Family Name: Myricaceae

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Notes from the Eclectic Physicians

Notes from the Eclectic Physicians

1883: Scudder
Sweet fern is mildly astringent and somewhat tonic. It is used in New england in diarrhea , dysentery, cholera infantum, and in cases of general relaxation, and in debilitated states of the bowels. In these diseases it forms a grateful astringent, tonic, and aromatic drink, prepared by adding sugar and cream to the decoction. it is acceptable to the stomach and agreeable to the taste.

1909: Felter and Lloyd: COMPTONIA – SWEET FERN
History – This plant is found growing in thin, sandy soils, or dry, rocky woods, from Maine to Kentucky , flowering in May. The whole plant possesses a spicy, aromatic odor, especially when bruised, and an aromatic, astringent, faintly bitterish taste. The whole herb is used, and imparts its virtues to water or alcohol. The leaves have been used in the rural districts of New York state as a substitute for tea.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage – Tonic, astringent, and alterative. Used in diarrhoea, dysentery, hemoptysis, leucorrhoea, rheumatism, debility succeeding fevers, an din rachitis. A decoction of it is very useful in the summer complaints of children, when given as an auxiliary. A pillow of the leaves is beneficial to rachitic children, and they may be used as a fomentation in contusions an drheumatism. Dose of the decoction, from 1 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day.