Not only a commonly used ornamental plant, Fiddler’s Fern (known as Đinh Lăng in Vietnamese) is also a valued medicinal herb with properties that combat allergies, detoxify food, relieve fatigue, and enhance the body’s endurance.
Fiddler’s Fern is also referred to as the fish salad plant. It features compound leaves that grow alternately, with leaves that are three times pinnately divided and serrated edges. The small white flowers bloom in clusters. The fruit is flat, measuring 3-4mm long and about 1mm thick. When dried and brewed, Fiddler’s Fern leaves emit a distinctive fragrance, often called the scent of “traditional medicine” in folk terms. Fresh leaves do not have this aromatic quality.
In traditional medicine, Fiddler’s Fern is often employed to treat hemoptysis, relieve blocked milk ducts, cool the blood, promote diuresis, and alleviate itching. The leaves are also used to prepare soups with meat or fish to nourish postpartum women, the elderly, or those recovering from illness.
According to traditional medicine, the roots of Fiddler’s Fern have a sweet, slightly bitter taste and a cooling property that helps to clear the blood vessels and nourish the qi and blood. The leaves have a bitter taste and cooling properties, aiding in food detoxification, combating allergies, and treating hemoptysis and dysentery. Overall, besides its blood-cooling and detoxifying effects, the properties of Fiddler’s Fern are somewhat similar to ginseng.
According to research from the Vietnam Military Academy, the extract of Fiddler’s Fern has the following effects:
– Increases the amplitude of brain electrical potentials, raises the ratio of alpha and beta waves while reducing delta wave ratios. These changes occur more prominently in the cerebral cortex than in the reticular formation.
– Enhances the ability of cortical nerve cells to respond to light stimuli.
– Slightly boosts the excitement process when executing reflexes in a maze.
– Increases conditioned reflex activity, including positive and discriminative reflexes.
In general, under the influence of Fiddler’s Fern extract, the cortex is mildly activated and synchronized, improving the nervous system’s functions related to reception and integration.
Some prescriptions utilizing Fiddler’s Fern
Body nourishment and allergy prevention
Fresh Fiddler’s Fern leaves (150-200 g) boiled in about 200 ml of water. Place all the leaves in a pot, cover, and after a few minutes, open the lid and stir several times. After 5-7 minutes, strain and drink the first infusion, then add another 200 ml of water to boil for a second infusion. Using fresh leaves is convenient as it requires no storage, minimal cooking time, and is easier for patients to consume while still ensuring the necessary active ingredients.
Treatment for blocked milk ducts
Fiddler’s Fern roots (40 g) and three slices of fresh ginger boiled in 500 ml of water until reduced to 250 ml. Divide into two doses throughout the day and consume while warm.
Treatment for hives and itching due to allergies
Dried Fiddler’s Fern leaves (80 g) boiled in 500 ml of water until reduced to 250 ml. Divide into two doses throughout the day.
Chronic cough and asthma
Fiddler’s Fern roots, Baichuan (Rheum palmatum), black beans, mulberry roots, turmeric, and thick-leaved herb, all 8 g; dried ginger (4 g), boiled in 600 ml of water until reduced to 250 ml. Divide into two doses throughout the day and drink while warm.
Rheumatism and joint pain
Fiddler’s Fern roots (12 g); grinding stone, He Shou Wu, dragon’s blood, creeping grass roots, and Tian Nian Jian, all 8 g; tangerine peel and cassia (4 g) (add cassia last when preparing the decoction). Boil in 600 ml of water until reduced to 250 ml. Divide into two doses throughout the day and consume while warm.