Herb latin name: Adiantum venustum


Family: Polypodiaceae (Polypody Fern Family)



Medicinal use of Adiantum venustum:

The fronds are astringent, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, resolvent and tonic They are used in the treatment of headaches and scorpion stings. A paste made from the rhizomes is used in Nepal to treat cuts and wounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Fern

Height:
25 cm
(9 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Rock crevices and on forest slopes, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir. Moist, shady, rocky places in Nepal at elevations of 300 - 3,600 metres.

Other uses of Adiantum venustum:

This species can be grown as a ground cover plant in a shady position, forming a spreading carpet of growth.

Propagation of the herb:

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. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep them 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.

Cultivation of Adiantum venustum:

Rock crevices and on forest slopes, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir. Moist, shady, rocky places in Nepal at elevations of 300 - 3,600 metres.

Known hazards of Adiantum venustum:

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.