Useful properties and contraindications of bracken fern. Useful properties of bracken fern and contraindications Useful properties of Siberian fern

Fern! What a beautiful and mysterious name for a plant. Gogol's story "Evening on the eve of Ivan Kupala" immediately comes to mind.

The fern is one of ancient plants on earth, preserved in its original form to this day. To date, the existence of 300 fern genera and more than 10,000 of their species is known. They are found in forests, on branches and trunks of large and large trees, in swamps, in rock crevices, in lakes and rivers, along roadsides, as weeds on agricultural lands, and even on the walls of city houses. Such vitality and adaptability of the plant is simply amazing. But most of them are in the tropics and subtropics, it is there that nature has created fertile soil for them, it is warm and damp there.

The most famous among all types of fern is bracken. It is it that is most often used for culinary purposes and alternative medicine.

Scientists suggest that the basis hard coal the wood of ancient ferns lay down in a compressed form. The leaves of ferns are amazing - they outwardly resemble the outlines of the wing of a huge bird. From here, apparently, the very name of the plant originated - pteron in Greek is translated as "wing", and in Latin aquila means "eagle".

The stem gets its start underground. In the spring, namely in May, young leaves appear - fronds resembling a snail, then as they develop, they unfold and become like a hook. Reproduction of this amazing plant occurs in controversy.

Fern Composition

The rhizome of the fern contains: starch, saponins, alkaloids, essential oils, hydrocyanic and eagle-tannic acid, fat, flavonoids, tannins. Young shoots are rich in vitamins, riboflavin, tocopherol, nicotinic acid and carotene.

taiga people Far East, as well as the inhabitants of Japan and Korea, have been using this plant for food since ancient times. The use of fern has a positive effect on the general metabolism, on growth processes, useful substances are involved in the formation of the skeleton, increase efficiency and normalize the activity of the nervous system. The effect of the plant on the endocrine system and in the removal of radionuclides from the body is also known.

fern application

Its use in cooking of all kinds of peoples of the world is great. What just do not do with the young leaves of the plant. They are used to prepare salads, "snails" are fried, boiled, marinated and salted on winter period years, used as a seasoning for meat. fern in fresh do not use!

Beneficial features

The amazing qualities of the fern naturally have been used for medicinal purposes. Since long time ago a decoction of rhizomes and herbs is known as an internal remedy. It is used for diseases of the intestines and spleen, for jaundice, diarrhea, aching joints, pain in the chest and headache, for noise in the ears and head, dry pleurisy, as a diuretic, laxative, anthelmintic and analgesic.
It is also known to use a decoction of fern rhizomes for various wounds, abscesses and scrofula. In the form of baths, the infusion is used for rheumatism and ulcers.

Fern damage

Despite the positive properties of fern and a lot of useful substances in it, it is necessary to use decoctions and infusions of fern with great care. In any case, the plant is poisonous and in large immoderate quantities can bring significant harm to a person.

Overdose leads to negative consequences: nausea and vomiting, convulsions, dizziness, respiratory depression and lowering blood pressure, weakening of cardiac activity, and can even lead to death.

As you can see, it is necessary to use decoctions and infusions extremely carefully, under the supervision of an experienced herbalist.

It is believed that the fern is one of the oldest plants on Earth. It appeared back in Russia. There was a belief that any secrets and locks would be revealed to a person who found. According to legend, the plant arose from the goddess Venus, who dropped her hair. According to another version, the girl fell off a cliff, and a spring arose there, and her beautiful hair turned into a fern leaf, which resembles a bird's wing.

Let's digress from legends and consider how a plant grows in nature, as well as what you need to know before starting it. The benefits and harms of it have been studied since ancient times and, as people say, this plant is really mysterious. Nevertheless, it is often kept at home, used in cooking and used to treat diseases.

bracken fern

The plant we are considering looks like a shrub. In nature, the bracken usually grows in whole colonies. This tenacious plant is able to live even in rocky and sandy soil. If a fern once begins to grow in a country house, then it is very difficult to remove it, for which summer residents, of course, do not favor it. It is so tenacious that even after a fire that mowed everything around, it will be the first to give its sprouts.

