FERN
(Polypodiaceae-fam.)
Where it is found: It grows in shady, rocky and humid places of the country.
Structure: The plant is a fern-like perennial herbaceous plant with a horizontal creeping rhizome covered with brown scales and brown and up to 40 cm high. The leaves are almost hairy cut from the petiole to the midrib, and the sporangia are arranged in groups in two rows on the lower part of the leaf sections.
Parts Used: Rhizomes are used. These are removed from the soil in early winter (February) or autumn (October). They are dried in the shade or in ovens heated to 40 degrees. The dry plant has an oily odor, tastes sweet at first, then becomes bitter. The amount of moisture is packed in % 13 types of bags. It is stored in dry and airy buildings.
Chemical Composition: Rhizome contains sepi and apple acid, glycerin, saponins, solid oils up to % 8, resin tannins, sugar, macit, helme etc.
In Which Diseases Is It Used: It has a bile-expelling, worm-expelling effect against rhizome cough. It is recommended to use it against coughs of various origins, joint rheumatism and worms in the treatment of liver and gallbladder diseases.
In folk medicine, it is used as a slimming agent for shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, liver and gall inflammation. The rhizomes are fed to pigs.
Usage: Boil 1 tablespoon of the rhizome in 0.5 liters of water for 10 minutes and take a tea glass before meals 4 times a day.
