area where they can dry out before planting. The soil you plant in must be well-drained as moist soil promotes plant disease. 

When watering frangipani you want the soil to remain just above a state of dryness. This plants thrives well in full sun especially in the early hours of the day and may also do well in partial shade in the late afternoon hours. The better balance maintained between sunlight and water the better chance you have of significant growth and bloomage. 

 Frangipani pruning is best done in the winter after these trees have shed their leaves. It is also useful to prune young frangipani to promote a strong and healthy structure. With proper care, you can enjoy the magnificent flowers of frangipani shrubs and trees from November to May.

Medicinal Uses
 
Among ulcers, gonorrhea (gonorrhea), swelling, warts, calluses, smoothes the skin and yaws.


  • The raw material essential oils. Frangipani flowers are dried, for approximately 3-4 days, then distilled to produce essential oils, which is the basic ingredient of the perfume or ointment (for treatment) naturally.
  • Overcoming swelling. How to cure swollen body parts is the frangipani tree bark. Way, take first shingle frangipani tree bark and pounded until smooth. Boil half a pot of water to boil. The water used to soak the swollen body parts if possible. If not, use it to compress.
  • As antibiotics. Frangipani flower has a number of compounds that have medicinal properties, namely triterprenoid Amirin, lupeol, and fulvoplumierin. These substances are antipyretic (fever lowering), antiinflarnatif (overcoming inflammation), and analgesic (pain relieving). Because the contents of this, frangipani flower handy to reduce menstrual pain and prevent fainting due to the heat or sun exposure (heat stroke).
  • Treat toothache. To relieve pain in cavities. Take a few drops of sap Frangipani by using a cotton swab, then place the cotton on the aching tooth. Be careful, do not let the teeth do not hurt. The dose 1-2 times a day. However, treatment with the sap is only temporary, and can not heal completely.
  • As drug ulcers.  Benefits and efficacy of frangipani flowers for one's health is as ulcer medications you must provide frangipani flowers and leaves of the olive oil. The combination of these two drugs that will cure ulcers. First take frangipani flower on fire then heat until wilted. Eventually the interest spread with olive oil. In circumstances still hot, stick it on your ulcer.
  • Curing Diabetes Pus (Gonorrhea). Rinse and 1 piece of root frangipani trees, then boiled in two cups of water to boil and the remaining 1 cup. The herb water taken once a day as much as 1 cup.
  • Curing yaws. Take 2 shingles skin frangipani, then finely ground and boiled with 1 pot of water to a boil. Water used for bathing and rubbing the injured body part.
 

Facts - Good for Reforestation in hot areas.

Did you know that frangipanis will only burn in extreme heat (over 500 degrees)? 
If you want to add more trees to your yard for shade or more color in the summer and fall, plumeria grows relatively quickly directly from cuttings -- with the added benefit of not having to purchase an expensive new tree. Cut a branch off the tree in the spring, making sure it's a reasonable size. Limbs about 1 to 2 inches in diameter work well for propagation, although you can use larger branches if you need to trim them to help shape the tree. Dip them in rooting hormone, and place them cut-side-down in well-draining soil, such as a mixture of garden soil and perlite or a cactus mix. The branch should start developing roots within two weeks and can begin blooming in about two years.


Curiosities
 
  • The frangipani is the flower of the city of Palermo in Sicily, Italy.
  • The frangipani is the national flower of Nicaragua and it features on some of their bank notes.
  • Frangipanis won't burn except in extreme (over 500 degrees) temperatures.
  • In Caribbean cultures the leaves are used as poultices (a healing wrap) for bruises and ulcers and the latex is used as a liniment for rheumatism.
  • According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (by Scott Cunningham; Llewellyn Publications, 1984) the frangipani (plumeria) is associated with the feminine, ruled by Venus, its element is water, its deity is Buddha, its power is love and its magical uses are in love spells.
  • The frangipani is also associated with love in feng shui.
  • In modern Polynesian culture, the frangipani can be worn by women to indicate their relationship status - over the right ear if seeking a relationship, and over the left if taken.
  • In India the frangipani is a symbol of immortality because of its ability to produce leaves and flowers even after it has been lifted out of the soil. It is often planted near temples and graveyards, where the fresh flowers fall daily upon the tombs.
  • In Vietnam the frangipani is used for its healing qualities: the bark, mashed in alcohol, prevents skin inflammation, it is also used to treat indigestion and high blood pressure, while the roots have purgative effects on animals and the milk-like sap serves as a balm for skin diseases. The white flowers are used in traditional medicine to cure high blood pressure, haemophilia, cough, dysentery and fever.