Description

One of the herbaceous plants of the Osmund family is It traditionally grows in the Far East, in China and Korea. In addition, it is also found in Russia, Finland, Asia, Mexico, Ukraine. The plant consists of many stems with pinnate leaves.

At first, the fern begins its life underground. Leaves are formed here - fronds, which look like a snail. Then, unfolding, they begin to resemble a hook. Reproduction of the plant occurs not at the expense of flowers, but at the expense of spores. It got its name because of the similarity of leaves with the wing of a large bird. That is why the fern "Orlyak" bears the name. Its benefits and harms are revealed in many folk legends that are retold from generation to generation to this day.

When the fern blooms

People have always been wary of him. In ancient times, they did not understand how the fern reproduces, since they did not see flowering. This time was expected as a holiday. There is a belief that the one who finds a flowering fern will become fabulously rich, since the Earth itself will show a person its mysterious riches. Since ancient times, people have believed that there is both harm and benefit of the fern. What is it expressed in? This will be discussed further.

Beneficial features

Today, science can justify the benefits of fern in terms of composition. The plant is very valuable. It is rich in starch, alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils and tannins. The shoots contain carotene, riboflavin, tocopherol and others. useful vitamins and micronutrients.

It also has a lot of proteins, the same as in cereals. They are easily absorbed by the body and have a beneficial effect on it. positive impact fern was noticed in the work of the nervous system and in an increase in the general tone. There is evidence that fern helps to remove radionuclides from the human body.

Harvesting from rhizomes for treatment is done in September. It is used for problems with the sciatic nerve, calf muscle (convulsions). Those who have tried fern treatment note the benefits of a course that usually lasts three weeks. But remember: do not self-medicate. Before using any drug or remedy, you should consult a specialist.

Fern is famous not only for its beneficial effect. Its benefits and harms are most revealed in folk beliefs. This is what the article is about today. Let's look at how this plant is used in cooking.

cooking

Even in ancient times, the fern was used for culinary purposes. Its species such as ostrich and bracken are used for food, namely their shoots. The leaves are also edible. They are good to add to salads or other dishes in the form of seasoning. Fern shoots taste like mushrooms. They are very popular in Japan and Korea. This is a diet food. 100 grams of the product contains 34 kilocalories.

The plant is canned or cooked. Raw shoots, or, as they are also called, rachis, are not consumed, as they have a bitter taste. In cooking, the harm and benefits of fern have also been investigated. As mentioned above, the plant is saturated with a variety of trace elements that can be valuable for the body, and quite the opposite.

The plant is cooked as follows: the leaves are placed in water, salt is added. Then boil for several minutes, drain the water and pour fresh. Boil a second time until done. Ready rachis should not break, but bend easily. When this state of the shoots is reached, the water is drained through a colander and then the fern is used according to the recipe.

A favorite dish for many housewives is salting. The workpiece will not deteriorate for a long time and at the same time retain all the useful properties. Its preparation is very simple: a fern is placed in layers in a glass jar, not forgetting to cover it with salt each time. Then the jar is covered and left for two weeks in a cool dark place. After that, the brine is drained and the shoots are transferred to another container, only in reverse order, where the top layer should end up being the bottom layer. The jar is filled with brine, on the basis that the salt should be 22%. Then roll up the lids and store in a dark and cool place. The harvest can be eaten for several years.

The harm and benefits of the fern have been studied for a very long time, and it is about salting that the hostesses respond most positively, as they say that in this way it is preserved the largest number useful substances.

You can also buy a harvested plant. Before using such a product, it is first soaked for several hours so that the salt and bitterness are gone. Then the water is drained and filled with fresh water. After two hours, the fern can be boiled for a quarter of an hour without adding spices to it. The plant is added, for example, to fried meat at the end of cooking, cut into pieces and left on the fire for a few more minutes.

