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Bracken Fern

Scientific Names

• Pteridium aquilinum L.
• Fern family

Common Names

Fern bracken
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Parts Usually Used

Roots and young shoots
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

The most common fern; 3-6 feet tall, forming large colonies. Leaves are triangular, divided into 3 parts; leaflets blunt-tipped; upper ones not cut to midrib.
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Where Found

Barren soils. Much of the United States; mostly absent from the Great Plains.
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Uses

Bracken fern is an excellent remedy for bites from gnats and similar insects. In tropical regions this fern is the next best thing to mosquito nets for protection. Stuff pillows and mattresses with this fern and you will not only be protected against all kinds of unwelcome insects, even bed bugs, but will also have a means of relief from rheumatism. Rubbing fern on an insect bite helps to avoid any unpleasant consequences.

Native Americans used the root tea for stomach cramps, diarrhea; smoke for headaches; poulticed root for burns, sores, and caked breasts; wash to promote hair growth; astringent, tonic. Historically, root tea was used for worms.
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Warning

Poisonous in excessive doses. Disturbs thiamine metabolism. Recently reported to cause cancer in grazing animals; contains at least 3 carcinogens. Use only with medical supervision.
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Bibliography

The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

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