Frangipani Myths and Legends

  • There is a theory that Catholic missionary priests spread frangipanis (Plumerias) around the world as they travelled. This may explain why the frangipani is so popular and common in the Philippines and Thailand but very rare in China and Vietnam. Thailand and the Philippines welcomed the Christian missionaries while, in China and Vietnam, they were persecuted until around the 1850s.
  • Frangipani trees were once considered taboo in Thai homes because of superstitious associations with the plant's Thai name, lantom, which is similar to ratom, the Thai word for sorrow. As a result, frangipanis were thought to bring unhappiness. Today, however, the blossoms are presented as fragrant offerings to Buddha and Thai people wear them on special festival days like Songkran (Thai New Year).
  • According to Vietnamese myth, ghosts live in trees with white and fragrant flowers including the frangipani. In Vietnam and China the colour white is associated with death and funerals.
  • In Hindu culture, the flower means loyalty. Hindu women put a flower in their hair on their wedding days to show their loyalty to their husbands.
  • It's believed the Aztecs used a decoction of frangipani flowers and other plant materials mixed with certain internal organs of predatory animals (with a reputation for cunning, strength and bravery) as a powerful potion against fear, lethargy and faintheartedness.
  • "Warming" oils -- such as those from Plumeria, sandalwood, lotus flower, frankinense, cinnamon and basil -- are said to have a calming influence on those suffering from fear, anxiety, insomnia or tremors, according to the principles of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian holistic science that seeks to balance mind, body and spirit.
  • A popular legend among sailors shipping overseas from Hawaii during WWII was to toss a lei into the waters as the ship passed Diamond Head. If the lei floated ashore, the sailor would return. If it floated toward the ship, he wouldn't be coming back.
  • In the language of flowers, Frangipani (Plumeria) are said to stand for love long in absence, as for a sailor long at sea.
  • Frangipani (Plumeria) is very rare in China, and even more precious than orchids. So, when a person gives frangipani flowers to a sweetheart, it is the closest thing to saying you're special, I love you in a culture where expression of personal feelings is frowned upon.
  • According to Mexican (Lakandon) myth the gods were born from Frangipani (Plumeria) flowers.
  • In Malay folklore the scent of the frangipani is associated with a vampire, the pontianak.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Gliricidia Sepium and Faidherbia Albida Medicinal Uses and Soil fixing Trees

By Liliana Usvat  
Blog 319-365

 Some farmers are adding trees as ‘dispersed shade’ to their Conservation Agriculture. The trees’ light shade reduces the excessive midday heat that decreases crop productivity in the lowland tropics. Trees are also extremely drought resistant because of their deep root systems; the fertilizing leaves are out of reach of free-grazing animals; trees preserve moisture in the soil through lowered soil surface temperatures and reduced wind velocity; and they can provide firewood and fodder. Furthermore, as climate change occurs, farmers can merely cut fewer branches off their trees, so the crops underneath will continue to enjoy optimum ambient temperatures. Two important species from tropical America and dryland Africa, respectively, are Gliricidia sepium and Faidherbia albida.

 Gliricidia sepium

 Other Names
  • Cacao de nance, cacahnanance -- Honduras
  • Kakawate -- Philippines
  • Mata Raton
  • Madre Cacao -- Guatemala
  • Madriado -- Honduras



















Gliricidia sepium is a medium-sized tree and can grow to from 10 to 12 meters high. The bark is smooth and its color can range from a whitish gray to deep red-brown. It has composite leaves that can be 30 cm long. Each leaf is composed of leaflets that are about 2 to 7 cm long and 1 to 3 cm wide. The flowers are located on the end of branches that have no leaves. These flowers have a bright pink to lilac color that is tinged with white.
 
A pale yellow spot is usually at the flower's base. The tree's fruit is a pod which is about 10 to 15 cm in length. It is green when unripe and becomes yellow-brown when it reaches maturity. The pod produces 4 to 10 round brown seeds . The tree grows well in acidic soils with a pH of 4.5-6.2. The tree is found on volcanic soils in its native range in Central America and Mexico. However, it can also grow on sandy, clay and limestone soils.

Medicinal Uses

In the Philippines, gliricidia is washed and pounded to extract the juice from the leaves. It is then applied to the area affected by external parasites once to twice a day for one week. In Guatemala, the bark and leaves of gliricidia are used to treat human skin diseases. 