Known recipe for cooking "in Korean". To do this, first stew carrot and onion straws separately, then add ferns with spices to them and stew for another quarter of an hour.

Treatment

The harm and benefits of fern are widely known in traditional medicine. It is used as an effective pain reliever, for example, for joint pain. With rheumatism, baths with a decoction of grass will help. Fern is used externally for abscesses, eczema and scrofula. Also, decoctions from the plant are treated for diseases of the intestines, spleen, jaundice.

At home, you can prepare a decoction of rhizomes. To do this, boil ten grams in two hundred milliliters of water, and drink a teaspoonful of honey. You can also add flour to the broth. Sometimes the treatment should be done with an enema or a laxative after the fern is consumed. The health benefits and harms, as people say, manifest themselves immediately after application. The main thing is to use the remedy correctly, namely, only after consulting a doctor.

Contraindications

At correct use such a plant as a fern, the benefits to humans become obvious. At the same time, as mentioned above, the use of the plant must be strictly controlled, since it is poisonous and harm from it will also not be long in coming.

Fern is forbidden, for example, to pregnant women. In addition, you can not use the plant for fever, kidney disease, ulcers, liver, tuberculosis and a number of other diseases, especially those of a chronic nature.

In case of an overdose, be sure to rinse the stomach and consult a doctor.

Fern home: benefits

There is both harm and benefit from indoor plants. People have known about this for a long time. Plants at home improve energy. Fern is also one of them. Many people believe that he is able to work miracles.

However, opinions on this matter are very ambiguous. Some are sure that where the fern grows, energy improves, while others, on the contrary, argue that it brings only misfortunes. If you look at it simply as a houseplant, it turns out that it is completely unpretentious and can easily live in the shade.

Those who believe in positive qualities say that the fern has a wonderful ability to appease people. Aggressive and quick-tempered natures change their mood to a more friendly and calm way. Therefore, where family members often quarrel, it is recommended to start this plant.

The same applies to the general atmosphere. In a house with a fern, harmony seems to appear. And people also believe that the plant brings good luck in both personal and business life, and also improves the financial situation. Previously, for example, very often a leaf of a plant was placed in a wallet, believing that money would be found there more often with it.

Fern home: harm

Before deciding whether or not to keep a fern in an apartment, the harm and benefits of the plant must be fully studied.

There is a point of view according to which this plant is energy vampire, taking away energy from family members, because of which they become drowsy, tired and unhappy.

Those who believe in spirits should know: it has long been believed that along with a plant brought from mysterious forests to a house, people brought with them all sorts of evil spirits, which later also took away energy from them.

Conclusion

If we analyze all the information received, it turns out that it still has more positive traits a plant such as (the benefits and harms of it were presented to your attention in the article). If used correctly, the plant has an excellent healing effect. If you start a fern in the house - peace and tranquility will reign. How to treat this plant is a purely individual matter.

Bracken Fern (Pteridium aguillinum)

Description

The scientific name of the plant comes from the following words: pteron in Greek means "wing", and aquila - in Latin "eagle". The leaves of this fern really resemble the wing of a huge bird.

The bracken stem grows underground. Young leaves - fronds are formed in May and at first resemble a snail, and as they grow, they unfold and look like a hook. The petiole of a leaf is called a rachis. Ferns reproduce by spores.

Interesting Facts

The fern is one of the oldest plants on earth, preserved until today. Scientists believe that the compressed wood of ancient ferns has become the main forming material of coal.

Everyone knows the belief that whoever finds a fern flower on the night of Ivan Kupala will be able to find all the treasures and open all hearts. It's just a legend - the fern never blooms.

Compound

Bracken fern rhizome contains starch, alkaloids, saponins, hydrocyanic and bracken-tannic acid, essential oils, flavonoids, fat, tannins. Young shoots are rich in vitamins, tocopherol, riboflavin, carotene, nicotinic acid.

