Sweet Fern, Comptonia perigrina
History and Origin
Sweet fern grows easily in acid, sandy and dry grounds such as meadows, pastures and woodland clearings. It is frequently found in association with jack pine (Pinus divaricata). It does not tolerate shade and colonizes burnt-out woods and clear cutting sites. Its roots associate with bacteria able to stabilize nitrogen contained in the air. It is a medium-sized shrub with very aromatic leaves, dotted with dark green resiniferous glands recalling fern.
Native Americans use it in infusions to treat headaches, flues, fever and bronchial obstructions. The leaves also help treating diarrhea, skin inflammations (such as poison ivy), affections, and sprains. The root relieves rheumatisms and inflammations whereas fruits and bark would be used to prepare a tonic beverage. Fresh leaves helped conservation when placed at the bottom of a fruit basket.
| Distilled part |
Aerial part |
Extraction
|
Steam distillation |
Main components
|
ß-caryophyllene, d-cadinene, ß- selinene, myrcene, a and ß-pinene, 1,8-cineol,
limonene, ?-terpinene, cys and trans-ß-ocimene, linalool, trans-nerolidol, terpin-1-en-4-ol, a- terpineol, t-cadinol |
| Essential Oil’s Characteristics |
Transparent liquid, slightly yellow and thick with a fruity, very sweet, spicy and deep. The scent is intoxicating and refreshing. |
| Properties |
Therapeutic applications for the sweet fern are currently under research. The plant is at the very least moderately astringent and antibacterial. |
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
Of all the oils, sweet fern is the most efficient to connect Sky and Earth within us. Link Cosmos – Base: apply one drop on the tongue and two drops on the sole of the feet. In order to favor psychic work, apply two drops on the third eye rubbing clockwise. |
| Chromatography typical |
Comptonia perigrina |
Aromatic:
Sweet fern is being discovered as an aromatic from Quebec. Its taste is
interesting and worth a try for every chef looking fond of new flavors.Safety Data
Non toxic and non irritant. No contraindication known under normal physiological doses.References:
L’aromathérapie exactement, La Flore Laurentienne, The Illustraded Encyclopedia of Essential Oils and
Native American Ethnobotany.
Discharge:
Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. It is important to inform
yourself concerning contraindications or incompatibilities with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used according to the physiological doses.