Adiantum pedatum, maidenhair, maidenhair fern, northern maidenhair fern

Adiantum pedatum, maidenhair, maidenhair fern, northern maidenhair fern. The beautiful, delicate Maidenhair fern was widely used throughout North America by Native Groups for nasal congestion, coughs, sore throat, hoarseness, colds and various lung ailments. Infusion of fronds widely used as a hairwash to make black hair shiny. Black stems woven into small baskets as a dark accent. John Josselyn in New-England's Rarities (1672) suggests that it is common in New England, therefore, apothecaries are not abt to substitute wall rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) as an adulterant for genunie maidenhair as was the practice in England.

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