In another study, gliricidia was found to inhibit the growth of various strains of Neisseria gonorrhoea in in vitro tests. Tinctures made from the leaves were used for these tests.
Some Uses in Humans:
  • Briuse
  • Burn -- Panama
  • Cold, cough -- Curacao
  • Debility
  • Expectora
  • Headache
  • nt -- Curacao
  • Fatigue
  • Fever -- Panama
  • Gangrene -- Guatemala
  • Gonorrhoea -- Guatemala
  • Insecticide
  • Insect repellent -- Curacao, Guatemala, and Honduras
  • Itch, skin, sores -- Curacao, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama
  • Poison (Humans and animals) -- Panama and Venezuela
  • Rodenticide (rats) -- Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador, Venezuela
  • Shade tree (for other crops) -- Sri Lanka
  • Sedative -- Curacao
  • Tumor -- Guatemala
  • Ulcer -- Guatemala

Uses

Gliricidia is used by farmers in some Latin American countries to repel insects. The leaves are ground up and combined with water. The animal is then bathed with the resulting paste. According to some of the farmers, if this is repeated every 7-14 days, the number of torsalo (tropical warble fly) infections is decreased.

Faidherbia Albida



The leaves of the Faidherbia albida tree are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients. Plants that grow beneath the trees benefit from their annual leaf fall, which fertilises the soil and counteracts soil acidity. In Zambia, the Conservation Farming Unit is encouraging farmers to plant 100 of the trees per hectare, at 10 metre intervals, as a long term means of boosting soil fertility. Over 160,000 farmers have already begun to do so.


The origin of Faidherbia albida is unclear. It has been postulated that it originated in the Sahara before desertification, but also that it was originally a riverine tree of eastern and southern Africa that was introduced through pastoralism and agriculture into western Africa, where it is only found on cultivated or previously cultivated land. It has long been preserved and protected on croplands by African farmers. However, this practice has become much less common in recent years.  

Faidherbia albida occurs all across the African continent, encircling the central African forest massif, from the Atlantic coast (Senegal, Gambia) to the Red Sea (Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia) and from there to South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Angola. Its northern limit is not well defined because it occurs along watercourses and in areas where groundwater is present (e.g. in south-western Morocco, mountain massifs in the Sahara, and along the Nile in Egypt).

 Elsewhere, Faidherbia albida occurs in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, and has been introduced into Ascension Island, the Cape Verde Islands, Cyprus, India, Pakistan and Peru.

Medicinal Uses Faidherbia albida
 
  • Bark and roots, alone or mixed with other components, are common ingredients of traditional medicinal preparations for external or internal usage. These preparations are prescribed for respiratory infections, 
  • sterility, 
  • digestive problems, 
  • dysentery, 
  • backache, 
  • malaria, 
  •  fever, 
  • heart and circulatory problems, 
  • dental infections and deafness.

Other Uses - Faidherbia albida

 The bark is also used for making beehives, for stuffing saddles and in hut construction. Soap is made from the wood ash, which also has depilatory action. Pods can be used as fish bait. Seeds are eaten during famine but require long and elaborate preparation. Faidherbia albida has religious significance amongst some tribes, e.g. as a graveyard tree.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Romanian Folk Remedies - Onion Vapors Cure the Flu

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 177-365

Romanians got their Folk remedies from their ancestors Dacians a 9000 years old culture.





Two tablespoons of chopped onion place in 50 ml of warm water , add half a teaspoon of honey , leave to infuse for 30 minutes.   For stuffy nose and dripping nose use  three to five drops of the infusion.
 
 Eight to ten onions chopped boiled in a liter of hot milk until tender, then add a cup of honey. For angina take a spoonful of this decoction every hour throughout the day.  Gargle with a mixture of water, onion juice and table salt . 
 
For cough peel two medium sized onions , add a quarter cup of sugar, three to four cups of water and boil until you get a thick syrup . Take a tablespoon cite every three hours .  
 
For angina and abscesses use steam inhalations mix. The duration of treatment is 30-40 days, and after a month of rest , repeat therapy .  
 
Inhaling onion steam also cure the sniffles . As a means of inhalation, porridge of chopped onion or onion leaves freshly prepared is only active for 10 - l5 minutes (afterwards bactericidal action stop in contact with air).  
 
