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The fern is considered one of the most ancient plants of the Osmundaceae family. It became widespread in the countries of Asia, Mexico and Finland. Due to its rich composition, fern is beneficial for the human body. But if used incorrectly, it can cause irreparable harm to health. Therefore, the plant must be used very carefully.
Nutritional value and chemical composition of fern
The fern is a plant reaching 30 m in height.It reproduces using spores that 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 characteristics of the fern. Benefit and harm to humans 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 fat.
Beneficial 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 fern
The calorie content of fern per 100 grams is only 34 kcal. This allows it to be used in dietary nutrition. The calorie content of stewed fern is 45.3 kcal. When combined with other ingredients, the calorie content of the dish increases.
Useful properties of fern
Since ancient times, fern has been used for medicinal purposes and cooking. But not all plant varieties have beneficial 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;
- strengthening bone tissue;
- stimulating metabolism.
Medicinal properties of fern root
Not only the shoots, but also the rhizomes of the plant are famous for their healing properties. On their basis, tinctures and decoctions are prepared. A positive effect of the drug on various tumors has been observed. Using fern tincture, relieve joint pain and treat varicose veins. The beneficial properties of the plant's rhizomes also include:
- anthelmintic effect;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- elimination of painful sensations;
- healing of ulcerative formations and weeping wounds;
- antitumor effect.
The benefits of fern for humans in food
Young leaves are used in cooking. They are canned for the winter, added to salads, baked and boiled as part of soup. The dried leaves are used as a seasoning. The taste of the plant resembles asparagus or mushrooms. In terms of its nutritional value, it is compared to the protein of grain crops. 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 ferns are eaten. The rhizomes are used exclusively for medicinal purposes. In cooking, shoots of young plants are in demand. They are called rakhis. But even they are prohibited for consumption 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 courses.When fresh, the plant is bitter. To eliminate it, the leaves are soaked in salted water. To preserve beneficial properties for a long time, the shoots are preserved. The product goes well with vegetables, meat, soy sauce and rice.
The benefits of fern for humans
The health benefits of ferns for adults include enrichment with nutrients. Due to this, the body’s immune forces are strengthened and resistance to various diseases increases. The plant is recommended for use by people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and work in hazardous industries. If you are overweight, it stimulates metabolism, which promotes harmless weight loss.
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 microelements, the plant has a positive effect on reproductive function, increasing the chances of a favorable conception. The anti-inflammatory effect allows it to be used in the fight against hemorrhoids, prostatitis and impotence. Baths with the addition of fern decoction relieve pain from 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 taken orally and applied locally to problem areas. Fern decoction is often used for inflammation of the ovaries.Treatment lasts 2-3 weeks. Between courses there is a break of a month. One of the advantages of the plant is the ability to combine it with medications. Thanks 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 pregnant women. They stimulate uterine contractions, thereby increasing the likelihood of miscarriage. Side effects such as dizziness, convulsions and respiratory dysfunction are also possible. Edible varieties presented in departments with Korean products are not harmful to pregnant women.
Is it possible for a nursing mother to fern?
During 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 children fern?
The healing properties of fern make it essential for children. Of particular value is its rich iodine content. The product is approved for use from 2 years of age. It is introduced into the diet gradually in small portions. The possibility of using medicinal fern on an individual basis is discussed with your doctor.
Use of fern in medicine
Doctors prescribe fern in order to increase the effectiveness of basic treatment. The female fern has become especially popular for eliminating worms. It paralyzes the muscular system of parasites and removes from the body toxins that they secrete during their life processes. 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 formations;
- pleurisy;
- constipation.
The use of fern in folk medicine
The medicinal properties of fern are highly valued in folk medicine. Products 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:
- The crushed roots are poured with alcohol in a ratio of 1/4.
- The medicine is infused for 2 weeks in a dark place.
- Before use, strain the tincture.
For dry pleurisy, the drug is taken 3 times a day. First, 20 drops of tincture are diluted with 50 ml of water. It should be taken 30 minutes before meals.
Fern root pulp
The plant should not be consumed fresh orally. But it can be used as applications. The remedy copes well with the severity and pain of varicose veins. The recipe is as follows:
- The root is thoroughly crushed using any available method.
- Sour milk is added to the resulting powder in a ratio of 1/1.
- The pulp is applied to the areas where the veins are dilated in a thick layer.
- Gauze is placed on top and secured with a sterile bandage.
- After 6 hours, the bandage is removed.
Decoction for bathing
Fern decoction is taken orally and added to baths. The second case is relevant in the presence of rheumatism, dermatitis, hemorrhoids and convulsions. The process for preparing the decoction is as follows:
- 50 g of dried fern roots are poured into 1 liter of water.
- The composition is boiled for 2 hours over low heat.
- The broth is filtered before adding to the bath.
- The duration of the bath is half an hour.
Fern infusion
The medicinal 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 exclude the need for drug therapy. The infusion is prepared as follows:
- 1 tbsp. l. crushed leaves pour a glass of hot water.
- Within 15 minutes, the medicinal product is brought to readiness in a water bath.
- The infusion is filtered and left to cool.
Restrictions and contraindications
Beneficial properties are not all that 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. Pregnant and lactating women should be especially vigilant before using the plant. It is equally important to follow the dosage of the drug and not exceed the permissible duration of use. With prolonged use, alkaloids will accumulate in the body, which is fraught with health complications.Absolute contraindications include:
- tuberculosis;
- peptic ulcer;
- liver and kidney diseases.
If you use the plant correctly, it will only have beneficial effects. Violation of the principle of application leads to the development of side effects. Among them are the following:
- nausea;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- convulsions;
- vomit.
If side effects occur, you must stop using the drug and empty your stomach. For these purposes, you should drink as much water as possible. If you feel worse, you should consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Fern is useful not only in the treatment of serious diseases, but also in prevention. It helps relieve existing symptoms without having a systemic effect on the body. In order for the beneficial properties of the plant to fully reveal themselves, it is important to follow the recommendations of experts.
