Adiantum capillus- veneris L.
Pteridaceae
- Black Maidenhair Fern
- Common Maidenhair Fern
- Southern Maidenhair Fern
- Venus's Hair
- kuzbaret el-bi'r / el-bir كزبرة البئر/ البير
- sha'r el-'ajuz شعر العجوز
- sha'r el-'ard شعر الأرض
- sha'r el-khanzir شعر الخنزير
- שַׂעֲרוֹת-שׁוּלַמִּית מְצוּיוֹת
- sa'arot-Shulamit metzuyot
Hemicryptophyte
- Humid habitats
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distribution and other botanical details.
Medicinal Complaints / Uses
Adiantum capillus- veneris L.
| System/State | Traditional Complaint/Use |
Activity / Interpretation | Traditional Preparation/ Administration |
Parts Used | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatological | Hair loss |
Hair restorer | Prepare infusion of aerial parts + rue (Ruta chalapensis) & aloe (Aloe vera) & apply to hair. |
Aerial parts | B |
| Kidney & Urinary Tract | Diuretic |
Diuretic | Cook plant in water, filter & drink. |
Aerial parts | Z |
| Pain Relief | Chest pain |
Analgesic | Decoct & filter. (Admin. not specified.) |
Not specified | Z |
| Respiratory | Chest inflammation /bronchitis/cough /pertussis (whooping cough). |
Anti-Infective, Anti-tussive, Expectorant | 1. Decoct leaves in water + snail meat to prepare a soup & drink. |
Aerial parts, Leaf | Z |
| Ritual /Ceremonial | Against the evil/ jealous eye |
Ritual | Use plant to make incense or charms. |
Aerial parts | Z |
The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.
Z notes that Dioscorides (1st century Greek physician) also describes this plant for treating chest complaints, while Culpeper (17th century English herbalist, botanist, physician & astronomer ) mentions it`s use for asthma & pleurisy.
Adianthum capillus-veneris should not be used in pregnancy / lactation. Large amounts may cause vomiting. Shown to hyper-accumulate arsenic from the soil.