1392 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
in the Pharmaceutical Journal for September 3rd and 10th, 1870 
mentions the uses of the following ferns which are indigenous 
to British India. 
1858. Adiantum rethiopicum, Linn.* This is a cape species. An infusion is 
sometimes used as an emollient in coughs and diseases of the chest. A syrup 
is also prepared from it. The Basuto Kafirs, who call it “ Ma-o-ru-metsoo,” 
employ its caudex in the shape of decoction for promoting parturition. 
1369. Adiantum pedatum, Linn.j “ Canadian Maiden-hair.” This is said 
to be the most esteemed sort of Maiden-hair, being more aromatic than the 
European Maiden-hair It was formerly more employed than at present as a 
pectoral in chronic catarrhs. Many imaginary ■virtues have been ascribed 
to this as well as other ferns. 
1360. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, IAnn.% “ Black Spleenwort.” The 
medicinal properties of this fern have been extolled by various old authors, 
but its use is unknown in modern practice. Ray sums up a catalogue of 
diseases in which it is supposed to be beneficial. 
1361. Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Linn.% “ Wall Rue.” Lightfood says that 
this fern was at one time sold as an expectorant and deobstruent. It was 
one of the species employed as a substitute for Maiden-hair. 
162. Asplenium Trichomanes, Linn.|| According to Lightfood, this fern 
was fortnerly used as an expectorant by the peasantry of Scotland. This is 
another of the many substitutes for the true Maiden-hair, now fallen into 
disrepute. Is the “ Myle conday ” of the Tamils. 
1863. Athyrium Filix-femina, Bernh f The rhizome of this fern has been 
used as a substitute for that of the Male-fern, and the same virtues as an 
anthelmintic have been ascribed to it. It is now generally admitted, however, 
that these virtues were more supposititious than real, and it has ceased to 
be employed. 
1364. Botrychium Lunaria, Sio.** “ Moonwort.” Magical properties have 
been assigned to this fern. Gerarde says, “It is singular to heale green and 
fresh wounds. “ It hath been used among the alchymists and witches to 
doe wonders withall, who say that it will loose lockes, and make them to 
fall from the feet of horses that grase where it doth grow, and hath been 
called of them ‘ Martagon,’ whereas in truth they are all but drowsio dreams 
and illusions ; but it is singular for wounds as aforesaid." Ray commends 
its virtues in dysentery. 
1365. Cibotium Barometz, Sto.ft Yields the “ Pena war Jambie” of Sumatra. 
It is a similar substance to “ Pulu ” and employed for like purposes. This is 
* 
* Re/. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p. 81. 
„ p. 86. 
„ p. 156. 
„ p. 156. 
,, P- 143. 
„ p. 168. 
„ p. 4C9. 
„ p. 24. 
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