Western Herbalism
Bracken Fern
Pteridium aquilinum
Poisonous plant traditional folk uses exist but strongly contraindicated clinically due to toxicity and carcinogenicity ptaquiloside persists in milk/water Dioscorides referenced medicinal value but modern evidence emphasizes risks over benefits
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Indications what the tradition reached for it in
- Tuberculosis
- Chronic stomach disorders
- Rickets
- Chronic spleen disorders
- Worm infestation
- Sores
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Malaria
- Chest pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Burns
- Diabetes
- Deworming
- Internal bleeding
- Dermatitis
- Cough
- Colds
- Eczema
- Wounds
- Diarrhea
- Laxative use
- Hepatitis
- Caked breasts
- Debility
- Edema
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention
- Intestinal worms
- Nausea
Safety
Low dose botanical. Used in drop doses in the classical practice; not a plant to dose freely.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy Caution
Breastfeeding: Lactation (source flag notSafeInLactation)
The record lists 4 contraindications; open the plate in the library to read them in full.
From the sources
Clinical Notes. Poisonous plant traditional folk uses exist but strongly contraindicated clinically due to toxicity and carcinogenicity ptaquiloside persists in milk/water Dioscorides referenced medicinal value but modern evidence emphasizes risks over benefits
indications. Bracken Fern is traditionally indicated for: Tuberculosis, Chronic stomach disorders, Rickets, Chronic spleen disorders, Worm infestation, Sores, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Malaria, Chest pain, Abdominal cramps, Burns, Diabetes, Deworming, Internal bleeding, and 22 further conditions.
dose-reference. Reference preparation/dosing for Bracken Fern: Rhizome decoction (traditional, no dose); root tea (traditional, no dose); root tincture in wine (traditional, no dose); poultice (topical
safety-cautions. Bracken Fern - Contraindications: Carcinogenic (IARC Group 2B), thiamine deficiency, cyanide poisoning risk, avoid in pregnancy (abortifacient, embryotoxic | Side effects: thiamine deficiency (ataxia, convulsions), acute cyanide poisoning (hypotension, convulsions), haematuria, retinal atrophy (bright blindness), carcinomas (bladder, intestinal, upper alimentary), immunodeficiency | Safety flags: not considered safe in pregnancy; not considered safe during lactation; low-dose / narrow therapeutic window (use caution).
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