Overview

Ostrich fern is a plant. The young shoots of ostrich fern, known as fiddleheads, are used to make medicine.

Ostrich fern is used as a gargle for sore throat, as a laxative, and for wounds and boils on the skin, but there is no good evidence to support any use.

In foods, fiddleheads are regarded as a seasonal delicacy. They are available canned, frozen, or fresh. Fresh fiddleheads must be boiled at least 10 minutes before eating. Otherwise they can cause severe food poisoning.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough information to know how ostrich fern it might work.

There isn't enough information to know how ostrich fern it might work.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Sore throat, when used as a gargle.
  • Wounds, when applied to the skin.
  • Boils, when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of ostrich fern for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ostrich fern is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used as a food, as long as it is boiled for at least 10 minutes before eating.

Ostrich fern is LIKELY UNSAFE when the fern that has not been properly boiled is used as a food. It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachcramps, diarrhea, headaches, and severe food poisoning.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if boiled ostrich fern is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ostrich fern is safe to use or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ostrich fern is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used as a food, as long as it is boiled for at least 10 minutes before eating.

Ostrich fern is LIKELY UNSAFE when the fern that has not been properly boiled is used as a food. It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachcramps, diarrhea, headaches, and severe food poisoning.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if boiled ostrich fern is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ostrich fern is safe to use or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if boiled ostrich fern is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to usual food amounts.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for OSTRICH FERN overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of ostrich fern depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for ostrich fern. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Next
View References

You Might Also Like

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works
Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage
Navigating Life With Migraine
Alternative Treatments for Migraines
View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.