Herb: Adder's Tongue


Latin name: Ophioglossum vulgatum


Family: Ophioglossaceae (Adder's Tongue Family)



Medicinal use of Adder's Tongue:

The root and the leaves are antiseptic, detergent, emetic, haemostatic, styptic and vulnerary. An ointment made from the plant is considered to be a good remedy for wounds and is also used in the treatment of skin ulcers. The expressed juice of the leaves is drunk as a treatment for internal bleeding and bruising.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Fern


Height:
25 cm
(9 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Damp grassland, fens and scrub.

Edible parts of Adder's Tongue:

Used as a vegetable. No more details are given.

Propagation of the herb:

Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep them in humid conditions until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old. Division of underground rhizomes with care because the roots are brittle

Cultivation of Adder's Tongue:

Damp grassland, fens and scrub.

Known hazards of Ophioglossum vulgatum:

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. 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.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.