The Fern Pharmacy: Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Pharmacology

A comprehensive illustrated guide to medicinal ferns throughout the world

• Explores more than 500 species of ferns, alongside full-color photos

• Examines the Indigenous and folk uses of ferns for food and medicine throughout history

• Explains in detail the scientific research behind the potency of fern chemicals to heal many human conditions

Used for millennia by Indigenous people for food and medicine, ferns are now being recognized scientifically for their unique medicinal potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver, kidney, and respiratory conditions.

In The Fern Pharmacy, Robert Dale Rogers explores more than 500 species of ferns and includes full-color photographic examples. He presents observations from naturalists from the 18th century until today as he details the traditional Indigenous and folk uses of ferns in North America, Europe, and Asia as well as their mythology, chemistry, pharmacology, and important healing applications.

Rogers examines the unique botany of ferns as nonflowering seedless plants, including their relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, their propagation via spores, and their ancient past as colossal trees. Interpreting modern research on the chemistry of ferns, including in vitro and in vivo studies of their compounds and secondary metabolites, he explores their chemical constituents’ healing properties, from easing congestion and anxiety to treating infertility to fighting bacterial infections. He also gives examples of how pharmacological researchers are now frequently rediscovering ancient Indigenous wisdom, such as how Hammock Fern (Blechnum occidentale) was traditionally used in Brazil for pulmonary ailments, inflammation, and urinary tract and liver infections and how western maidenhair can be used for rheumatic pain, insect stings, and mental issues.

Featuring photographs by Alan Rockefeller and Drew Henderson, this book reveals not just the beauty and variety of ferns, but also their many modern healing benefits.