The Polypody or Adiantum (Capillus veneris) is a hydrophilic plant with delicate leaves. It is found almost all over the world, on wet rocks and walls. In Greece, it has been known and used since the time of Dioscorides due to its therapeutic properties against asthma, and it was also used as a hair tonic. Generally, the whole plant is used, usually dried.

Today, it is mainly used for addressing 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. This substance consists of sugar molecules that, when they come into contact with water, produce a sticky mass like gelatin, which exerts a protective and soothing action on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system (the throat and lungs). Polypody also contains the substance rutin (a flavonoid) which has a strong anti-inflammatory action.

ACTIONS:

• for the respiratory system: antitussive, expectorant, emollient/soothing, beneficial for dry cough, asthma, bronchitis, and nasal congestion (decoction or infusion with milk).
• diaphoretic, tonic, emmenagogue, against enteritis.
• diuretic: helps with sand in the kidneys and kidney stones.
• antipyretic, astringent, detoxifying, emetic, purgative, refrigerant.
• for the circulatory system: has cardiotonic properties and helps with peripheral blood circulation, in the brain, and arrhythmias.
• used as a detoxifier for alcoholism problems.
• helps in combating pilonidal cyst.

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

BEVERAGE:

• Pour 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb into 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 oats
• corn silk
• other diuretic plants

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