Bracken fern proteins in their properties and composition are close to the proteins of grain crops, they are easily digested. Fern has long been eaten by taiga residents of the Far East, as well as residents of Korea and Japan. The use of fern favorably affects the growth processes, helps the formation of the skeleton, metabolism, the activity of the nervous system, increases efficiency, improves the condition endocrine system, contributes to the removal of radionuclides from the body.

Application

Fern used in cooking different peoples peace. Salads are prepared from young leaves, “snails” are boiled, fried, pickled and salted for the winter, used as a seasoning for meat. Bracken fern rachis taste like mushrooms. Fresh fern is not used!

Beneficial features

Fern has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. Inside, a decoction of rhizomes and herbs is taken for diseases of the spleen and intestines, for aching joints, diarrhea, jaundice, headache and chest pain, for dry pleurisy, noise in the head, and as a laxative, diuretic, analgesic and anthelmintic.

Outwardly, a decoction of fern rhizomes is used for wounds, eczema, scrofula, abscesses. The infusion can be used for ulcers and rheumatism in the form of baths.

Contraindications

Fern infusions and decoctions should be used very carefully, under the guidance of an experienced herbalist, since the fern is poisonous.

You can not be treated with fern during pregnancy!

An overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, convulsions, lowering blood pressure, respiratory depression, weakening of the heart, and even death.

Calorie and nutritional value of fern

Fern calories - 34 kcal.

Fern nutritional value: proteins - 4.55 g, fats - 0.4 g, carbohydrates - 5.54 g

The fern is considered one of the oldest plants on the planet. Its appearance is attributed to the Devonian period. A legend is connected with the appearance of the plant that it arose from the ancient Greek goddess Venus, who dropped her hair.

There is a belief that a person whoever finds a fern flower, all secrets and possibilities will be revealed. Is it really? This question remains unanswered.

it perennial has a wide geography and is found in almost every corner of the planet, not counting the northern latitudes.

Its height is different, from 30 to 150 centimeters. Inhabits coniferous and deciduous forests.

Likes poor soil and can form whole thickets. It reproduces vegetatively.

They say that the plant is really mysterious. But let's leave the legends and myths and consider how the fern grows, what useful substances it contains, how it is used to treat many diseases, as well as in cooking.

Fern benefit and harm

In our time, there are more than ten thousand varieties of plants. Most of them are beneficial, some species are poisonous, the rest are useless varieties.

The composition of the fern contains many trace elements that are necessary human body. Hence, it is very useful.

It is often used in medicine and cosmetology. Fern is also used in cooking.

The calorie content of this plant is very low, it is easily digestible, so it is well suited for weight loss. If you properly prepare and use this ingredient, then soon you can noticeably feel an improvement in the condition of the body.

Beneficial features

The most common is the common fern (bracken). It's perennial herbaceous plant. What is useful bracken fern:

strengthens the immune system and increases the efficiency of the body;
improves the functioning of the thyroid gland;
normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system;
improves blood composition and normalizes sugar;
positively affects the endocrine system;
Improves metabolism and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes weight loss. For the treatment of diseases of the stomach, an internal herbal decoction is used, which quickly helps, thanks to its beneficial properties;
strengthens bone tissue;
removes toxins, radionuclides from the body;
beneficial effect on nervous system, since the active substances help to cope with different kind stress;
It is actively used in cosmetology, as the composition of the plant contains components that slow down the aging process. With regular use, you can keep youth and freshness much longer.
a decoction of the rhizome heals wounds, abscesses, ulcers, eczema and rheumatism;

AT Eastern countries the plant has long been an integral part of the diet, because young shoots contain vitamins of groups A, B, E and PP, as well as flavonoids and fats. And this is not the whole list of substances contained in the leaves, and in the rhizome, and in the "snails".

