Maiden'S Hair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)

Maiden'S Hair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) is a member of the Pteridaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and rhizomes have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Maiden'S Hair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Maiden'S Hair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Maiden'S Hair Fern
Scientific Name	Adiantum capillus-veneris
Plant Family	Pteridaceae
Genus	Adiantum
Species	capillus-veneris
Native Range	Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Rhizomes
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Adiantum capillus-veneris
Common Name: Maiden'S Hair Fern
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Lady'S Tresses, Venus'S Hair, Venus' Hair
Plant Family: Pteridaceae
Genus: Adiantum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Bipinnate leaves with dichotomous branching, upper surface dark green, lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, glabrous surface, and distinctive fronds with free, articulate pinnae.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Traditionally described as a cooling diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a calming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.