The Capillus veneris or Adiantum is a hygrophilous plant with fine leaves. It is found almost all over the world, in wet stones and walls. In Greece, it is known and was used since the time of Dioscorides due to its medicinal properties against asthma, while it has been traditionally used as a hair tonic. Generally, the whole plant is used, usually dried.

Today, it is mainly used to address respiratory issues such as:

• common cold
• cough
• bronchitis
• pharyngitis
• asthma
• flu

This is because it contains a high amount of mucilages, a substance that protects the mucous membranes of the human body from irritations and inflammations. Capillus veneris also contains the substance rutin (a flavonoid) that has strong anti-inflammatory action.

ACTIONS:

• for the respiratory system: antitussive, expectorant, emollient/soothing, beneficial for dry cough, asthma, bronchitis, and rhinitis (decoction or infusion with milk).
• diaphoretic, tonic, emmenagogue, against enteritis.
• diuretic: helps with cystitis and nephrolithiasis.
• antipyretic, astringent, cleansing, emetic, laxative, cooling.
• for the circulatory system: has cardiotonic properties and helps in peripheral blood circulation, in the brain, and for arrhythmias.
• used as a detoxifier in alcohol-related problems.
• helps combat coccydynia.

According to some sources, it may be used to address hair loss and dandruff, as well as to strengthen hair roots (by rubbing the roots of the hair with a cold decoction). However, there are no clinical studies supporting these properties of the herb.

BEVERAGE:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water.
• Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Strain and drink up to 3 times a day.

COMBINES WELL WITH:

• wild thyme
• cornsilk
• other diuretic plants

*other names: hair grass, water fern, "Venus's hair," thunder grass, scissors herb, well grass, or scorpion herb.