Also bracken rich in essential oils, alkaloids, saponins. Is it possible to overestimate the benefits of the plant and answer the question of how useful bracken fern is? The answer is obvious.

Contraindications

However, bracken is not always useful for everyone and not always. He has and contraindications:

categorically it is impossible to use fern during pregnancy, so as not to harm the unborn child. It is also impossible to use fern-based cosmetic products during pregnancy;
it is not recommended to use this plant for serious diseases of the internal organs;
it is strictly forbidden to use the raw plant. Raw fern can cause severe food poisoning and intoxication;
in case of overdose, convulsions, nausea, vomiting may occur;
possible decrease in pressure, dizziness, malfunction of the cardiovascular system;
it is not advisable to introduce the plant into the diet of a preschool child.

However, in most cases fern is useful but only if consumed in moderation. It is best to consult with experienced specialists before taking the plant and follow their recommendations.

Application in cooking

In the old days, people used the fern as a talisman to protect their homes from all evil spirits, spoilage and evil spirits.

AT modern world people refer to this plant as medicinal product or a culinary ingredient that has many useful properties.

As a rule, leaves, shoots and petioles of bracken and ostrich varieties are used as food.

They go well in salads with other ingredients, and are also added to various dishes as a condiment.

Before cooking, a fresh plant of any variety must be boiled for 10 minutes in salt water, and then amenable to other types. heat treatment: stewing, frying. It is recommended to prepare this useful product traditionally in copper utensils. Thus, useful substances and natural taste will be preserved as much as possible.

To prepare a healthy salad, you need to pre-soak the leaves in water for a day. Then grind and cook for half an hour. Next, poultry fillet fried with onions is added, seasoned with soy sauce. This salad is served chilled.

Salting plants for the winter is very popular. Used for this, as a rule, bracken petioles. According to the method of preparation, it is similar to salting mushrooms. In addition, salted and processed petioles of bracken look like mushrooms. Salting itself takes place in three stages.

Fern cabbage soup is also popular. Rice with the addition of roasted or stewed fern shoots is a very popular food in Eastern countries. In addition, this dish has a low calorie content and is well suited for weight loss.

It is worth saying that there are a large number of options for preparing dishes for weight loss and everyone can find something to their liking.

It is worth saying that the plant has a very aesthetic appearance. Therefore, it is often used for landscaping. personal plot. Also, the plant is used to decorate flower arrangements.

This plant has a characteristic appearance, while there are about tens of thousands of its varieties. Many beliefs and signs are associated with the fern, this is one of the most ancient representatives of the flora on our planet, it is widely distributed in different parts Earth globe.

The culture belongs to vascular plants, never blooms and has an unusual structure. The fern does not have what is usually called leaves, instead it has fronds, or flat branches: a complex of branches located on a single level. The stem of the plant is underground. Not only spores are involved in reproduction, but also rhizomes - this method is called vegetative. The fern is also characterized by spore and sexual species.

Kinds

Most known species this plant:

Name	Peculiarities	A photo
Common bracken	Outwardly, it is very similar to an eagle's wing. It grows mainly in forests, but can spread to edges, clearings, and occasionally lives in limestone. When cultivating in the garden, the development of the fern should be limited, because due to its powerful rhizome, it penetrates deep into the ground and occupies a vast area there, which makes it difficult to get rid of unwanted bushes. The bracken has a specific smell that repels insects. This species is able to benefit a person: the rhizome of the plant lathers well, therefore, if necessary, it can replace soap. Availability nutrients makes the fern edible
Common ostrich	Highly beautiful plant, having the shape of a funnel, consisting of long openwork leaves, shaped like ostrich feathers. This fern prefers shade and lives close to a source of moisture. Ostrich love to use in landscape design because of his attractive appearance and young shoots are eaten. It is widely used in medicine - both official and folk.
Kochedyzhnik female (or female fern)	A plant with large three-pinnate leaves is a typical inhabitant of the northern forests, but due to its appearance it resembles a representative of tropical flora. The name "female" is ritual and comparative. The kochedyzhnik has many varieties, which allows breeders to cross them to develop new varieties. It finds application in medicine, landscape design
Shield (or male fern)	Unlike female fern, the thyroid gland has less finely pinnate leaves, but stronger ones. Likes damp and unlit areas. The rhizomes of the thyroid gland are dug up and then dried for medicinal purposes.
Nephrolepis	Tropical fern, which is a large plant. The rhizome is short, the leaves are long and scaly, hanging down. Nephrolepis is used in pharmacology. The flower is in demand among lovers of indoor plants

