The fern is one of the most mysterious plants on Earth, and many beliefs are associated with it. The fern is rich in nutrients and in this article you will learn what benefits and harm a plant can bring.
Did you know? Since reproduction occurs without seeds, it is not characteristic of fern to bloom.
Fern: Description
As mentioned earlier, many legends and beliefs are associated with ferns. One of the most famous legends says that on the night of Ivan Kupala a fern blooms in the depths of a dark forest. And the one who finds it and chops the flower will always be healthy, endowed with extraordinary power and all the treasures of the world will be revealed to him. So far, no one has ever smiled luck, because no one has yet picked a flower of a wonderful plant.
The plant is very decorative, as it has openwork foliage, but in fact one of its leaves is frond, that is, a whole system of branches that are located in one plane. The most common and popular types of indoor ferns can be divided into three groups. The first group includes types of ferns that do not require special care and cultivation at home. The names of these ferns are as follows: davalia, nestling blues, Cretan pteris, zirtonium, nephrolepis and round-leaved lilea. 
The second group includes ferns, which are conveniently placed in hanging pots or baskets. These are adiant and nephrolepis. The third group includes ferns, which are used as single plants. It includes bleuches humpbacked, nesting nests and nephrolepis.
What is useful fern
Since the composition of a room fern includes many different organic substances, it is believed that the benefits of it are very great. The fern contains proteins that are very close to proteins in cereals. The plant affects growth, contributes to the formation of the human skeleton, has a beneficial effect on performance, as well as on the nervous system. The fern contains about 4.5 g of proteins, 0.4 g of fat and 5.5 g of carbohydrates, and the total caloric content of the fern - 34 Kcal.
Why are fern leaves useful?
The use of fern in food has been proven in many recipes of different nations of the world. From fresh and young leaves the plant is preparing salads, fried, pickled, pickled for the winter. Also dried fern leaves are used as seasoning for meat dishes. The fern tastes like mushrooms.
Important! Fresh fern is not used.
Many cooks who use fern in their dishes claim that green shoots need to be cooked properly. They soak the shoots of plants and salt to remove the harmful substances that are contained there, since the fern is a poisonous plant.
They begin to process shoots no later than four hours after harvest. Fern stems, which are no longer than 10 cm in length, are suitable for use. Those that are longer are considered not harmful, but also not useful. Green shoots should be used, since overgrown ones contain few amino acids and trace elements.
Also in the practical application of ferns, and includes an infusion of its leaves. This is a good tool to fight fungal diseases, and it also copes with aphids.
Did you know? Japanese researchers found that fern removes radiation from the body.
Useful properties of the fern root
Fern roots contain many useful properties that can surprise modern doctors. It is in them that unique therapeutic substances accumulate.
The rhizome of homemade fern contains starch, saponins, alkaloids, essential oils, and fat, and all this brings great benefit to the human body.
This proves that the local population of New Zealand, as well as South America and Australia, often baked bread made from flour based on fern root. Western Europe baked such bread in the famine years. Flour from fern roots has good taste, and the root itself is similar in taste to baked potatoes.
Did you know? During the First World War in England, the population replaced asparagus with young fern shoots.
In our time, the fern is most often used in Japan and Korea. The roots are included in the recipes of various salads, appetizers, and in the form of seasoning it is added to soups and bean curd.
Most often, fern roots are fried in butter and seasoned with walnuts.
Healing properties of fern: how to use the plant in traditional medicine
In addition to using fern as food, the plant is often used in folk recipes that bring invaluable health benefits.
The plant is most often used in traditional medicine as decoctions and tinctures.
Fern is used to expel tapeworm from the human body. In order to get rid of tapeworm, it will take two days. On the first day you need to use only liquid and not eat anything solid. Before bedtime, you need to take two tablespoons of castor oil and eat a few pieces of herring with onions. In the morning, instead of eating, take one pill of fern medication every couple of minutes for an hour. These pills include powder from fern root, which is mixed with ether extract of fern from a syringe 2 cm³. This mixture is divided into 30 servings. After taking it, drink another spoonful of castor oil after 5 hours. This is done because fern pills can cause a side effect in the form of blindness. Then you need to take a container that will serve as your toilet, and pour warm milk there. You have to sit over it for some time, while you need to constantly push well.
Also has a great benefit of a fern for a person with chain and worms. It helps to chopped dry leaves, but you can brew and fresh fern. In a glass of boiled water put 1 tbsp. spoon and boil the tincture for 15 minutes. Then the mixture is allowed to cool and take for 4 days.
Fern root helps to get rid of varicose veins. To do this, use shredded root and mixed with sour milk. A thick layer of the obtained slurry is applied to the skin and is tightly wound with gauze on top. With her go about 6 hours. This procedure can be repeated, but only if necessary.
Fern is used in traditional medicine and to strengthen the body. Tincture made on vodka or purified alcohol. On one bottle use a third of the crushed grass and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals. This tincture improves digestion, fights against cancer and strengthens both the body and immunity.
Young shoots of fern can also be salted. They retain therapeutic properties in such an environment well and are recommended for use under stress.
The use of ferns in medicine does not end with the strengthening of the body. The plant fights well with leukemia. To do this, you need to add 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried fern leaves to salads or soups daily. The course of treatment is 30 days.
The roots of the male fern are officially included in the pharmacopoeia and are used in the form of a dry powder, decoction or extract. Dry powder, for example, is used for an inguinal hernia as a compress.
Fern is often used in the treatment of oncology, intestinal diseases, jaundice, inflammation of the ovaries, as well as a diuretic, laxative and painkiller.
Fern roots perfectly remove toxins from the body. It is used for eczema, ulcers, rheumatism, headaches and migraines.
What damage can fern cause, contraindications for plants
Now, when we figured out what the benefits of a fern, you need to tell about its contraindications.
Since the fern itself is considered poisonous, it can cause acute poisoning. The most dangerous symptoms are vomiting, cramps, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. In this case, you need to hold a gastric lavage and take laxatives to quickly remove toxins.
It is forbidden to take a fern in diseases of the kidneys, liver, tuberculosis, children under two years old and pregnant women.
Before taking tinctures or decoctions of fern, we recommend that you consult with your personal physician-consultant who specializes in your disease.
Did you know? The female fern, or female nomad, from the primitive times of the tribe was considered a “reliable” and potent “witch root”.
As you could understand, fern is a good medicine, and its use has been proven by many scientists. Take your medications with caution and stay healthy.
