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Polypodium glycyrrhiza
Licorice fern
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Latin Name: Polypodium glycyrrhiza
Common Name: Licorice fern
Family: Polypodiaceae(Click to Search)
Author: Eaton.
Known Hazards: Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].
Habitat: Rocks, mossy tree trunks, logs etc, below 600 metres in coniferous and mixed forests in California[71].
Mature Height: 0.45
Mature Width: 0.45
Habit: Fern
Medicinal Uses: Licorice fern was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it especially as a treatment for a variety of chest complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism.
The rhizomes are alterative, carminative, haemostatic and pectoral[257]. The raw rhizomes have been eaten, or an infusion has been used, in the treatment of coughs and colds, chest pains, shortness of breath and VD[257]. The roots have been chewed, and the juice swallowed, as a treatment for sore throats and the spitting or vomiting of blood[257]. A tea of the pounded boiled rhizomes, mixed with fir needles, has been used to treat measles[213].
Coughs have been treated by chewing and slowly swallowing the juice of the roasted rhizome[213].
The roots have been used in the treatment of colds and sore throats[256].
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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