Fern: benefits and harms to human health, composition and calorie content, use in medicine

The fern is considered one of the most ancient plants of the Osmund family. It has received its distribution in the countries of Asia, Mexico and Finland. Due to its rich composition, fern is useful for the human body. But if used incorrectly, it can cause irreparable harm to health. Therefore, the use of the plant must be very careful.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of the fern

Fern is a plant that reaches 30 m in height. It reproduces with the help of spores, which are located at the bottom of its base. There are many varieties of the plant. Some of them are used for decorative purposes. Others are used in cooking and alternative medicine.

Before use, it is important to study the features of the fern. Benefit and harm to a person are determined by the method of application. A freshly picked plant contains toxic substances. Therefore, before use, it is pre-treated thermally.

100 g of fern contains:

• 5,5 g carbohydrates;
• 4,6 g protein;
• 0,4 g of fat.

Useful substances are concentrated not only in the leaves, but also in the rhizomes of the plant. They include:

• aspidinol;
• tannins;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• essential oils;
• zinc;
• vitamins A, B, C and PP;
• selenium;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• flavaspidic acid;
• sodium;
• beta carotene.

How many calories are in a fern

The calorie content of fern per 100 grams is only 34 kcal. This allows you to use it in diet food. The calorie content of stewed fern is 45,3 kcal. When combined with other components, the calorie content of the dish increases.

Useful properties of ferns

Since ancient times, the fern has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. But not all plant varieties differ in useful properties. Some of them are considered poisonous. The main feature of the plant is the removal of toxic substances. Other beneficial properties of edible fern are as follows:

• stimulation of vitality;
• restoration of blood sugar levels;
• improvement of blood composition;
• normalization of the immune system;
• stabilization of thyroid function;
• bone strengthening;
• stimulation of metabolism.

Medicinal properties of fern root

Not only the shoots, but also the rhizomes of the plant are famous for their healing properties. Based on them, tinctures and decoctions are prepared. There is a positive effect of the drug on various tumors. With the help of fern tincture, joint pain is eliminated and varicose veins are treated. The beneficial properties of the rhizomes of the plant also include:

• anthelmintic action;
• anti-inflammatory effect;
• elimination of painful sensations;
• healing of ulcerative formations and weeping wounds;
• antitumor activity.

The benefits of fern for humans in food

Young leaves are used in cooking. They are preserved for the winter, added to salads, baked and boiled as part of the soup. The dried leaves are used as a seasoning. By taste, the plant resembles asparagus or mushrooms. By its nutritional value, it is compared with the protein of cereals. The product is perfectly absorbed without causing a feeling of overeating. It has a positive effect on the nervous system and promotes the removal of radionuclides from the body.

Which fern can be eaten

Only certain varieties and parts of the fern are eaten. Rhizomes are used exclusively for medicinal purposes. In cooking, shoots of young plants are in demand. They are called rachis. But even they are forbidden to eat raw. Heat treatment of the plant is considered mandatory.

Dried and crushed rachis act as a seasoning for meat. Salted or boiled young leaves are added to salads, soups and main dishes. When fresh, the plant is bitter. To eliminate it, the leaves are soaked in salted water. To preserve useful properties for a long time, the shoots are canned. The product goes well with vegetables, meat, soy sauce and rice.

The benefits of fern for humans

The benefits of fern for adult health are nutrient enrichment. Due to this, the body’s immune forces are strengthened and resistance to various diseases increases. The plant is indicated for use by people leading a sedentary lifestyle and working in hazardous industries. In the presence of excess weight, it stimulates the metabolism, which contributes to harmless weight loss.

The benefits of fern for men

Medicinal ferns are widely used in the treatment of male diseases. Due to the content of a large number of trace elements, the plant has a positive effect on reproductive function, increasing the chances of a favorable conception. The anti-inflammatory effect allows you to use it in the fight against hemorrhoids, prostatitis and sexual impotence. Baths with the addition of fern decoction relieve pain in rheumatism.

What are the benefits of fern for women

Women use medicinal ferns to eliminate gynecological pathologies, treat chronic diseases and for cosmetic purposes. Decoctions and tinctures based on the plant can be consumed orally and applied locally to problem areas. Fern decoction is often used for inflammation of the ovaries. Treatment is carried out for 2-3 weeks. Between courses take a break for a month. One of the advantages of the plant is the possibility of combining with medications. Due to its beneficial properties, it also helps in the following situations:

• phlebeurysm;
• acne;
• migraine;
• premenstrual syndrome;
• slow metabolism;
• inflammation of the reproductive organs.