For flu in people are using so-called onion pads : give a quick grated onion, onion then packed in a piece of gauze and put 15 minutes into his nostrils in the morning, noon and night .
 
 Fresh onions are placed on wounds , burns , if the pus .  
 
The juice of onion and garlic ( in proportion 1:3 ) is used for inhalations if respiratory diseases : bronchitis , laryngitis , tracheitis . For inhalation it takes 2 ml of solution . 
 
For hemorrhoids bake an onion , peel , cut into small pieces , put into a cheesecloth and apply on the painful place (but). 
 
 For impotence may be used both fresh onions , as well as in the form of injection : Two or three chopped onions are placed in 400 ml of water, drinking 100 ml of the infusion  three times a day .

Monday, February 24, 2014

Fern Tree

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 143 -365


Tree ferns are perfect for what may be your more difficult garden areas because they prefer shady, sheltered and moist locations.
Tree ferns do like neutral to acidic humus-rich soil, so our alkaline rocky gardens might need supplementing, preferably with compost. To encourage root growth, avoid fertilizing your fern during its first year.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/30/3531442/tree-ferns-bring-tropical-australia.html#storylink=cpy


Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/30/3531442/tree-ferns-bring-tropical-australia.html#storylink=cpy
  Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has many on display, including the Australian tree fern ( Cyathea cooperi), Hawaiian tree fern (Cibotium glaucom), Mexican tree fern (C. schiedei), Caribbean tree fern (Cyathea arborea) and the rare native Florida tree fern (Ctenitis sloanei).



Australian tree ferns can grow to about 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to15 feet wide. Trunks can grow to about one foot in diameter. They are usually inexpensive, so if you have the proper space, try growing one of these lacy, languid plants

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/30/3531442/tree-ferns-bring-tropical-australia.html#storylink=cpy


Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/30/3531442/tree-ferns-bring-tropical-australia.html#storylink=cpy
In general, any fern that grows with a trunk elevating the fronds (leaves) above ground level can be called a tree fern. However, the plants formally known as tree ferns comprise a group of large ferns belonging to the families Dicksoniaceae and Cyatheaceae in the order Cyatheales.



Tree ferns are found growing in tropical and subtropical areas, as well as temperate rainforests in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other island groups nearby; a few genera extend further, such as Culcita in southern Europe. Like all ferns, tree ferns reproduce by means of spores developed in sporangia on the undersides of the fronds.

The number of tree fern species is likely to be around a thousand. Although new species are discovered in New Guinea with each botanical survey, many species throughout its range have become extinct in the last century as forest habitats have come under pressure from human activity.

Ferns - Medicinal uses in New Guinea

Fevers, headaches, colds, etc.: Blackwood (1935) mentions that in Bougainville, Selaginella flabellata is used to control feverish headaches and menstruation. The leaves are applied externally and the roots taken internally. In the Mt Hagen area the petiole sap of the common bracken Pteridium aquilinum is used to treat toothache and mouth infections (Powell 1976b). For colds Cyclosorus leaves are used in the Northern Province and for nasal infections the smoke of a species of Polypodium (=?) is inhaled in Mt Hagen (Powell 1976b).

Boils, ulcers, wounds: In east New Britain, Futscher (1959) reports Gleichenia linearis (=Dicranopteris linearis) being bound externally onto wounds. On Bougainville, Blackwood (1935) reports the leaves of Pteris ensiformis and Aspidium latifolium (=Pronephrium menisciicarpon, but possibly a species of Tectaria) and the leaves and roots of Dryopteris milneana being applied to boils, ulcers and arrow wounds. The last two species are probably misidentified. Holdsworth (1980) gives a review of Blackwood's medicinal plant results. In the Northern Province a species of Athyrium  is used to treat sores and in New Britain a poultice of boiled fronds of a species of Cyclosorus is used for the same purpose (Powell 1976b). Hot fronds of a species of Polystichum are applied to groin swellings in the Mt Hagen area (Powell 1976b). In Morobe Province, a poultice is prepared from Pityrogramma calomelanos for an unspecified purpose 

Stomach pains: Holdsworth & Giheno (1975) record that a species of Lycopodium is chewed in the central highlands to induce vomiting after food poisoning or acute stomach pain. For stomach ache and diarrhoea, in the eastern highlands they report the chewing of fresh fronds of Lygodium longifolium with ash salt ( from Asplenium acrobryum or from the grass Coix gigantea).

