Adiantum capillus-veneris – cut dried frond

This delicate, ornamental fern grows in humid, shaded areas of temperate regions. Its name evokes the finesse of its hair-like fronds. In herbal tradition, it is prized for its softening effect as an infusion or used as a hair decoction.

Description

Cut frond, green to brown depending on drying, light texture. Herbaceous, sweet odor. Very airy and finely cut appearance.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Montpellier maidenhair fern, Venus hair
• Latin name: Adiantum capillus-veneris
• Family: Pteridaceae
• Part used: Sling
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Southern Europe, Middle East
• Name in English: Maidenhair fern
• Name in German: Frauenhaarfarn
• Name in Spanish: Culantrillo menor
• Name in Italian: Capelvenere
• Name in Arabic: شعر فينوس (Shaʿr Fīnūs)

Main virtues

Used as an infusion for its softening qualities, maidenhair fern is also incorporated into natural hair care products. It is renowned in European traditions for helping to strengthen hair and soothe the throat when brewed hot.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, mucilages, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup, infuse for 10 minutes in simmering water.
• Hair decoction: 2 to 3 tablespoons in 500 ml of water, boil for 5 to 10 minutes, use as the last rinse water.
• Facial steam bath: a handful in a bowl of hot water to purify the skin.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional advice.
• Moderate internal use recommended, always filter the infusion well.
• Store away from moisture and light.

History and origin

Maidenhair fern is mentioned in medieval herbal texts for its uses related to the respiratory tract and hair care. Symbolically associated with femininity and delicacy, this plant finds its place in traditional practices of gentle beauty and well-being.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a kraft bag or opaque glass jar.
• Packaging: bulk, resealable bag.
• Appearance: fragments of fine, green-brown frond.
• Odor: Light herbaceous.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of ancient herbalism
• Traditional Mediterranean references
• Ethnobotany of medicinal ferns

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.