Fern as a houseplant

The beneficial properties of the fern, such as its ability to absorb dust, make it good option for cultivation and cultivation in house conditions. Almost all types are unpretentious in care, but nephrolepis is considered the most popular indoor representative. This fern is usually potted on high surfaces so that its leaves can hang freely.

The benefit of the plant for flower growers lies in the possibility of using its roots as a substrate for growing orchids.

Nephrolepis root is used in the treatment of inflammation, and its juice is an effective tool in the treatment and prevention of skin diseases and burns. The healing properties of kochedyzhnik lie in its ability to have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Many experts recognize that the fern is beneficial to health. But the uncontrolled use of plant infusions can harm the body. There are contraindications to the use of fern-based products, such as anemia, stomach ulcers, pregnancy. You should not be treated with a plant on your own, you must first consult a doctor.

Application in cooking

Since ancient times, fern has been used in cooking. Edible species are only 2 representatives - bracken and ostrich. In food, young shoots and leaves of the flower are used. They can be used for salads, as seasonings or as a main dish - fried tastes similar to mushrooms. The plant contains a large amount of protein, and its calorie content is about 34 kcal per 100 g of product.

Regardless of the variant of the use of fern, you first need to boil it. This is done so that the shoots do not give bitterness. The fern is cooked in several stages: first, the plant must be washed in slightly salty water. After boiling, drain it, rinse the raw materials again and pour salted water over it. In this case, you need to cook the fern until tender. It is easy to determine it - the shoots should bend easily. When the plant is cooked, you need to let the moisture drain from it and use it according to the chosen recipe (for example, add it to any salad to taste).

Common use in salt form. Salted fern is stored longer, this cooking method is effective way preservation of the product, from which in the future you can cook any dish. To do this, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the plant and put it in a glass jar in layers, sprinkling each new one with salt. Then the fern container should be pressed down with something heavy on top and left for 2 weeks in a cool place. After that, you need to get a jar, drain all the brine and transfer the plant to another bowl. Layers are laid out in the opposite order. Next, the raw material is again filled with brine with a salt content of not more than 22%. Such canned fern can be stored for up to several years.

Signs and superstitions

The unusual appearance of the plant gave rise to many legends and beliefs. People treated him with caution, because the fern never blooms, which is why no one could understand how it reproduces. This feature is widely associated well-known sign. It is believed that the fern blooms once a year, on the night of the Ivan Kupala holiday. Some believe that the person who finds its buds will become rich, because at this time the earth itself reveals and shows the riches hidden in it.

It was believed that not a single secret could be hidden in front of the fern, since it reveals the whole truth. There is a legend explaining the appearance of the plant. According to her, the goddess of love Venus once dropped one curl on the ground, and a fern grew out of it. Another legend tells about a girl who fell off a cliff into a pond, a spring allegedly appeared at the place of her death, and her hair turned into this plant.

To date, there are two opposing views on the maintenance of ferns in the house. According to some, it is beneficial, others talk about its negative impact on a person. To positive qualities include:

beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the room, as well as on its inhabitants;
the ability to build relationships between people of different ages;
scaring away evil spirits;
attracting money luck.

It is advised to put it next to household appliances due to its ability to absorb radiation.

Opponents of keeping this plant in the house believe that the fern brings misfortune and illness, sucks life energy out of a person.