Menstruation, childbirth, contraception: Pteris tripartita is used in childbirth in Bougainville, the fronds being taken internally. Pteris ensiformis is used to control menstruation, as is Selaginella flabellata. Lygodium dichotomum is used as a contraceptive, the root and stem being taken internally; it is also used to treat children's illnesses (Blackwood 1935). Peekel (1910) records a species of Dryopteris (most likely to be a species of Thelypteridaceae) being used in New Ireland as an abortifacient (Holdsworth, Hurley & Rayner 1979), however he does not mention the species in his illustrated flora of the island (Peekel in press, ms. completed c. 1947). In the Koiari area of the central province of Papua New Guinea Holdsworth et al. (1980b) note that total sterility in women can be achieved by eating the new leaves of Blechnum orientale each day for three successive days, waiting a fortnight and then repeating the treatment.

Diseases: Holdsworth (1974) reports that on Dobu Island in the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago, a sorcerer claims to cure leprosy with a draught prepared by shaking the crushed leaf of a species of Lygodium in water.

Native uses: According to Gunther: Rhizome is roasted by the Makah, peeled, chewed and the juice swallowed for coughs; Cowlitz crush the rhizome, mix it with young fir needles, boil it, and drink the infusion for measles; the Quinault either bake the root on coals or use it raw as a cough medicine. Chewed for flavour and used as medicine for colds and sore throats; also used with bitter medicine as a sweetener (Pojar). Method: Strong Decoction from rhizomes, 2-4 ozs, up to 3x daily (Moore); make Licorice
syrup by adding honey to the decoction (Tierra).

Cherokee used Maidenhair for rheumatism (the effect on contracted muscles likened to the uncurling fiddleheads)- the compound decoction or decoction of root applied with warm hands as external rub, or infusion internally.  Infusion or decoction of whole plant was used as an emetic for fever and ague (fever with chills).

Powdered leaves are smoked for heart trouble and snuffed or smoked for asthma.  They used it for paralytic attacks, as from pneumonia in children.  Sacred preparation of whole plant was used specifically for women’s irregular heartbeat.

Cherokee considered Maidenshair a powerful medicine for the heart, and as such it is associated with the direction of East. 

Costanoan of California used the decoction to purify the blood and for stomach troubles.

Hesquiat of western Canada mixed the ashes in formula for shortness of breath, and to produce strength and endurance.  They likewise used the green fronds.

The northwestern Makah chewed the fronds for weak stomach.

Menomini (Wild Rice People) used a compound decoction of the root for dysentery.
They used the blade, stem, and root in gynecology

Micmac, Algonquian of eastern Canada, used in decoction for fits.
Potawatomi of the upper Mississippi River used an infusion of the root for caked breasts.
Natives applied poultice of plant to sore back of babies.  Wet fronds poulticed for snakebite.
  • Decoction used as wash for venereal disease such as gonorrhea.  
  • Used topically by Native Americans as a poultice or wash for bleeding,
  •  insect stings, 
  • snakebites,
  •  arthritis, and 
  • for hair. 
  • Hesquiat use of Maidenhair for endurance played out in ceremonial dancing, for which the infusion would be used, especially in winter, to prevent fatigue.
  • Such uses along with the sacred preparation practiced by the Cherokee indicate that this beautiful fern was regarded as a sacred medicine.  
  • Additionally, the black stems of Maidenhair were used by Potawatomi as a hunting charm.
  • The subspecies pedatum was used by the Iroquois for children’s cramps, as decoction.
  • A compound decoction of the green roots used as a foot soak for rheumatism and taken internally.
  • Decoction of pedantum roots taken as a diuretic for the cessation of urine due to stones.
  • Compound decoction or infusion taken for excessive menstruation.  
  • Decoction of roots used to bring on menses and for abortion.  
  • Plant used for abortion or delivery pains. 
  • Therefore, Maidenhair is anti-rheumatic, emeticdiaphoreticcardiotonicstimulant,  alterativeastringent, antispasmodic, emenagogue, and antiseptic.  Energetically, Maidenhair appears dry and cool, with an affinity for the heart and reproductive system.
  • Iroquois used subspecies virginianum as a cough medicine for tuberculosis as cold infusion of root.  Botrychium virginianum    RATTLESNAKE FERN
  • The Algonquian (northeast) Abnaki used as a demulcent and for children’s medicine.  Cherokee used root decoction as emetic and as concentrated syrup for external use on snakebites (including from dream snakes), and used the juice from the frond for insect bites and stings.   Botrychium virginianum    RATTLESNAKE FERN
  • Chippewa used a poultice of fresh root for snakebite and as a repellant.  Chicksaw (southwest) used as a diaphoretic and expectorant, and the root decoction as emetic.  Ojibwa used for lung trouble, such as tuberculosis; and used the poulticed root on cuts.  Potawatomi also used medicinally. 
  • Cherokee used in compound infusion for chills.  
  • Mahuna used for lung hemorrhages.  Dennstaedtia punctilobula    HAY-SCENTED FERN
  • Dryopteris campyloptera    MOUNTAIN WOOD FERN  Cherokee used with tree bark for cuts and other skin problems.  Considered medicine of the South.
  • Dryopteris campyloptera    MOUNTAIN WOOD FERNInuits used leaves in compound decoction for stomachache and intestinal discomfort.  Hesquiat used young shoots for cancer of the womb. 

