Description: 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.Brief description: Robert Dale Rogers, RH(AHG), is an herbalist with more than 50 years of experience in clinical practice and the classroom. He is the author of more than 60 books and is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. A former clinical professor in family medicine at the University of Alberta, he lives in Alberta, Canada.
Review Quotes: "For years I have wanted a reference on the medicinal uses of ferns on my herbalist bookshelf. The old books have a few lines but pass on archaic traditions. It is clear that ancient people thought very highly of fern medicine. Their accounts are full of mysterious, magical, and fairy references. I have only ever used one fern for one thing--Osmunda regalis, a specific remedy for lumbago--but wow does it work! I wanted more. The fairies delivered this wonderful, comprehensive, detailed book by Robert Dale Rogers, who is not just an 'armchair herbalist, ' but a practitioner with many years of experience."-- "Matthew Wood, author of Holistic Medicine and the Extracellular Matrix and A Shamanic Herbal"