Frond, rhizome.
The male fern has multiple medicinal values. Over the centuries people have been making use of oil taken out from the tuber or rhizome of the herb to cure problems arising owing to tapeworms and also liver flukes or barbs. Researches have discovered that compounds like filicin and filmarone present in the oil extracted from the male fern rhizome are harmful for the worms. Studies have also established that the oleo-resin (a mixture of a resin and an essential oil, either obtained naturally from plants or produced synthetically) in the oil render the worms incapable of movement and thus restrain the maggots or larvae from sticking themselves to the intestine walls. Here is a word of caution. It must always be borne in mind that excessive dosage of the male fern is highly noxious and one should never use the herb without consulting qualified physicians. If taken in high doses, medicines prepared from the male fern may prove to be fatal too. The male fern root or the oleo-resin obtained from the herb is considered to be among the best effective remedies to get rid of all kind of worms. It is also considered to be the best 'worm herb' and is especially very useful in getting the body rid of tapeworms. As mentioned earlier, the herb renders the worms immovable compelling them to relax their hold on the intestinal walls. And when the root of the male fern is consumed without any oily purgative (a substance for purging bowels), it can be recommended for flushing out parasites from the body.
Male fern plants are a natural habitat in the temperate climate. It is found in abundance all over the European continent as well as in Asia and North America where the climate is temperate. Male fern plants are very adjustable and can thrive in arid regions as well as in fertile soils. They grow best in the luxuriant soils of the woodlands and on rock-strewn gradients or slopes.
Chemical analysis of the male fern plant has showed that it contains following elements: filicin, filixid acid, tannins, phloroglucin derivatives as well as traces of some necessary oils.
Detach the dried leaflets from the stems and macerate in the oil for 1 month. Carefully strain. This oil can be kept for 6 months away from light. This is an ideal massage oil for muscular pain.