Can pregnant women eat fern

Certain plant varieties are strictly prohibited for women in position. They stimulate uterine contractions, thereby increasing the chance of miscarriage. There may also be side effects in the form of dizziness, convulsions and impaired respiratory function. Edible varieties presented in departments with Korean products do not harm pregnant women.

Is it possible to fern a nursing mother

In the postpartum period, women carefully monitor their diet. Even a slight deviation from the usual diet can result in an allergic reaction in the baby. Varieties intended for human consumption are not prohibited in this case. But it is important to observe the reaction of the child’s body to the introduction of a new product. Fern-based medicines are not recommended.

At what age can ferns be given to children

The healing properties of fern make it essential for children. Of particular value is the rich content of iodine. The product is approved for use from 2 years. It is introduced into the diet gradually in small portions. The possibility of using medicinal fern on an individual basis is discussed with the doctor.

The use of fern in medicine

Doctors prescribe fern in order to increase the effectiveness of the main treatment. Especially popular was the female fern to eliminate worms. It paralyzes the muscular system of parasites and removes toxins from the body that they secrete in the course of their life. The plant extract is part of the drug “Filixan”. Its analogue can be prepared at home, using improvised means.

The plant is no less effective in the following cases:

• cholecystitis;
• epilepsy;
• malignant tumors;
• pleurisy;
• constipation.

The use of fern in folk medicine

Medicinal properties of fern are highly valued in folk medicine. Means made on its basis are not inferior in effectiveness to some drugs. At the same time, the likelihood of side effects is much lower.

Fern tincture

Alcohol tincture is used for transdermal application. It is rubbed into problem areas 3-4 times a day. The cooking process is as follows:

1. The crushed roots are poured with alcohol in a ratio of 1/4.
2. The drug is infused for 2 weeks in a dark place.
3. Strain the tincture before use.

With dry pleurisy, the drug is taken 3 times a day. Preliminarily, 20 drops of tincture are diluted with 50 ml of water. Reception must be carried out 30 minutes before meals.

Fern root mush

The plant is not consumed fresh inside. But it can be used as applications. The remedy perfectly copes with the severity and pain of varicose veins. The recipe is as follows:

1. The root is carefully crushed in any way possible.
2. Sour milk is added to the resulting powder in a ratio of 1/1.
3. The slurry is applied to the sites of vein expansion with a thick layer.
4. Gauze is applied on top and fixed with a sterile bandage.
5. The bandage is removed after 6 hours.

Bath decoction

Fern decoction is taken orally and added to baths. The second case is relevant in the presence of rheumatism, dermatitis, hemorrhoids and convulsions. The decoction process is as follows:

1. 50 g of dried fern roots are poured into 1 liter of water.
2. The composition is boiled for 2 hours over low heat.
3. Before adding to the bath, the broth is filtered.
4. The duration of the bath is half an hour.

fern infusion

Therapeutic infusion is prescribed to women for the treatment of adnexitis. A single dosage is 20 ml. The full course of treatment is 30 days. It does not preclude the need for drug therapy. The infusion is prepared as follows:

1. 1 st. l. crushed leaves pour a glass of hot water.
2. Within 15 minutes, the remedy is brought to readiness in a water bath.
3. The infusion is filtered and left to cool.

Limitations and contraindications

Useful properties – this is not all that the fern is known for. Under certain circumstances, it can have a negative effect on the human body. This is due to the content of toxic substances. Particular vigilance before using the plant should be exercised by pregnant and lactating women. It is equally important to observe the dosage of the drug and not exceed the permissible duration of administration. With prolonged use, alkaloids will accumulate in the body, which is fraught with health complications. Absolute contraindications include:

• tuberculosis;
• peptic ulcer;
• diseases of the liver and kidneys.

If you use the plant correctly, it will only have a beneficial effect. Violation of the principle of application leads to the development of side effects. Among them are the following:

• nausea;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• convulsions;
• vomiting.

If side effects occur, it is necessary to stop using the drug and clear the stomach from it. For this purpose, you should drink as much water as possible. If you feel unwell, you need to see a doctor.

Conclusion

Fern is useful not only in the treatment of serious diseases, but also in prevention. It helps to stop the existing symptoms without having a systemic effect on the body. In order for the beneficial properties of the plant to reveal themselves properly, it is important to follow the recommendations of experts.