Native American medicinal uses of ferns can be categorized into five major groups:  those used 
  • for rheumatism, 
  • those used for the lungs, 
  • those used for gynecology, 
  • those used for the blood, and
  •  those used for digestion. 
Ferns used for Rheumatism
  • Maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum) used for rheumatism.
  • Marginal Wood Fern(Dryopteris marginalis) used for rheumatism.
  • Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) used for arthritis.
  • Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) used externally for rheumatism and internally for joint pain.
  • Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) used for rheumatism.
  • Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) used for rheumatism.
Ferns used for Lungs
  • Maidenhair smoked for asthma.
  • Maidenhair Speenwort (Asplenium tricomanes) used for coughs.
  • Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum) used as a cough medicine for tuberculosis.
  • Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia penctilobula) used for chills and lung hemorrhages.
  • Rock Cap (Polyopdium virginianum) used for sore throat, colds, measles, tuberculosis, cough, and lung congestion.
  • Christmas Fern used for chills, fever, pneumonia, red spots on skin, listlessness, tuberculosis, and hoarseness.
  • Bracken Fern used for tuberculosis, infections, and chest pain.
Ferns used for Gynecology (including menstrual, postpartum, and breastfeeding)
  • Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) used topically and as emetic for swollen breasts.
  • Maidenhair Speenwort used for irregular menses and breast diseases.
  • Lady Fern (Athyrium filis-femina)used for mothers with intestinal fevers and to prevent water breaking.
  • Mountain Wood Fern (Dryopteris campyloptera) used for disease of the womb.
  • Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) used as decoction of sterile leaf stalk base for the expulsion of afterbirth and for back pain.
  • Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) used for infection, blood disorders (blood deficiency, cold in the blood, and others), and to restore the female system after childbirth.  Externally used for sores. 
  • Cinnamon Fern used for women’s troubles, caked breasts, and malaise.
  • Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana) used for weak blood and gonorrhea.
  • Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) used for menstrual problems. 
  • Bracken Fern used for weak blood, uterine prolapse, suffering after birth, caked breast, weakness, and headaches. 
  • Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris)used as a gynecological medicine.
Ferns used for the Blood
  • Maidenhair used as a wash or poultice for bleeding.
  • Lady Fern used for vomiting of blood.
  • Hay-scented Fern used for lung hemorrhages.
  • Sensitive Fern used for blood deficiency, cold in the blood, and other blood disorders.
  • Christmas Fern used for weak blood and toxic blood.
  • Interrupted Fern used for weak blood.
  • Bracken Fern used to make good blood after menses or childbirth. 
Ferns used for Digestion (including stomachache and parasites)
  • Mountain Wood Fern used for stomachache.
  • Crested Wood Fern (Dryopteris cristata) used root infusion for stomach trouble.
  • Royal Fern used for intestinal worms. 
  • Rock Cap used for stomachaches and cholera.
  • Christmas Fern used for stomachache, bowel problems, toothache, cramps, and diarrhea. 
  • Bracken Fern used for diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, infections, diarrhea, weakness, stomach cramps, and headaches.
  • Sensitive Fern used for intestinal troubles.
Other uses of Tree Ferns

Australian tree fern is a popular ornamental in temperate areas. The pith from the centre of the trunk is rich in starch, and was once used as food by Tasmanian Aborigines. The uncurled leaves (croziers) are also edible, but have a slimy, sometimes bitter taste. The trunks are often used as a medium for growing epiphytes, particularly orchids. Trunks can also be used for fencing, while the central vascular material has been dried and carved to make craft items such as bowls and plant pots.