This section of the book is from "The Complete Herbalist" by Dr. O. Phelps Brown. Also available from Amazon: The Complete Herbalist: The People Their Own Physicians By The Use Of Nature's Remedies.
COMMON NAMES. Rock Polypod, Brake Root,
Common Polypody.
MEDICINAL PARTS. The root and tops.
Description. -- This perennial has a creeping,
irregular, brown root. The fronds are from six to twelve inchs high,
green, smooth, and deeply pinnatified. The fruit on the lower surface
of the fronds is in large golden dots or capsules.
History. -- This fern is common on shady
rocks in woods and mountains throughout the United States. The root
has a peculiar and rather unpleasant odor, and somewhat sickening taste.
Water extracts its properties.
Properties and Uses. -- This plant is pectoral,
demulcent, purgative, and anthelmintic. A decoction of syrup has
been found very valuable in pulmonary and hepatic diseases. A strong
decoction is a good purgative, and will expel tenia and other worms.
Dose of the powdered plant, from one to four drachms. Of the decoction
or syrup, from one to four fluid ounces, three or four times a day.
 
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